Brisk bidding for properties needing improvement and renovation

Symonds & Sampson held three property auctions in April and following success in Devon and Hampshire, they were in Sherborne on 27th April to offer 16 lots in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Auctioneer Mark Lewis said that bidding was brisk especially for properties for improvement and renovation “The lots were diverse and included some redundant garages at Westbury in Wiltshire, sold for £4,000, to commercial property which attracted interest from SIPP investors.

Properties by category were:

Commercial: A shop in Sturminster Newton let until 2021 with a rent payable of £5,400 sold for £62,000 (8.7% return) whilst a grade 2 listed premises in Dorchester sold for £256,000, 28% over guide.

Country houses: A detached farmhouse with annex overlooking the Jurassic coast towards Charmouth sold for £425,000 whist a bungalow on the outskirts of Wincanton sold for £255,000, 11% above guide.

Properties for improvement: A delightful one bedroom cottage close to the main street in Sherborne attracted great interest and sold for £157,000 whilst a bungalow in the town sold for £167,000.

Woodland: 45 acres of ancient woodland on the outskirts of Semley Wiltshire was sold prior to auction. This was the first time the land had changed ownership since 1572 and,  after local donations, the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust purchased.

The next auctions are on 1st June in Dorset followed on the 14th June in Devon. Entries are welcomed for the 27 July sale.