Online auctions hailed ‘tremendous success’ after final event of 2020

The switch to online auctions as a result of COVID-19 has been a ‘tremendous success’ for Mark Jenkinson and son after our last event of 2020 topped £5m sales and attracted a record number of registered bidders.

Our eighth and final sale of 2020 saw 36 of the 41 lots offered sell for £5.7m – the third sale in a row to achieve a total in excess of £5million.

Head of the Auction Department Adrian Little said: “There is no doubt the online auction approach has been a tremendous success and enabled our clients, large and small, to continue selling and buying during the two lockdown periods this year.

“There are distinct advantages for busy buyers who can register and bid from wherever they are, either by placing their best bid at the start of the day or tracking activity and bidding in the final closing minutes.

“In our final auction this year, intense competition was seen throughout following a record number of registered bidders taking part.”

Several properties sold well above their estimate, including a stone-built former vicarage on Walkley Lane, offered on behalf of The Diocese of Hallam, with a guide price of £350,000 selling for £520,000 following considerable interest.

A former primary school at Spinkhill with development opportunities, sold on behalf of Mount St Marys College, with a guide of £300,000 achieved £559,000 following intense bidding. Meanwhile, the former headmasters house next door went for £164,000.

Other highlights of the online event included a freehold development site of just under an acre in Brampton Bierlow, Rotherham which had a guide of £475,000 but sold for £540,000. A large end of terrace property in Nether Edge, Sheffield requiring complete restoration and sold complete with contents went for £204,000 after a guide price of £150,000.

Lots were also offered on behalf of Barnsley, Bassetlaw and Hull Councils.

Adrian added: “By the end of this year, I anticipate our total for 2020 will approach last year’s figure which was, in turn, the best since 2007.”

The next two online auctions will be held on 26th January and 2nd March 2021.