Auction House has announced record sales for July, which saw a six-year high for UK auctioneers as a whole.

The group sold 379 lots in the month, over 8% up on its previous best, and raised £38.5m.

Founding director Roger Lake said: “These record figures are not only a brilliant result for Auction House, but also a real sign of buoyancy in our sector.

“As our numbers demonstrate, regional auctions are becoming more and more popular. But it’s the increasing consumer confidence in the auction method of sale that is the important driver.

“With auction fast becoming a mainstream alternative to private treaty in the regions, the public is now deliberately choosing auctions for the speed and certainty they provide in a difficult-to-read property market.

“Far from being a last resort, as used to be the case, auctions are now becoming a first choice method of sale for a larger number of properties – which can only be good for the property market in general.”

There are now 40 Auction House salesrooms across the UK.