Auction House says it has extended its lead as the UK’s number one auctioneer by selling a record 3,260 lots in 2015 – over 1,000 more (1,031) than its nearest rival.

Its sales were up 6.6% year on year, and raised £430m.

Founder Roger Lake said: “This is a stand-out performance, demonstrating clear market leadership and a genuine preference for selling auction lots through regional auction rooms, which are more accessible to local buyers.

“Local auctions are also helping to attract more sellers to our method of sale, and the number of buyers that we draw into our salerooms is growing too.

“What’s more, our records show that better prices are being delivered – sometimes exceeding those of estate agents in the area, who have tried but failed to sell the same properties only a matter of weeks previously.”

Lake added: “This year is getting off to a buoyant start as well.

“Sellers with surplus stock, including many landlords, are in a hurry to sell their assets prior to the 3% Stamp Duty surcharge coming into effect on April 1. This desire to sell speedily is complemented by a similar rush by investors to purchase before the surcharge is triggered.

“Auction rooms will likely be at their busiest during the month of February.

“There is only a short window of opportunity before the additional tax burden is upon us, so I confidently expect Q1 sales to be especially strong.