There’s something timeless about the rhythm of an auction room; the quiet tension before the first bid, the rising pace of competition, and the satisfying finality of the hammer coming down. Property auctions are no longer just for developers and investors; they’re increasingly the smart choice for homeowners who want a secure, transparent, and timely sale.
At Marchand Petit, we’ve seen first-hand how the auction route can reinvigorate a property’s sale journey, particularly when a traditional listing has lost momentum. By creating a sense of urgency and competitive energy, auctions often deliver stronger results, and our recent success of Bala Brook is a perfect example.
Auction of Bala Brook
On Thursday 23rd October, our team hosted the auction of a historic Dartmoor property at Harbour House in Kingsbridge, and we’re delighted to report it surpassed the initial guide price.
This picturesque rural property had previously been on the market with another agent, but despite its charm and potential, a sale couldn’t be achieved. When the vendors approached Marchand Petit, we recommended taking the property to auction, a strategy designed to generate renewed excitement and reach a wider pool of motivated buyers.
The result spoke for itself: competitive bidding, a lively room, and a sale price beyond expectations. It’s proof that with the right marketing, professional presentation, and local expertise, the auction method can unlock the true value of a property.
Why choosing an Auction with Marchand Petit works
If you’re looking to see your home, you might be considering all your options, of which there are many! But selling at auction offers a number of clear advantages, especially when handled by an experienced local team that understands both the South Hams property market and the unique character of its homes.
While the traditional conveyancing process works well for many sellers, it can sometimes take up to 20 weeks to complete. In a competitive market, this extended timeline can leave buyers uncertain and occasionally result in sales not proceeding. Auctions address this by completing the legal work upfront, so exchange happens as soon as a buyer is found. This approach brings speed, clarity, and confidence; auctions brings certainty in an otherwise unpredictable process!
Here’s why more of our clients are choosing to sell by auction:
- Speed and certainty – Exchange of contracts happens as soon as the hammer falls, providing a secure and time-bound sale. As Stuart Cartwright, our head of Professionals & Auctioneering department, always says: ‘Auction means certainty!’
- Competitive bidding drives value – Guide prices encourage interest, but the open bidding process often pushes the final price higher, as seen with Bala Brook.
- Transparency and fairness – Every buyer knows exactly where they stand. No long chains, no uncertainty. Most exchanges complete within 4 weeks, so both the buyer and seller are able to move quickly with the sale.
- Ideal for unique or complex properties – Auctions aren’t just for homes that need a little love, or those seeking an entire home renovation project; properties of all kinds are welcome. Auction marketing helps buyers see potential and act decisively.
- Local expertise, national reach – With offices across Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Dartmouth, Modbury, Totnes, and Newton Ferrers, our auctions attract both local buyers and those seeking a slice of Devon life.
At Marchand Petit, our auction process blends traditional values, professional service, local knowledge, and integrity with modern marketing that reaches a global audience.
Upcoming Property Auctions in Devon
We’re already preparing for our next property auction, where two exceptional opportunities will be coming to market.
The first of our properties is a beautiful, thatched cottage in the heart of Marlborough, full of charm and character. Offering generous living spaces and beautifully presented throughout, retaining an abundance of characterful features such as stone-flagged flooring, beamed ceilings, and a traditional stable door, you could move in straight away; ideal for those not wanting a renovation project.
The second home coming to auction is a three-bed terrace house with immense potential, just a stone’s throw away from Dartmouth’s North Embankment. The perfectly situated abode, with views over Coronation Park, provides the perfect chance for someone to create a dream home in one of the South Hams’ most sought-after riverside towns.
If you’re interested in popping along to the auction but would like to know more about the properties, please get in touch with our Salcombe office for information about the Malborough cottage, and Dartmouth office for the Dartmouth home. Additionally, for more information about the Auction process, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with our Professional and Auctioneering Department.
At Marchand Petit, we believe auctions represent the best of both worlds: traditional integrity and modern efficiency. They offer clarity, commitment, and competition, ensuring every property is given its moment to shine.
The success of Bala Brook shows exactly what can be achieved when experience, preparation, and presentation come together under the hammer. If you’re considering buying or selling in the coming months, whether it’s a unique country home, a renovation project, or a cherished family home, our dedicated Auctions team would be delighted to discuss how we can help you achieve the same outstanding result.
Contact your local Marchand Petit office or our Professional and Auctioneering Department today to explore how an auction could work for you.