Bidding Frenzy in Cornwall as Properties Smash Auction Guides

Bidding Frenzy in Cornwall as Properties Smash Auction Guides

Cornish properties have seen remarkable interest in the latest Clive Emson Auctioneers sale, with several fetching far more than their guide prices.

Liskeard Villa Draws Strong Demand

A detached villa in Dean Street, Liskeard, converted into office accommodation, was one of the standout sales.
Graylands was listed with a freehold guide price of £225,000 to £250,000 but fetched £316,000 after fierce bidding.

Auction Appraiser James Lofthouse said:

“This detached villa was converted to provide office accommodation and has been vacant for many years.
Bidders clearly saw the potential for the property, with keen interest translating into a final sale price significantly above its guide.
The new owner now has various options, including some form of potential re-development, subject to all the necessary consents.”

Close to the town centre, the property includes 14 offices, store rooms, WCs, a kitchen, two garages, and parking for about 12 vehicles.

More Liskeard Successes

Another property in Varley Lane, Liskeard, sold for £76,000 leasehold, above its £60,000–£70,000 guide. The mid-terrace house, with two bedrooms, was sold with the remainder of a 1,000-year lease from December 1852.

Nearby, Menheniot Railway Sidings Compound sold for £130,000, more than £100,000 above its freehold guide of £25,000 plus, after 89 separate bids. The 0.21-hectare (0.51-acre) site, instructed for sale by Cornwall Council, consists of hardstanding land.

Fowey Office Property Also Exceeds Expectations

In Fowey, Porcelain House at Tower Park sold for £79,000, exceeding its £50,000–£70,000 guide. The detached property, which has space for four vehicles, was formerly used as offices.

James said:

“This property was among those to sell in excess of their guide at our latest auction.
Its location on the edge of the Tower Park car park, which serves Readymoney beach, at Fowey, proved popular with bidders.”

Porcelain House was auctioned in arrangement with May Whetter & Grose.

Former Grit Store Near St Ives Triples Estimate

A former grit store near St Ives also sparked huge interest. The Penderleath Common Grit Store site in Balnoon, located between Lelant and St Ives, was listed with a freehold guide of £15,000 plus but eventually fetched £57,500.

Senior Auction Appraiser Katie Semmens said:

“There was a great deal of interest in this well-located parcel of land.
The new owner may have a number of uses in mind, subject to the necessary consents.”

The sale was instructed by Cornwall Council.

Helston Property Snapped Up Before Auction

In Helston, a Meneage Street shop with planning permission for a first-floor residential conversion sold before going under the hammer. It had been listed with a £85,000 plus guide.

Katie said:

“This well-located development property drew keen interest from an interested party.
They made an offer prior to the auction, which was accepted by the vendor. They now have the option of following planning permission for conversion of the first floor into four flats or may have other schemes in mind subject to the necessary consents.”

Miller Commercial acted as joint auctioneer.

Newquay Bar Sale Completes Early

Also selling prior to auction was The Wax Activity Bar in Central Square, Newquay. The former bank building, with a main bar area upstairs and a small outside space, had been listed with a £145,000 plus guide.

Auction Appraiser Steve Appleby said:

“There was keen interest in this prominently positioned property in the heart of Newquay.
An offer made before the auction was accepted by the vendor. These type of sales prior to auction happen occasionally when an interested party is keen to acquire land or property before they go under the gavel.”

Redruth Home Finds a Buyer

A two-bedroom terraced house in Drump Road, Redruth, also changed hands, selling for £90,000, above its £65,000 plus freehold guide.

Final Auction of 2025 Announced

Clive Emson Auctioneers’ final online auction of the year begins 9th December and ends 11th December. Lot entries close on 17th November, with the catalogue available from 20th November.

Full details can be found at www.cliveemson.co.uk