The October Acuitus auction saw the sale of £67.6m of assets at a success rate of 89% and illustrated the opportunity for sellers to capitalise on the high level of current investor demand.

Following the sale, Acuitus Chairman, Richard Auterac, commented: “Auctions have been characterised as a high yielding investment environment but the sharpening yields now being achieved in the sale room are notable.

“Investors who are confronted by the minimal - and sometimes volatile - returns currently available in the equities and gilts markets are being attracted by the comparatively high returns that property offers but which for many high net-worth investors are simply not accessible through traditional property agency channels.

“The attraction of commercial property investment will continue for some time. It will create a very favourable market for sellers and strong competition in the room from a broadening base of investors using our highly experienced and professional multi-channel market place.”

The auction saw a total of 27 of the 75 lots sold achieve prices of more than £1m, and featured what is believed to be the highest price achieved in the UK by a commercial property lot selling to an internet bidder. A 13,750-sq ft Countrywide Farmers store in Newport let until 2022 at a current rent of £156,400pax sold after strong competition to an online bidder for £1.725m.

Richard Auterac commented: “This was a landmark for us and the sector. Investors can watch our auctions live online and also bid securely in a secure and professional environment. We think that an increasing number – and especially those from overseas – will start using this method.

“Having sold more than £6bn of assets during my career in the auction room this is admittedly a small additional step today but potentially a giant leap forward in opening up private equity to direct investment in commercial property.