2021 Online Auction Update
As one of the UK’s top five property auctioneers we’ve had to make some changes to the way we hold our auctions since March 2020. We have decided, this year, to hold all this year’s eight auctions exclusively online and will not be returning to ballroom auctions in 2021.
The catalogue for our first auction of the year is out now, with 103 Lots listed for sale. The auction will end on Wednesday 10th February with bidding starting on Monday 8th.
Our Managing Director James Emson has stressed that safety reasons were behind the decision to remain online due to the ongoing pandemic.
James said: “Even if restrictions are lifted in the next six to nine months, with the demographics of attendees being from 18 to 90, it would be putting too many people at risk, both those coming along and our staff who have worked amazingly with such dedication through a difficult 12 months.”
He underlined that the switch to online sales, brought in last spring because of the first lockdown, has been well received, even from traditional ballroom auction attendees.
“A year on, even the most cynical are making the most of the freedom and results online auction are providing. We have seen a massive, unprecedented shift from the traditional ballroom to purely online auctions, something none of us would have predicted a year ago.
It still carries the same emotions - apprehension for those who have never bought or sold by auction, excitement as your lot reaches its reserve and bidding continues, nervousness as you submit your bid, elation as your bid is the highest and disappointment when you are outbid.
Even the trusted gavel has become a virtual one.”
As well as the digital emphasis, we have also increased the number of walk-around videos on as many lots as possible, giving further insight to the layout and condition of properties.
James said: “Again, this has been well received in many cases, especially with occupied properties where viewings are not possible due to ensuring tenants and sellers remain safe.”
He added: “We really do appreciate that we have been able to operate during the lockdowns and the trust our clients placed, and continue to place, in us to sell their land and property.
We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest from prospective buyers in all sectors, whether they are looking for vacant residential or commercial premises, tenanted properties, garages, ground rents or land.”
James said: “We believe the market will continue to remain buoyant, especially as it looks like interest rates and borrowing will remain low and relatively ‘cheap’.”
Last year we raised over £126 million for clients, including more than £15.5 million in December.
Highlights of the February 2021 auction include:
- Substantial former country house near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, used for research and development (£1,000,000 - £1,100,000).
- An extended family Victorian home in Rochester, Kent (£850-860,000).
- Vacant pub at Cinderford, Gloucestershire, with consent for 10 residential apartments (£240-260,000).
- Former nuclear bunker with 56 rooms over two floors, near Salcombe, Devon (£400,000-plus).
- Vacant town centre supermarket in Shaftesbury, Dorset (£580-620,000).
- Vacant offices on the River Orwell, Ipswich, Suffolk (£750-800,000).
- Two lock-up garages in Manor Park, East London (£15,000-plus each).
- Detached house in Chelmsford, Essex, in the same family since 1973 (£590-600,000).
