“So much better than watching it on TV” is how one person described our July auction, which saw two prime properties smash their guide price during a thrilling rally of bidding.
Harrogate business owner Sally Roberts was attending her first property auction and described how she was captivated when auctioneer Richard Smailes steered the room and edged the price of a three-bedroom house in Wedderburn Road, Harrogate (pictured), from the guide of £150,000 towards a final selling price of £228,000.
“The experience was immense – it definitely had wow factor - and at one point I stood with my hand over my mouth as the bidding crept up,” said Sally. “Richard stayed cool and kept control throughout – the pace, the tension and the competition were incredible and it was so much better than when you watch these things on TV,” she added.
Sally said the experience of attending the event demonstrated how buying and selling at auction works well for all involved.
“I think this is a superb way to buy and sell a property – no waiting for months and no uncertainty,” she commented.
Richard said there had been significant interest in the property at Wedderburn Road before auction day.
“Three bedroom homes in Harrogate are in very high demand and there is such a shortage of supply here at the moment that people will pay for location.
“The Wedderburn property does need some general modernisation but it sits on a large plot and there is real scope to extend it subject to the necessary planning consents,” he explained.
Another property that did well at the July auction was a one-bedroomed cottage in Great Ouseburn. Poplar View had a guide price of £100,000 but sold on the day for £141,500.
“Again, this was a property in need of updating but the fact that it has outbuildings and a large garden give it potential for further development and appeal for a wide variety of buyers.”
Richard said it was not unusual for people to be surprised by their first trip to a property auction.
“Everyone has seen the property programmes on TV but nothing compares to feeling the atmosphere of the auction room for yourself,” he said.
“We are always pleased when people turn up just to have a look because it is only by doing this that they really recognise the benefits of buying and selling property in this way.
The next FSS property auction will be held at Pavilions of Harrogate on October 4. If you are interested in listing a property at the next auction contact FSS as soon as possible on 01423 501211. The full list of lots will be announced in early September when viewings will commence.