Hot properties go under hammer at Cotswolds auction

BIDDERS had to keep their cool when four properties went under the hammer at an auction in Cirencester on the hottest day of the year.

Potential buyers gathered at More Allen & Innocent's Norcote sale room on Thursday, July 26, for the chance to own any of the four lots on offer.

And there were tears of joy from young buyer Elly Whitehead, who successfully bid for Lot 1, a two-bed terrace on Cirencester's Beeches Road.

Generously described as "needing a bit of work" by auctioneer Roy Bowyer, 27-year-old Elly snapped up the property for £152,000 – a shade over the guide price.

"It's a wreck," admitted the first time buyer, "but I was looking for a project. I don't like new-builds – they don't excite me.

"I need to get the roof, plumbing, and electrics done, then I can move in."

The community manager at co-working space Unicorn House took her parents along for support, and let her dad do the bidding.

"I was too nervous," said Elly.

"Dad kept his poker face on, and I was jabbing his leg when I wanted him to bid."

Several of Elly's friends have bought properties in Cirencester, but as couples.

"I'm doing it on my own," said Elly, proudly.

Bidders in the room and on the telephone lines jostled to own Lot 2, a three-bed semi with garage in Cirencester's Purley Avenue.

With an opening gambit of £200,000, the £220,000 guide price was quickly exceeded.

The gavel was raised at £240,000 before fresh bids were offered, bringing the hammer price to £252,000.

Next up was a development plot at Cirencester's Old Salvation Army Hall in Watermoor Road.

Carrying full planning consent for a three bedroom house with courtyard garden, the plot of land sold for £120,000.

The most hotly-contested property was Lot 4, a four-bedroom detached property in Kemble – a popular village with a mainline rail connection to London, primary school, and a good pub.

Bidding started at the guide price of £430,000 and escalated quickly, with plenty of interest in the room and on the phone lines.

By the time the gavel fell, it was a two horse race between a bidder in the room and the eventual buyer on the phone, who paid £561,000 – £131,000 over the guide price.

For more information about buying and selling property at auction, visit mooreallen.co.uk