Symonds & Sampson held their third property auction of the autumn in Axminster on October 10, attracting a large crowd of local, regional and national buyers as 12 lots went under the hammer.

Partner Ross Willmington said: “We expected a large gathering, mainly because there had been much interest during the run up to the sale.

"Since launching the catalogue, people have been enquiring about properties and speculating about the prices that might be achieved - and who we expected to bid for the lots. Buyers from London and outside the locality were the unknowns and prices were pushed up as a result."

Notable prices achieved were:

Seaton

• A detached house standing in a large garden with a potential for seven houses selling for £635,000 (ten per cent above the guide)

• A house for complete renovation (main picture) selling for £192,000 (ten per cent above guide)

Shute

• A bungalow set in a large garden with extensive outbuildings selling for £210,000

Dalwood

• Land that had been in the same family for over 200 years was sold in various lots, all fiercely contested with prices achieving between £10,500 to £16,800 per acre, with the most popular lots selling for 68 per cent above guide.

The Devon auction was Symonds & Sampson's third auction in three weeks. Having sold property in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire, auctioneer Mark Lewis was delighted with the results.

He said: “Considering the political uncertainty, we are thrilled with the prices achieved and interest generated."

Mr Lewis estimates that over 700 people attended the three sales - some of course out of curiosity, but many were there to buy. Invariably this leaves ready-and-willing potential purchasers disappointed.

Symonds & Sampson are inviting entries for their final auction of the year to be held in Sherborne on December 6, and planning the 2020 diary of sales. Contact Mark Lewis on 01258 473766 for more information.

READ MORE: Commercial land in Devon launched to autumn market