LIVERPOOL property auctioneer Venmore says its May event generated sales of more than £1.2m.

The firm, which welcomed BBC TV’s Homes under the Hammer to film the auction for an up and coming show, offered 47 lots for sale at the auction which was held at the Hilton Hotel, in Liverpool One.

High levels of pre- auction activity resulted in 10 properties being sold prior to the event, including Lot 11, The Stables Bar, in Garston.

The auction saw 60% of the residential lots on offer sold and attracted more than 300 people.

Nick Ball, head of auctions at Venmore, said: “It was really encouraging to see so many investors in attendance which resulted in some competitive bidding wars.

“We had a packed out auction room at the Hilton this month, and there are still some opportunities to secure some great properties including lot 38, a prime city centre property located in Sir Thomas Street.”

Latest figures from auction data specialist, Essential Information Group, showed the number of properties successfully sold at auction in April was 7% higher when compared to the same period in 2010.

James Kersh, of Liverpool’s Sutton Kersh, said: “There has been a noticeable improvement in activity in the auction market.”