Award winning property auctioneer Auction House is announcing record sales for July 2014, marking a six year high for UK auctioneers as a whole.

Despite the distractions of summer sun and a feast of sport, the group sold 379 lots in the month, over 8% up on its previous best, and raised £38.5 million in the process.

Commenting on the achievement, Founding Director Roger Lake said: ”These record figures are not only a brilliant result for Auction House, but also a real sign of buoyancy in our sector.

“As our numbers demonstrate, regional auctions are becoming more and more popular. But it’s the increasing consumer confidence in the auction method of sale that is the important driver. With auction fast becoming a mainstream alternative to private treaty in the regions, the public is now deliberately choosing auctions for the speed and certainty they provide in a difficult-to-read property market.”

During the month Auction House also announced the opening of a new Aberdeen auction room to market properties in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, as well as the brand’s move into North Wales. In collaboration with existing auctioneer Dafydd Hardy, Auction House will now be servicing the Welsh Counties of Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy.

In addition, the group has just revealed a further tie up with leading South West auctioneers Symonds & Sampson, to provide coverage in Dorset, South Somerset, South Wiltshire and East Devon, increasing the number of Auction House sales rooms across the UK to 40.

Roger Lake added: “Far from being a last resort, as used to be the case, auctions are now becoming a first choice method of sale for a larger number of properties - which can only be good for the property market in general.”