Auction houses gearing up for big sales in March told EG they were currently pressing ahead with planned events while closely monitoring government advice on the coronavirus and making it easier for customers to bid remotely.
Earlier this week, health minister Matt Hancock said that the government’s emergency “battle plan” for dealing with the disease could include banning big events and urging people to work from home.
Acuitus said that it was monitoring the situation closely regarding its planned 26 March sale at The Montcalm Hotel, W1, and would follow guidance from Public Health England.
“If our bidders do not wish to attend in person then they are able to bid online or on the telephone as usual. Given that there may be more demand for these channels, we have put in place a contingency plan to increase the capability of these channels for remote bidders,” said Acuitus chairman and auctioneer, Richard Auterac.
Acuitus said that it was making sure it had enough staff to process requests to register an expoected increase in the numbers of remote bidders.
“At this stage, none of our sellers or regular buyers have voiced concerns. The reality is that an auction room presents no more or less a hazard than public transport or the workplace,” said Auterac.
Allsop, which is planning to hold its commercial and residential auctions on 30 and 31 March at Great Cumberland Place and The Westbury Hotel, W1, said that it expected the events to go ahead as planned.
“Like much of the market, we are closely monitoring the situation. Ultimately, the wellbeing of our staff, clients and buyers is of paramount importance to us, and we will take all necessary precautions as advised by the relevant authorities,” said George Walker, partner and auctioneer at Allsop.
Savills said that it was “closely following official advice regarding coronavirus (Covid-19) and this will inform any decision that is made regarding our March [26] auction.”
It added that, as with all of its auctions, buyers will be able to bid remotely either by telephone, proxy or via the internet.
Clive Emson, said it would be pressing ahead with its second sale of the year in five regional locations between 23-27 March “unless the level of the virus increases greatly or depending on what government guidelines dictate”.
The company said it has always provided hand sanitiser for use by the public and staff at its auctions in Chelmsford, Maidstone, Fareham, Saltash and Brighton, and offers internet, telephone and proxy bidding but could also make lots available online if government or health authority guidelines change.
“There would also be the option to postpone but this would be a last resort as some properties have to be offered on a certain day in line with the landlord and tenant act,” Emson added.
Birmingham-based Bond Wolfe said it was “monitoring the situation”, with regard to its planned 6 May auction at Aston Villa FC.
