The number of lots going under the hammer in Auction House’s May sales has reached a new high for the month, with a massive 432 lots listed, compared with just 262 last year – an increase of almost two thirds (65%), and the second highest monthly figure in the group’s seven year history.

The award-winning brand is also reporting that sales are up a full 12% compared to this time last year, with 230 lots sold from 308 offered in April (a success rate of 74.7%), raising a total of £32m, and contributing to a total of 740 successful sales so far this year.

Commenting on the figures, Auction House Founding Director Roger Lake said: “Our philosophy of selling local property to local buyers through regional auction rooms is a winning formula that is attracting extra instructions. As the UK’s number one property auctioneer in terms of lots sold, this is further proof that our regional auction room approach meets with strong public approval.”

Auction House now has 37 auction rooms across the country – a figure recently boosted by the addition of new sales rooms in Essex and Staffordshire, and the arrival of Pearsons Auctions to the group, with a sales room in Hampshire.

Roger Lake added: “Our expansion is continuing apace. But it’s not just the number of lots that has increased; hammer prices are also well up on 2013 levels. The competitive bidding process means that impressive prices are being achieved – particularly when there’s a shortage of supply in the region.

“Plus there’s the benefit of speed, which is a big attraction for both sellers and buyers. Whilst it can take nearly 20 weeks from instruction to exchange for a private treaty sale, the marketing and selling of properties at auction can be carried out in an average of just five weeks. What’s more, the lengthy complexities of the current Mortgage Market Review has slowed the private treaty process even further. For the right property, with the right marketing, auction sales can be nearly four times faster than selling through an estate agent.

“In short, we’ve got more lots, more auction rooms, and more sales than any other auctioneer in the UK, with properties being sold more quickly and often for higher prices than can be achieved by private treaty.”