Roger Lake, Auction House Founding Director, said: “As can clearly be seen from the figures, the pandemic hasn’t held us back! Indeed, we have functioned very effectively throughout the lockdown, as well as after the easing of restrictions, and now during what is being described as a second surge.
“Our remote bidding solution has worked seamlessly both for our Livestream and Online sales, and our Covid-secure viewing programmes are operating well.
“Not only are we listing more lots, but we are also selling more family homes, with city sales - including across London - seeing a marked upturn. As a result, the average sold prices are up by 40% year on year – at £145,500 compared to £103,400 in 2019.
“Clearly, the auctions market is returning to pre-Covid levels of activity. Remote bidding is now fully accepted as the norm around the country, and buyers have grown in confidence with bidder numbers continuing to rise. Sellers too are again choosing auctions, where the selling prices achieved are regularly well beyond expectations.”
The group is also announcing higher entry numbers this October than last year, with the latest figures indicating that there will be 622 lots listed for sale this month – an average of 28 properties every working day.
Roger explained: “Sellers are demonstrating their trust in auctions, and understandably have a growing desire to sell in the current high-demand environment.
“We are entering the colder months, so now is a great time to go to market, and with auctions, you will get a quick sale plus the certainty of an exchange and completion.
He concludes: “Our regional auction teams are seeing high levels of activity, with good success rates and strong prices. Our average selling prices are way up on a year ago and buyer demand remains healthy, despite the resurgence of Covid. We predict Q4 will be very busy!”
