With nearly thirty years of experience in the property industry, Mark Upston joined Auction House back in April 2019 as Area Manager of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. Having worked in estate agency for most of his career, Mark has a newfound love for auctions and now couldn’t see himself going back to traditional property sales.
“I have worked in the property industry since the early 90’s and prior to this role had always been an estate agent for independent and corporate agencies in both Middlesex and King’s Lynn.
Having been branch manager for several different estate agencies, I have a great knowledge of property and always had an interest in the auction process. When the role at Auction House came up, I jumped at the chance to finally give it a go.
I love my role - the process is much quicker and there’s a lot more clarity for the customer which is fantastic, I wouldn’t go back to traditional estate agency now.”
As Area Manager for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Mark is responsible for valuing property, conducting viewings, and preparing properties details ahead of auction.
“My favourite part of the role is meeting new people and seeing such a vast array of properties from day to day. I can go from viewing a collapsing barn and then find myself heading to a nice four bedroom detached house, the diversity is great.
One property that sticks in my mind is one in Hunstanton that needed updating throughout. I guided the house for around £150,000 and after an amazing 100 viewings, we sold the house for just under £260,000! It was a fantastic result.
For our next auction I’m taking on riverside moorings in Stoke Ferry, now that’s not something I would’ve experienced in previous roles.”
A market town steeped in history; King’s Lynn is renowned for its maritime heritage and its variety of historic buildings and architecture are a legacy to that.
“We see almost every property type you can think of coming to auction in West Norfolk - from Victorian to ex-local authority, new builds to old merchants’ houses.
My favourite type of property is Georgian, I really like how much character they have, as well as how many stories they must have to tell.
The town of King’s Lynn is a wonderful place to work, as well as buy property. It’s got a great variety of beautiful buildings, especially around Tuesday Market Place - that’s a particularly lovely area.”
Having moved to Norfolk from Middlesex to bring up his family around thirteen years ago, Mark has lived in Dersingham for the past six years and can’t see himself moving anytime soon.
“There is such a great sense of community in Dersingham, and it really does have everything you could ever need in a village. It’s got two pubs, a social club, football, and cricket club to name just a few! There’s plenty to get involved with.
We’re just ten minutes from the beautiful Norfolk coastline and only a few minutes’ walk from Sandringham Estate, so we’re incredibly lucky in that respect - we have the very best of Norfolk right on our doorstep.”
Outside of work Mark has a passion for football, enjoys playing golf when he gets the chance and spending time with his three children.
“I have been coaching football with my two boys over the last ten years and this season will be starting as assistant manager for the Swaffham Under 18’s team, which is exciting. I also like to play golf, especially as there are so many nice courses in the area. I recently played at Heacham and enjoyed the view of the sea from the golf course – what more could you want?”
Are you looking to buy or sell in the West Norfolk area?
Get in touch with Mark today:
mark.upston@auctionhouse.co.uk
