An historic church and its neighbouring church hall were two of the notable sales in SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s latest auction in Derby on 15 December.

The Church Hall fronting Market Street in Swadlincote sold for £81,000, from a *guide price of £40,000+, while the adjoining Methodist Church on West Street, which dates back to the reign of King George III, saw the hammer come down at £56,500 from a guide price of £40,000+.

Meanwhile, a former Frankie & Benny’s restaurant at 39 Cornmarket in Derby city centre sold on its guide price of £350,000, while a corner shop with accommodation above at 67-69 Shakespeare Street, Sinfin, which has potential to be converted into two separate flats subject to the usual planning permissions, sold for £87,000 from a guide price of £46,000+.

The former Alfreton Library Store on George Street sold for £176,000 from a guide price of £65,000+.

The five very appealing properties were among more than 60 offered at the Derby auction that resulted in more than £4m in sale prices being raised.

SDL Auctions Graham Penny, part of one of the UK’s largest auction networks, has now announced it will be holding seven auctions in Derby in 2018 as part of a record-breaking 40-date auction calendar.

Andrew Parker, managing director and auctioneer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny, said: “These unusual lots created competitive bidding which resulted in some very healthy sale prices, once again showing the strength of selling by auction.”

The increase in dates – up from 37 in 2017 – follows a successful year when the company increased activity in its established areas of Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cheshire and North Wales, and Leicester, as well as expanding into the North West.

The SDL Auctions Graham Penny Derby auctions will be held at Pride Park Stadium on 22 February, 11 April, 31 May, 26 July, 13 September, 1 November and 14 December.

Mr Parker added: “Vendors and purchasers do not need to go to London for regular big property auctions, as we’re providing several every month across the UK.

“Our growing number of auctions shows that despite the wider static economy, vendors are increasingly choosing auctions because it’s a fast and efficient way of achieving high prices and a secure sale.”