Southend-on-Sea, Essex – The alternative method of selling property via auction is gaining significant traction across Essex, as more sellers and investors turn to the auction room for faster, more secure transactions.
Dedman Gray Auctions, a leading land and property auction house based in Southend, reports increasing demand for their services—particularly among those handling probate sales, investment properties, and development opportunities.
“The auction process encourages a more streamlined approach to the property transaction,” said Mike Gray, Managing Director of Dedman Gray Property Consultants. “Contracts are exchanged immediately upon the fall of the gavel, offering speed, certainty, and efficiency—especially for those needing defined completion timelines.”
From In-Room to Online: A Modern Approach
While traditional auctions were once held in hotel suites and function rooms, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a major shift in how property auctions are conducted. With in-person gatherings restricted, Dedman Gray quickly transitioned to a fully online auction model, streaming live events and enabling buyers to bid from anywhere in the UK.
“This digital transformation has opened the door to a much wider audience,” Gray added. “Remote bidders can view lots in real-time and participate without the need to travel—making auctions more accessible than ever.”
What Types of Property Sell Well at Auction?
Auctions are particularly well-suited to a wide range of property types, including:
- Vacant homes in need of refurbishment
- Tenanted houses and retail units
- Greenbelt and development land
- Building plots with or without planning
- Commercial investments and garages
Buyers are typically proactive, conducting due diligence ahead of the auction date using legal packs prepared by the seller’s solicitor. This preparation contributes to higher certainty and faster sales.
Record Sale: Mushroom Farm Fetches £1.295 Million
One standout result came during Dedman Gray’s December auction, where a former mushroom farm, reconfigured into multiple industrial units and generating around £40,000 annual income, was offered with a guide price of £950,000. It ultimately sold for £1.295 million, demonstrating the strength and competitive nature of the auction process.
Auctions Continue to Deliver
Dedman Gray’s performance throughout 2022 and early 2023 has underscored a growing appetite for fast, transparent transactions. Their auctions consistently achieve high sales success rates, with many lots exceeding their guide prices.
“We believe auctions will continue to grow in popularity and play a key role in speeding up property transactions across the market,” Gray concluded.
Thinking of Selling by Auction?
Whether you’re managing a probate estate, navigating a matrimonial dispute, or looking to sell residential, commercial or investment properties, Dedman Gray’s expert auction team can help.
Call 01702 311010
Visit www.dedmangray.co.uk for more information.