Athawes blamed a lack of appetite for commercial lots and overambitious residential reserves for the 74% success rate of its London sale this week.
Brian Stevenson, auctioneer for the Acton-based firm, said that although the success rate for the auction was “not wonderful”, the total £8.7m takings were “not a bad total”.
“One or two reserves were overambitious but where they were right, lots were fetching exceedingly good prices,” he said.
Among the lots that did “defy expectations” was a mainly vacant house in Coningham Road, Shepherd’s Bush, W12, that doubled its reserve to sell at £390,000.
“There is certainly very strong demand for London and the South East,” said Stevenson, who added: “And our last four or five sales have been the best we’ve ever had.
“But the Budget next month could put a stop to the boom.”
