Realistic prices are key to auction success, says auction house

Setting realistic pricing expectations is the key to success at auction, according to auctioneer Clive Emson.

Its next auction – the sixth of eight sales taking place throughout the year – will be held on September 10, with 155 lots already catalogued.

“Market conditions may be tough at the moment, but historically it has habitually had its ups and downs,” James Emson, managing director of Clive Emson, said.

He said that no matter what, people will always want to buy and sell property because they know it is a good long-term investment.

“Our job is to get purchasers into the sale rooms because there is no doubt that we continue to achieve excellent prices. And it is realistic guide pricing which attracts the numbers to Clive Emson auctions and opens the door to great deals for both vendors and purchasers.”

A highlight of the September auction sale includes the former Qube nightspot and function venue in Dover, listed with planning permission for conversion into 27 flats with a freehold guide price of £850,000-£900,000.

In Devon’s rolling hills rests a 9.65 vineyard at Cheriton Fitzpaine guided at £50,000-£70,000 for wine connoisseurs to snap up. The land comes with double metal gates for access, a lockable shipping container, wooden storage sheds and a water supply.

What’s more, an equestrian centre with residential potential near Cranleigh, Surrey, has a freehold guide price of £425,000-£450,000 and vacant possession, including a stable yard and a large stable block with two further single-storey units.

In Upminster, Essex, a detached character property with 12 individual rooms, plus 12 chalets in separate buildings all on a large plot in a semi-rural location, has a freehold guide price of £995,000-plus and is currently let at a total of £162,000 per annum.

Another highlight is a former 40-bedroom care home called Stoneham House at Bracken Place, Chilworth, which has a freehold guide price of £1.15 million-£1.25 million.

Clive Emson holds a regional auction at five locations every six weeks. The sixth sale of 2018 stars at 11am at the following venues:

·         Kent & SE London – Monday, September 10 at the Clive Emson Conference Centre, Detling Maidstone, Kent

·         Essex and North and East London – Tuesday, September 11 at the Chelmsford City Racecourse, Chelmsford

·         Sussex & Surrey – Wednesday, September 12 at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton

·         West Country – Thursday, September 13 at the St Mellion International Resort, Saltash

·         Hampshire & Isle of Wight – Friday, September 14 at the Solent Hotel at Whiteley