Blogs

Symonds & Sampson’s March auction was another great success with 15 lots under the hammer and some stunning results, raising £2.8 million for their clients.

Auctioneer Mark Lewis said, “We had an excellent mixture of commercial property, properties for improvement, building plots, and agricultural land and, even though the government’s spring statement the day before was gloomy, spirits were raised in the room with 90% of lots sold.”

Auction partner Meredith Wallis added “We had lots in Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, and these attracted bidders from these counties, but we also had

Buyer swoops for town centre property

A mixed-use property in Liskeard with a commercial unit and three self-contained flats has sold through Clive Emson Auctioneers.

The town centre premises in Market Street were listed with a freehold guide price of £160,000 plus.

The property didn’t sell in the main sale of 145 lots but sold shortly afterwards for a sum close to the guide.

Auction Appraiser James Lofthouse said: “Properties remain available after the auction for interested parties.

“Sometimes, as on this occasion, offers are made and accepted. The new owner of this property will

More than £18m has been raised for clients in the early spring auction by Clive Emson Auctioneers.

Listed were 145 lots across southern England in the firm’s second of eight auctions this year.

James Emson, Managing Director, said: “More than £18m of property and land were sold, with house buyers in particular keen to get in before stamp duty is paid on properties over £125,000 in April, compared to the current threshold of £250,000.”

A bidding war saw a countryside cottage at Lovedean, north-east of Portsmouth, and chalked for modernisation, fetch £295,000, nearly double its guide price

What Happens After the Hammer Falls?

Winning a property at auction can feel like a huge achievement — and it is. But unlike buying via private treaty, where negotiations and paperwork often drag on for weeks or months, auction buyers move at a much faster pace. Contracts are exchanged the moment the hammer falls, and there’s no going back.

This makes the post-sale process critical. A solid understanding of what’s expected next ensures that your auction purchase is completed successfully, without risk to your deposit or delays that could cost you the deal.

This auction completion guide

Choosing the Right Auction Format for Your Property Purchase

The way properties are bought at auction has changed significantly in recent years. While traditional, in-room bidding is still popular, many buyers are now turning to online property auctions for added convenience and flexibility. Both formats offer unique advantages — and potential challenges — depending on the buyer’s preferences, experience, and goals.

This guide breaks down the key differences between online property auctions and in person property auctions, so you can choose the best approach for your next property

Making a Buy-to-Let Work Through Auctions

Letting out a property bought at auction can be one of the smartest moves in the world of buy-to-let property investment — but it’s not always as simple as “buy it cheap and rent it out.” With the fast-paced nature of auctions, the wide variety of property types available, and the often-overlooked risks, landlords need a clear plan from the moment the hammer falls.

This guide will walk through how to go from auction win to tenant-ready property — covering essential viewing tips, compliance checks, refurbishment considerations, and letting

What Happens After the Hammer Falls?

Winning a property at auction is only the beginning. The real journey for landlords starts the moment contracts are exchanged. Whether the aim is long-term letting or a short-term flip, auction landlord management requires preparation, legal awareness, and ongoing oversight.

This guide is designed for landlords who’ve just purchased at auction and need to manage the transition from buyer to property manager efficiently. With practical steps and expert guidance, it covers how to move from acquisition to successful letting — without costly missteps.

U

Verifying whether a property has the appropriate planning permission is an essential part of the property inspection process. Whether you plan to renovate, change the property's use, or simply confirm that it complies with local regulations, carrying out a thorough planning permission check can save you from potential legal and financial complications in the future. This comprehensive examination will cover what planning permission means, why it matters, and the step-by-step process for performing a robust planning permission check.

Understanding Planning Permission

Planning permission

Identifying properties that require significant renovation is a key skill when entering the auction market. Knowing how to conduct a thorough Property Condition Assessment during property inspections can help you pinpoint the signs that extensive work is needed, and inform your decision-making process before bidding. This guide, part of our Viewing Checklist & Property Inspections series, offers practical insights on recognising properties that may need a major overhaul, along with tips on planning for an effective auction renovation.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Property Condition

Care home snapped up

A ‘stunning’ Art Deco style former care home with 26 bedrooms in North Devon sold for £701,000 when the hammer fell at auction.

Woodtown House, set in 3.6 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland at East-the-Water, on the edge of Bideford, was among 145  lots in the second auction of 2025 by one of the top five property auctioneers in the UK, Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers.

Auction Appraiser Steve Appleby said: “This stunning Art Deco style former care home was one of the highlights of our latest auction.

“If offers the new owner numerous possibilities