From Churches to Cottages: Cornwall Auction Sees Surprising Sales and Bargains Snapped Up

Buyers move fast as properties fetch more than expected across the county

Properties across Cornwall have changed hands in the latest Clive Emson Auctioneers sale, with former churches, town centre flats, and quirky buildings all attracting interest — and in some cases, selling for well above their guide prices.

Town Centre Property Snapped Up in Liskeard

A mixed-use building in the heart of Liskeard has sold after the auction for a figure close to its £160,000+ guide. Located in Market Street, the property includes a commercial unit and three self-contained flats.

Auction Appraiser James Lofthouse said:

“Properties remain available after the auction for interested parties.
Sometimes, as on this occasion, offers are made and accepted. The new owner of this property will benefit from an immediate return on their investment with the ground floor commercial unit and two of the three flats already let to tenants.”

Launceston Flat Sells for £50,000

In Launceston, a two-bedroom flat in Howard Way, Madford Lane, fetched £50,000. The first-floor leasehold property sits at the rear of a period building and includes parking. It had a guide of £47,500+.

Yeolmbridge House Draws Interest

Over in Yeolmbridge, a semi-detached three-bedroom home in Church Road went for £152,000. It had a guide of £140,000 and includes a large rear garden, far-reaching views, a detached outbuilding, and a front garden with communal parking.

The property was auctioned in arrangement with View Property.

Penzance Pumping Station Draws Bidders

A quirky former pumping station in Alverton Road, Penzance, sold for £25,000. The building, which includes a kitchenette, WC, bed, and seating area, was listed with a £23,000+ guide.

Auctioneer David Henwood said:

“This was quirky property which appealed to bidders at auction.
It was previously the subject of a planning application for continued use as a holiday let which was refused in 2023.
The new owner may wish to re-apply or may have some other scheme in mind subject to all of the necessary consents.”

It was auctioned in arrangement with Stacey Mann Estates.

Penzance House Bought Before Auction

A two-bedroom terraced home with a garage in Bullock Market Terrace, near Penzance town centre, sold prior to auction after an offer was made.

David added:

“This property was listed with a guide of £170,000 to £190,000.
It drew the attention of an interested party who was keen to acquire the property before it went to auction. They made an offer which was accepted by the vendor.”

The property was auctioned in arrangement with MAP Estate Agents.

Former Tuckingmill Church Doubles Guide Price

A former Baptist church in Pendarves Street, Tuckingmill, smashed its £50,000 to £60,000 guide, selling for £127,000. The end-terrace building spans two floors.

David said:

“There was strong bidding for this former church.
Its location in the village of Tuckingmill along with its good sized accommodation may have been among its attractions to bidders.
The new owner may see the potential for residential conversion into two or more dwellings, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.”

The sale was arranged with MAP Estate Agents.

Redruth and St Agnes Properties Sell Well

In Lanner near Redruth, a detached bungalow in May Gardens sold for £180,000 — the middle of its guide range (£170,000 to £190,000). The two-bedroom home has an attached garage, off-road parking and gardens.

A semi-detached house in Angwin Avenue, St Agnes, fetched £116,000 — more than double its £50,000+ guide.

Fowey Holiday Let Sells for £200,000

Shell Cottage in North Street, Fowey, previously used as a holiday let, sold for £200,000 after being listed with a guide of £190,000+.

James said:

“This property has previously been used as a holiday let.
The new owner may wish to continue with this use or may wish to use it as their main residence or second home.”

Council Land in St Austell Goes for Ten Times the Guide

A small parcel of land in Park Road, St Austell, placed for auction by Cornwall Council, sold for £5,000 — ten times its £500+ guide. The 0.01-hectare site was described as potentially useful to neighbours or others with a plan, subject to consent.

David said:

“We occasionally are instructed for unusual lots of this kind at auction.
They may be of interest to neighbouring businesses or properties, or other interested parties may have ideas for their use, subject to the necessary consents.
This often dictates the final sale price and, as in this case, they can considerable exceed their guide depending on the interest shown.”

Clive Emson Auctioneers, who have a regional office in Exeter, were recently awarded Residential Auction Service of the Year in The Negotiator Awards 2024.

Their next auction concludes on 1st May, with bidding live 48 hours before. Lot entries close on 7th April and the catalogue will be available from 10th April.

🔗 See full details at CliveEmson.co.uk