After all the preceding hype, Eddisons finally sold the birthplace of the Bronte sisters during its latest Leeds auction, which was held at Elland Road football stadium on Monday 25th June.
The Grade II listed four bedroom home, which was put on the market by retiring author, Barbara Whitehead, failed to reach its £180,000 reserve in the room, but was sold immediately afterwards to an anonymous property investor, who felt it offered a good buy at that price. Plans for the future of the property remain unclear.
Away from the media interest in the star lot, the remaining 113 properties offered performed well. 64 per cent were sold (including sold priors and sold afters) raising £12.6million.
Auctioneer, Tony Webber commented; “One of the most interesting statistics of the day is the number of sold priors, which stood at 17. The reason for this high amount is that we are now actively assessing pre-auction offers and advising clients to sell if we deem the sum offered represents the best possible outcome.”
“That said, and despite recent interest rate rises, the market is in rude health. Lenders are more than willing to provide finance, pension funds and other forms of investment simply aren’t performing and, as a result, bricks and mortar still represents the most attractive investment option. Although for those wishing to make money from the market by selling property they need to be aware that they are dealing with savvy investors who will not spend over the odds – a fact that has led to our policy concerning pre-auction offers.”
Amongst the most interesting properties to sell were:
Lots 6 & 7: The Gatehouse, 103 Boroughbridge Rd, York & Fieldmoor Lodge, Littlemoor Rd, Pudsey, Leeds
Two portfolios of ground rents producing annual incomes of £1,800 and £4,800 respectively.
GUIDE PRICE (Lot 6): £22,000 plus SOLD FOR: £31,500
GUIDE PRICE (Lot 7): £65,000 plus SOLD FOR: £86,000
Lot 48: 43 Wetherby Road, Leeds, LS8 2JU
A unique, substantial detached period residence designed by the architect, Carby Hall was responsible for designed the Roundhay Park Estate in Leeds. Arranged in six, self-contained and tenanted apartments the property currently produces an annual income of £33,714.
GUIDE PRICE: £600,000 plus SOLD FOR: £653,000
Lot 53: 72-74 Market Street, Thornton, Bradford, BD13 3HF
The birthplace of the Bronte family, this Grade II listed terraced house has been used as a butcher’s and a restaurant in the years since the Bronte’s residency, features four bedrooms, three staircases and a split level dining room with front sitting room – the room in which the Brontes were born.
GUIDE PRICE: £200,000 plus SOLD FOR: £180,000
Eddisons next auction takes place in Leeds on Thursday 26th July, 2007.