The award winning franchise Auction House has become the UK’s second largest commercial property auctioneer, in terms of lots sold.

Already the UK’s largest residential property auctioneer, in 2014, the group sold a total of 603 commercial lots across the UK, and has now decided to expand its commercial arm still further.

Founding Director, Roger Lake said: “We’ve always sold commercial lots alongside residential properties but 2015 sees us dedicating a large section to them in sales catalogues for the first time, due to the increased number on offer. The mix includes everything from pubs and guesthouses to industrial units, land, leisure developments and care homes.”

An example of the group’s expansion can be seen in Manchester, where Auction House North West has embarked on a partnership with established regional agents and surveyors, Roger Hannah & Co. This month’s catalogue had 26 properties on offer - the largest number of commercial lots in one auction since the branch began.

Roger Lake explained: “The relationship between a leading UK auction provider and a very successful longstanding firm of commercial agents is already proving to be a winning formula. Small and medium commercial lots consistently achieve higher prices when offered through local auction rooms and this arrangement brings the best of both worlds together, with the first sale in this format being a great success.”

After a record 12 months in 2014, it’s been a buoyant start to 2015 for Auction House, which is currently showing early year growth at over 20% across the UK. It’s also reporting the highest number of residential and commercial properties entered for its first auction of the year. In January and February, a total of 633 lots were entered in 32 auctions around the country.

Roger Lake added: “These results are a genuine reflection of the increasing popularity of the auction market, which has gathered more strength at a greater pace at the start of 2015 compared to previous years. Sellers are intent on moving stock and buyers are waking up to the opportunities on offer. Price growth in 2014 has encouraged speculators and investors to spend, and we see activity looking strong for the first quarter.”