In a static or falling market, prices at auction are lower than the marketplace.
So the only properties placed in auctions are those which would not attract morgages. If the problems can be overcome or ignored they they may still be good value for a cash purchasor.
With the current fears of lenders many previously acceptable properties like perfectly good flats over shops have become unmorgageable!
Virtually all auction properties are bought by cash purchasors planning to rent them out!
Wouldnt greedy heirs like an auction, so they get there money quicker.