Buying & Selling

Buying a Horse at Online Auction: Process, Deposit, Bidding and Fees

Want to buy a horse at an online auction? We walk you through the entire process – from registration and the deposit to bidding, the final hammer and all the fees involved.

Equidara editorial team · 4 October 2026 · 4 min read

Buying a Horse at Online Auction: Process, Deposit, Bidding and Fees — File photo. Photo: Anshad C P, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Want to buy a horse at an online auction? Here’s how a typical online horse auction works. We explain why you need to put down a deposit, how to place bids, when the hammer falls and what fees to expect.

How an Online Horse Auction Works

Every auction has its own rules, so always read the auction terms and conditions of the organiser. The steps below show you the usual process.

1. Registration and Deposit

Before you can bid, you need to register on the auction platform. You provide your personal details and accept the auction terms. Many organisers require a deposit (also called bidder security or advance payment). It ensures that you are able to pay if you win the bid.

The deposit is often between €500 and €2,000, sometimes more. You transfer the amount to an escrow account before the auction starts, or you provide a credit card. After the auction, the deposit is set off against the purchase price or refunded if you didn’t win a horse.

Important: Transfer the deposit in good time. Without confirmed payment, you usually won’t be able to bid.

2. Placing Bids

The auction runs over a set period – often several days. You can view the horses on offer with descriptions, photos, videos and sometimes veterinary certificates. Each horse has a minimum bid (starting price). You place your bid online, either as a fixed amount or through a proxy bidder that automatically bids up to your maximum amount.

Pay attention to the bidding increments: the next bid must be a certain amount higher than the current highest bid, for example €100. In some auctions, the closing time is extended by a few minutes if a bid is placed shortly before the end (the so-called “anti-sniping rule”). This gives all bidders a fair chance.

3. Winning Bid and Purchase Contract

When the auction ends, the highest bidder is awarded the winning bid. At that moment, a legally binding purchase contract is concluded between you and the seller. You are obliged to accept and pay for the horse at the price you bid.

You will receive written confirmation and the invoice. Read the purchase contract carefully. It contains details about the horse, the price and the payment terms. Auctions are subject to special legal rules (see the section “Legal Particulars”).

4. Payment and Collection

After the winning bid, you must pay the purchase price within a short period – usually within three to five working days. Payment is made by bank transfer. Only once the money has been received by the seller or auction organiser may you collect the horse or arrange transport.

Arrange a collection appointment. You will need to organise and pay for transport yourself. Some auction houses offer a transport service or recommend partners. Make sure the transport complies with animal welfare regulations.

What Fees Apply?

In addition to the purchase price, you should budget for the following costs:

Buyer’s premium: The auction organiser charges a fee on the hammer price. This is usually between 5 and 12 percent, plus VAT.
VAT: VAT is charged on the premium and, if applicable, on the purchase price (if the seller is registered for VAT).
Transport costs: Depending on the distance and mode of transport, this can add up to several hundred euros.
Veterinary examination: Some buyers have the horse examined before or after purchase. These costs are your responsibility.

Example: On a hammer price of €10,000 with a 10 percent premium, you pay €1,000 premium plus €190 VAT (19 percent), giving a total of €11,190 – excluding transport.

Tip: Calculate the total costs before you place your first bid. That way you can avoid any nasty surprises.

Legal Particulars of Auctions

Online horse auctions are generally considered public auctions within the meaning of § 156 BGB (German Civil Code). This has two important consequences:

No right of withdrawal: Unlike many online purchases, you cannot withdraw from the contract within 14 days (§ 312g(2) No. 10 BGB). The winning bid is binding.
Warranty may be excluded: In an auction, the seller may exclude liability for material defects (§ 445 BGB). This means you buy the horse “as seen”. Hidden defects can lead to disputes later on. Many auction organisers exclude or severely limit warranty in their terms.

This is why it is crucial to examine the horse as closely as possible before the auction. Use the information provided, read the veterinary certificates and ask the organiser or seller if anything is unclear. If you have any doubts, you can bring in your own vet beforehand. When in doubt, seek legal advice.

Common questions

Do I need to pay a deposit to bid?

Yes, almost all online horse auctions require a deposit. It serves as security for the organiser and is offset against the purchase price or refunded after the auction.

Can I return a horse I bought at auction?

No, there is no right of withdrawal in an auction. The purchase is binding once the hammer falls. A return is only possible if the seller voluntarily agrees or if there is a defect for which they are liable – which is often excluded at auctions.

What fees apply at an online horse auction?

In addition to the purchase price, you pay a buyer’s premium (usually 5–12% of the hammer price) plus VAT. Transport costs and possibly veterinary examination costs are added on top.

How does payment work after the winning bid?

You receive an invoice and must transfer the purchase price within a few days. Only once payment has been received may you collect the horse.

Sources

Written by Equidara editorial team. Last checked: 4 October 2026.