The Liverpool property auction house began 2018 with a successful first auction – with more than 100 lots sold.

"That’s 80% of the catalogue - and rising," said Cathy, associate director of Sutton Kersh.

"We realised £7.8 million, which is a fantastic start to the year."

Cathy added: “February is always a good auction, but the turnout was even better than expected.

“Many properties went for prices much higher than their guide price, and there were sales across the UK, not just Merseyside.

“We are clearly getting interest from further afield now we cover a wider area including cities like Manchester and Birmingham.”

One of the properties, Lot 130, sold for more than double its guide price.

The two-bed mid terrace property in Holmes Street, Liverpool 8, had an initial reserve of £20,000, but with a lot of early bids it quickly rose to £36,000 – and eventually sold for £41,500.

“The fact that it doubled its guide price was unexpected but shows that Liverpool is becoming a hot spot,” continued Cathy. “Investors are coming here to buy – and that’s great news for the city and its prosperity.”

It proves the city is increasingly imposing itself on being part of the Northern Powerhouse.

Other successful sales included:

Lot 2: A three-bedroom end townhouse in Trawden Way, Litherland -  it started bidding at £40,000 but sold for £67,000, an increase of 67%. Lot 135: The six-bedroom property in The Close, Walton, which needs complete refurbishment, had a guide price of £70,000 but sold for £109,000.

“Last year was our best year with a total sales figure close to £50 million, but it looks like this year could top that,” said Cathy. “I would like to think that such a good auction at the start of the year is a sign of another very good year to come, which is very exciting.”

Sutton Kersh’s next auction will be held on Thursday, March 28, at the Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre. For more information, visit www.suttonkersh.co.uk/auctions or call 0151 207 6315.