The UK’s largest property auctioneer Auction House is reporting an “encouraging” first quarter of 2018 with sales exceeding those from last year, and a “healthy” number of entries into April’s auctions.

The award-winning group sold 722 lots in the three months from January to March, compared to 712 in 2017, with a 76% success rate and raising a total of more than £85m (£85,473,000). It has also entered 485 lots into this month’s sales, compared to just 407 in April last year.

Auction House Founding Director Roger Lake said: “This is another encouraging set of figures – especially when you consider external factors such as severe weather, and challenging conditions in the wider property market.

“Whilst we had a buoyant February, activity in March was hampered by snow and freezing weather which hit viewings and sales alike. This should also be set against a background of dampened activity in the property sector as a whole. For example - the latest survey of RICS estate agents indicates buyer demand has fallen continuously for a full year, and average stock levels remain near an all-time low.

“By contrast, Auction House has a healthy number of lots entered into April’s sales and we would expect activity to rise even further as the weather improves.”

Roger Lake says that although auctions are also noticing a stock shortage, the sector would appear to be more resilient to market fluctuations. He explains: “More and more people are recognising that auctions are a quick and successful method of selling property. In particular, they are perfect as a route to market for landlords who can sell with tenants in-situ. The time is also right for buyers wanting to refurbish property before selling it on – something which should be easier now that spring and the warmer weather has arrived.

“Overall, property is still seen as being amongst the safest forms of investment out there. Obviously, keen pricing will always hold the key to delivering success. But as we exit a long and hard winter, now would appear to be a very good time for those with vacant surplus stock to sell, because activity is growing and buyers are returning.”