In our March 2025 livestream auction, we listed a freehold end of terrace house in the residential area of Southway, Plymouth. Guided at £80,000, the property was in very poor condition and required refurbishment throughout.
Our winning bidder managed to close the deal at £109,000, securing a promising renovation project with the plan to resell once restoration work was complete. When asked if this was his first time buying at auction, David Johnson, explained: “I have done auctions before but not for 12 years, although I have registered to bid on previous properties and watched the process. He added: “The auction process on the day was very well run and correspondence after was easy.”
For a first-time auction buyer, David snapped up a property ripe for transformation, benefiting from two double bedrooms and both front and rear gardens. With so much revitalization potential, David explained his plans were: “Always to sell on”.
As with all redevelopment projects, even the best-planned can encounter unforeseen challenges.
“Although the house was only a smallish two-bedroom it was in a very poor state when I took it on, there was no heating at all which proved a bit problematic as there were concrete floors downstairs and joists running the wrong way upstairs.”
David also commented: “The garden proved a massive undertaking, and I would maybe advise anyone that a house and a garden renovation needs some thought." He added: “Also, vacant possession does not necessarily mean what it says as there was 40 years’ worth of possessions left in the house (which cost over £1000 and two full weeks to clear before we started.”)
The effort delivered outstanding results, breathing new life into the property and unlocking it’s true potential. Stylish and neutral tones have been used to give the property a timeless and versatile appeal with a modern and welcoming feel. “A bonus was there was always good access and parking next to the property.”
When asked how he found the overall experience buying at auction, David summarised: “I am more than happy and will be using Auction House in the very near future.”
If David’s first-time auction success story inspires you, get in touch with the Auction House South West team today to start your own property journey. Sign up now to receive the latest updates on South West properties and be added to our exclusive catalogue list.
