Strettons success rate dipped to 58% at its auction this week, which raised a total of nearly £6.9m.
Of 38 lots offered, 22 were sold, with 14 going in the room, six prior to auction and two immediately afterwards.
Its March and May sales achieved 90% success rates.
Auction director Philip Waterfield said: “This auction reflects the sentiment of the country and economy at present.
“Interest rates are low, but people are asking ‘can I sustain it?’”
The success rate was its lowest since July 2008, when it sold 50% of its catalogue.
A purpose-built ground floor vacant flat for repair in Leyton, E8, with a guide price of just £25,000-£30,000 but only five years left on the lease, sold for £83,000.
Waterfield said before the sale: “This will be an attractive alternative to renting for some people. Rather than pay rent for five years a buyer may prefer to buy this flat, live in it and then assess their options in five years’ time as to whether they want to extend the lease or walk away.”
A vacant mixed commercial and residential building with development potential, guided at £700,000-plus, sold for £871,000, and a former pub in Grays, Essex, sold for £580,000 off a guide of £300,000.
The auction took place at Grand Connaught Rooms, WC2, on 11 July.
■ Harman Healy raised £2.4m from 23 lots offered, with 14 sold in the room, at its sale on 11 July. The success rate in the auction at Kensington Town Hall, W8, was 61%.
