In the room, Mr Abbey, Partner/Auctioneer of John Earle, firstly offered 5, Bearley Road, Aston Cantlow. Although the bidding started at a very cautious £160,000, after strong competition from all sides of the room, the gavel finally fell at £228,000, a figure that the Auctioneer felt reflected the feeling that this summer, genuine interest in the residential property market is returning. Mr Abbey then offered the Equestrian Centre and land at Salter Street, near Hockley Heath and this sold for well over the guide price at £220,000.

The remaining Lots, save for one, were parcels of agricultural land, some with buildings. In the room these failed to sell. One was sold immediately after the auction finished and offers are being considered on the remainder.

Mr Cornford, for John Earle, afterwards was very pleased with the positive results and gratified there were over 250 people in the auction room. He concluded the market is far from dead and has come a long way since October 2008. As confidence continues to return, he believes success rates in the auction room will return to 100%.

John Earle's auction scheduled for 20th October includes Glebe Farm, Aston Cantlow, a cottage at 122 Alcester Road, Studley and a small parcel of land at Watery Lane, Knowle.