Tell us more about your role

In my role I am responsible for listing and managing the sale of all of our auction properties. Making sure that the process runs smoothly for all parties involved and advising on the best strategy to help the vendor achieve the best outcome for their property.

What does your agency specialise in?

We are only focused on auction properties so this naturally tends to be primarily properties requiring refurbishment, properties which have been on the market for a sometime, more unique properties and those that are likely to attract a large amount of interest.

What type of properties are you currently seeing the highest demand for?

There is always a high demand for so called “project” properties, those that can be refurbished and either re-sold for a profit, or let out. We also see interest in more quirky types of properties along with parcels of land.

Have you noticed a difference in activity since the recent interest rate drops? Along with a push to complete transactions before the new SDT rules come into play?

This hasn’t been too prevalent when it comes to auction sales as buyers tend to buying for different reasons and see the process more as a business transaction. Although this isnt always the case and we get many buyers looking to purchase their new home. My colleagues in the sales team have noticed a slight difference in the market as a result of the changes although this seems to be levelling out now.

What is your view on auction as a method of sale?

I think there is a lot of misunderstanding around the concept of selling by auction. Opinions I have had are mainly along the lines of “I thought you had to have lots of money to buy at auction” or “I thought you give your house away when you sell at auction”. Selling your home by auction just provides you with a faster and more certain transaction. Having an immediate exchange of contracts provides certainty that the buyer is legally committed to purchase your property and unable to withdraw from the sale or renegotiate the price, which saves valuable time and costs for the seller. As long as you are prepared as a buyer or seller, it is an effective method of sale which is growing in propularity.

What do you think will be the biggest trend for the first half of 2025?

It feels like we are in a more ‘normal market’ right now. Saying that, I think agents will have to put in that extra effort to secure instructions at the beginning of this year, along with managing client expectations and achieving a good price for their property. Auctions are also going to continue to grow in popularity as more individuals start to realise their potential in a market where transaction times are still taking over six months.