Property auctioneers in Northampton: '˜Annual results not hampered by Brexit'

The group’s June figures were similar to those in 2015, with 252 lots sold (only eight fewer than last year).

The statistics for the first six months of 2016 indicate a rise across the board compared to the same period last year, with 1,513 lots sold out of 1,959 lots offered (a success rate of 77.2%), raising a total of £208.6m.

Auctioneer Richard Greener said: “Despite economic uncertainties brought about by the forthcoming referendum vote, the June auction market was ‘business as usual’ in most areas.

“Our key strength lies in affordable volume stock in the regions, where people tend to

buy for a purpose rather than a profit.

“So we predict that these areas will be least affected by any fall-out from Brexit that may follow.”

Mr Greener accepted that challenging times lay ahead, but suggested that any negative impact could be short-lived, provided that availability of mortgages remains and interest rates stay stable.

He explained: “Our entries for July are steady, with the total projected to be only five per cent down on last year. We are now trading in a climate of opportunity and I expect the repercussions of Brexit to be quickly accommodated.

“No doubt there are uncertainties on the horizon, which means that we will witness a

period of reflection.

“Top-end residential and high ticket commercial lots are likely to be hit hardest, with London set to find conditions the most challenging of all.

“Nevertheless, in the auction sector, any re- balancing tends to happen rather quickly

– so we would expect our numbers to regain their previous level by the Autumn.”