A fire-damaged bungalow in one of Chester’s finest villages has sold for nearly 60 per cent more than its *guide price at the latest SDL Auctions Cheshire and North Wales auction.

The attention of excited potential buyers was drawn to Briarcroft, a two bedroomed property on Church Road in Dodleston, and the hammer came down at £239,000, versus a guide price of £150,000+.

Edward Feather, senior valuer and auctioneer at SDL Auctions Cheshire and North Wales, said: “The property’s size and Dodleston’s popularity created strong interest despite the unfortunate fire damage.”

Another lot that sold well was land situated off Byrnford Hill, overlooking the Dee Estuary in Brynford, near Holywell in North Wales, which sold for £15,750.

Mr Feather added: “High interest led to plenty of competitive bidding and helped generate some excellent sale prices in the auction room.

“It proves that a sale by auction can be the best method of achieving the highest price, and this provides evidence of what’s currently a strong property market.”