An auctioneer claims to be benefiting from agents failing to sell properties after seeing a record month of homes going under the hammer.

Roger Lake, founding director of Auction House, said the firm has sold more than 3,000 lots this year, already beating its benchmark figure a month earlier than in 2017.

He said October also saw the highest number of lots ever offered in a single month at 681, selling 486 of them – the group’s fourth record month in succession.

Auction House now has a success rate of 74.3%, with the value of lots sold in 2018 currently standing at more than £382m.

Lake said an increasing number of sellers are seeking out regional auction rooms – particularly for homes which have failed to sell through estate agents.

He said: “Pricing is always key – and each of our 40 regional auction rooms has an in-depth knowledge of its customer base, local property values and market conditions.

“Our regional presence means that we can recommend competitive pricing for every lot, and because we understand our regular buyers, we can work with them on post auction sales, which are a significant element of our results.

“Auctions are perfect for selling properties with short leases, houses requiring work, buy-to-lets, as well as mixed use and commercial.

“We have 30 auctions booked from mid-November to mid-December in all parts of the country – so there is still time to sell through us this year, prior to the Christmas break.”

Meanwhile, another auction business, Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers, has reported raising £28m from 180 lots catalogued for its autumn auction.

The firm, which works with 850 high street estate agents across southern England, achieved a sale rate in excess of 70%.

Managing director James Emson said: “We now look forward to our December auction – the final one of the year, which is always a festive occasion, with a host of Christmas crackers for all tastes and pockets.”