On Tuesday last, 17th June, Richard Abbey, a Partner of John Earle, held the firms June Land and Property Auction at Henley Golf & Country Club. It was estimated that over 200 people were in attendance, resulting in the sliding doors in the room having to be opened to accommodate the throng. Prior to the sale, Elmtree Cottage was sold for a figure substantially in excess of the guide price and in the room Mr Abbey first sold The Spinney at Yarningale Common for a staggering £36,000. He then offered 43 Victoria Road, which was sold strongly for £170,000, well in excess of the guide price. Then the 7 Lots at Elm Farm were offered with only Lots 6 and 7 being knocked down, the first for £172,000 and the second for £284,000. This equates to £7,285 per acre. After the sale, contracts were also signed on Lot 1 for a figure in excess of the guide price, Lots 4 and 5. Mr Abbey then offered the barn for conversion known as The Old Manor, Morton Bagot. This sold for £300,000. 4 Castle Close did not reach the reserve and was sold afterwards in the room for a figure in excess of the guide price. He then offered the three parcels of land on the edge of Knowle, 6.27 acres making £70,000, being £11,164 per acre. 5.08 acres making £50,000, being £9,842 per acre and although Lot 3 did not sell under the hammer, contracts were exchanged in the room afterwards that achieved a figure of well in excess of £9,000 per acre.

The conclusion we draw in this firm is that there is a great deal of money around for the right sort of property, but a certain lack of confidence for people to bid up strongly, but results can be achieved at very satisfactory figures, ending up pleasing both vendors and purchasers.