Kent-based Clive Emson’s first ever auction in Sussex last week saw only six of the 11 lots selling. But the sale was a successful “dummy run”, according to auctioneer Clive Emson.
“We had about 80 people there, which for only 11 lots is not bad,” said Emson.
“It was a mixed bag of lots but it went smoothly. The hotel was brilliant and the software stood up quite well, so we’ve got the formula right.”
The highlight of the Sussex lots was a daycare nursery in St James Street, Lewes, let at £11,982 pa, which sold to the tenant for £222,000, against a guide of £130,000 to £150,000.
The biggest lot, the former Shoreham Town Hall, which produces more than £100,000 pa, failed to sell under the hammer but is likely to exchange soon at about £1.1m.
The inaugural Sussex auction was followed up by a day at the firm’s regular Maidstone venue, the Ramada Hotel & Resort, where 81% of the 77 lots sold for £6.6m.
“Combining the two sales, we’re looking at 74% sold for £8.17m with a few post-sales now exchanged.
“We will probably hit £10m before the end of the week,” said Emson.
