The first property auction of 2017, held this month by Harrogate estate agent and property firm FSS, saw a good mix of commercial and residential properties going under the hammer, with two Harrogate homes performing especially well.
One of these was a traditional three-bed semi on Forest Lane Head in Harrogate, which was listed with a guide price of £220,000 and achieved £230,000 when the hammer fell.
Family Home with Potential
Auctioneer Richard Smailes said this property had ticked all the boxes for those looking for either a residential investment or a home to move into.
“This house was on a decent sized plot giving plenty of scope for extending, subject to planning permission, and was traditionally built with decent sized rooms, high ceilings and some really appealing original features,” he said.
“Add to this the fact that it’s in a popular area close to schools and shops and it’s easy to see why it was so successful at auction.”
Town Centre Living
A two double bedroomed stone-fronted terrace on Ashfield Road close to Harrogate town centre was listed at £110,000 and sold for £137,000 on the day.
Richard said: “This is a property that has been successfully let for 16 years and had appeal for both investors and homebuyers which ultimately resulted in bidding lifting it well above the guide price.”
Another auction success story was an investment property in Harrogate town centre with ground floor retail space on Commercial Street and a first floor apartment accessed separately from Mount Parade. Having been listed at £225,000, this lot sold for £252,000 on the day.
Chain Free
Richard said one of the key factors attracting buyers to auctions is the fact that the properties for sale are chain free.
“There’s no waiting around for the vendor to find somewhere to live and the whole process can be completed very quickly, which is ideal for anyone living in rented accommodation and wanting to get onto the housing ladder or for anyone looking for somewhere to invest their money,” he explained.
Quick sale
For those selling a property, an auction offers certainty of a serious buyer and the potential for a quick sale.
Richard said: “Contracts are exchanged when the hammer falls and the deal is done which means the seller can have the money in their bank within weeks of the auction date.”
The next FSS auction is at Pavilions of Harrogate on May 11. To find out more or to discuss selling your property at auction contact Richard Smailes on 01423 501211.