Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Before The Hammer. Can't find your answer? Email us.
Is this legal advice?+
No. Before The Hammer is a risk-flagging tool, not a substitute for a solicitor. We highlight potential issues in legal packs so you can make a more informed decision before committing to legal fees or bidding. You should always instruct a qualified solicitor before purchasing any property at auction.
What documents can I upload?+
You can upload any file type — PDFs, Word documents, scanned images, and more. Upload everything that forms part of the legal pack: special conditions of sale, title register, searches (local authority, drainage, environmental), lease documents, planning permissions, and any other supporting documents. Upload multiple files at once for a single property.
How long does a review take?+
Most reviews complete in around 10 minutes. Very large scanned packs can take a little longer. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your report is ready.
What does the report show me?+
Your report gives you an overall risk rating (green, amber, or red), a plain-English summary of what was found, and a breakdown of specific risk flags — such as restrictive covenants, short leases, title defects, drainage issues, planning concerns, and more. It also notes what documents were reviewed.
Can I use this for commercial property or development sites?+
Yes. While Before The Hammer is particularly popular with residential auction buyers, it works just as well for commercial properties and development sites. Legal packs for commercial and development purchases are often more complex, making an AI first-pass even more valuable before instructing a solicitor.
What if a legal pack isn't available yet?+
Auction legal packs are typically released 2–4 weeks before the auction date. We'd recommend uploading as soon as the pack is available — the earlier you review it, the more time you have to instruct a solicitor if needed.
How is Before The Hammer different from asking my solicitor?+
A solicitor charges £300–£800+ to review a legal pack and typically takes several days. Before The Hammer costs a fraction of that and returns a result in around 10 minutes — letting you quickly decide whether a property is worth instructing a solicitor at all. Think of it as your first filter, not a replacement for legal advice.
Is my data secure?+
Yes. Your uploaded documents are stored securely and are only accessible to you. We do not share your documents or report contents with any third party. You can delete your reports at any time from your dashboard.
What plans are available?+
We offer a Pay Per Pack option for occasional buyers, and monthly or annual subscription plans for regular investors. Subscription plans include a set number of reviews per month, access to all tools, and priority support. See our pricing page for full details.
How do I get started?+
Simply create an account and choose the plan that suits you — Pay Per Pack for occasional buyers, or a monthly or annual subscription if you're reviewing legal packs regularly. See our pricing page for full details.
What if the tool misses something?+
No AI tool is infallible. Before The Hammer is designed to catch the most common and costly risk flags, but it cannot guarantee to identify every issue in every document — particularly handwritten notes, unusual clauses, or very old title documents. This is why we always recommend using a qualified solicitor for any purchase you proceed with.
Can I share a report with my solicitor or business partner?+
Yes. From any report page you can share access with another user. Enterprise workspace customers can share reports across their whole team.