SUTTON KERSH generated sales of more than £3m at its final Liverpool property auction of 2011.
The event, at the city centre Marriott Hotel, saw 62 lots on offer, with 39 eventually being sold for a total of £3.25m.
Pre-auction activity was the highest it has been all year, with 13 properties selling for a total exceeding £1m, including The Old Barn Pub.
A further 23 properties sold in the room, three post-auction, and more deals are in the pipeline.
A commercial investment in Allerton Road, in south Liverpool, currently let to national estate agency chain Sequence for a passing rent of £25,500, was guided at £300,000 and sold in the room for £332,000.
A former resource centre in Huyton Church Road, in Huyton, sold for £80,000 above its guide price, following competitive bidding from underbidders.
The vacant commercial redevelopment opportunity, which is suitable for a variety of uses subject to the necessary planning consents, was guided at £120,000-£130,000 and sold for £201,000.
A Grade II-listed building in Rodney Street, which is in need of modernisation and repair, was guided at £170,000-£225,000 and sold for £326,000.
This was the seventh auction held by Sutton Kersh this year. Total receipts for the year amount to 342 properties and more than £20m in revenue.
James Kersh, director at Sutton Kersh, said: “We are extremely pleased with the results we have achieved this year.
“Amid a very tough economic climate, we have achieved a selling average that exceeds the national average and generated more than £20m-worth of sales.
“The atmosphere in the auction room at the final two sales was particularly encouraging, with a great buzz among investors and competitive bidding.
“While interest rates remain low, and there has been speculation that these historically low rates may remain for another three years, investors are capitalising on the many cheap deals currently available, and are recognising the opportunities the property market offers for long-term capital growth.”
BOTH Sutton Kersh and its Wirral rival, Smith and Sons, achieved success at the Estate Agency of the Year Awards, in London.
Kersh scooped a silver award for Best Small Estate Agency Chain in the north of England.
Smith and Sons landed a gold award for Best Franchise in the event at the capital’s Lancaster Hotel, which was sponsored by the property portal Zoopla.
Chris Johnson, from Smith and Sons, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for such a young brand and testimony of the importance of offering auctions alongside estate agency services.
“Our regional approach appeals to local buyers and sellers, with better prices being achieved as a result. The award is a credit to the entire team.”
