The first American style auctions of upset properties in the UK are expected to attract large crowds when they start next week.

More than 500 properties that have been repossessed by banks and other lenders are due to go below the hammer at different locations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at a series of auctions being run by US auction house REDC starting on March 31.

The style is expected to be a bit more brash and upfront than the more calm auctions that take place in the UK. Previously the company, one of the US's leading auction businesses, has spent tens of thousands of pounds on a massive marketing campaign which has included adverts on the television, the newspapers and outdoor billboards.

Jeffrey Frieden, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and co-founder of REDC, said the aim is to attract normal people to the property auctions rather than just the professionals who tend to go to UK sales.

'Unlike traditional auction houses' which have limited their pool of potential buyers to groups of savvy investors' REDC's model is built on exposing its auction properties to as many people and as many markets as possible,' he explained.

'We consider that everyone should be entitled to a bargain not just a select group of professional property investors,' he added.

Property advisor Keith Hollinrake who is advising REDC said they are expecting crowds of between 500 and 1,000 at each sale.

He admits he was not sure at first if the concept would work in the UK but after visiting some of their sales in the US he decided it was a good concept.

He has advised against some of the brasher aspects of the company's US auctions such as ringing bells when a lot is sold and spotters in the viewers wearing tuxedos.

Hollinrake also believes that it could change auction property sales for the improved. 'The industry will have a shiver up and people will be looking at it more,' he said.

Buying a property at auction is fast rising as a popular method of buying property, with 21,000 homes going under the hammer each year.

There has been a 60% boost in the number of properties being bought and sold at auction since 1998, according to a leading provider of auction information across the UK.

Thousands of bargain hunters and professional investors are turning to the UK's auction rooms to find their perfect property at reasonable prices. But research is the key, and novices keen on buying at auction should carry out adequate checks before the hammer falls. Auction experts exhibiting at the Property Investor Show present the following advice on how to make the most out of buying at auction:

* Investigate the lots for sale. You can either contact the auction house or search online for information of all the properties for sale at auction.
* Arrange to view any of the lots you are interested in buying and research the property carefully. You could ask local estate agents or neighbours for their view.
* Many properties being sold at auction are in need of development, so make sure you are aware of how much time and money needs to be invested in the property.
* Carry out detailed checks on the property in question, including land, legal and structural surveys. It is best to look for advice from a professional.
* Sort your money. If you profitably bid for a property, you will need to pay a 10% deposit on the fall of the hammer and the balance within 28 days.

Buying at auction has become a lot easier for both novice and professional investors, with the number of properties being bought and sold at auction rising by 60% since 1998. One of the main reasons for this is the internet, which facilitates the entire process, giving potential buyers access to information on lots for sale across the country in advance of the auction.

Buying property abroad through auction is also becoming a more well-liked option. Inez Rix, director and auctioneer of Direct Auctions, a Spanish auction house exhibiting at the Property Investor offer commented: "One of the main reasons buying overseas property at auction has been so successful is that the properties are commonly considerably cheaper than in the open market. It is possible to buy an overseas property at auction up to 50% lower than other similar properties."