Auction continues to deliver results for public sector property disposals

Public sector organisations continue to face increasing pressure to maximise value from surplus assets while maintaining transparency, governance and accountability. As a result, property auctions remain an increasingly popular route to disposal, providing a clear, competitive and auditable sales process that helps public bodies achieve market value with certainty of sale.

BTG Eddisons Property Auctions has worked with more than 26 local authority clients over the past 12 months, handling over 3,300 property instructions and delivering more than £50 million in public sector disposals. The business has also achieved a sale rate of over 90%, with properties selling for an average of 24% above guide price.

The strength of demand for public sector property has been evident over the past quarter. During the last three months, BTG Eddisons Property Auctions has sold 18 lots on behalf of nine different local authorities, raising a total of £3.69 million. Recent instructions have included assets from Wakefield Council, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Calderdale Council, Bassetlaw District Council and Derbyshire County Council, reflecting the continued confidence local authorities place in auction as an effective and transparent route to market.

The variety of assets entering the auction market highlights its flexibility. Recent sales have included development opportunities, vacant residential properties, surplus land, garage sites and former public sector buildings. Notable examples have included Woolley Hall on behalf of Wakefield Council, the former High Well School site in South Hiendley, land and garage sites sold for Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and residential properties sold on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council. These assets have attracted strong interest from developers, investors and owner-occupiers alike, helping to create competitive bidding environments and deliver best-value outcomes.

This quarterly activity reflects a broader trend as local authorities continue to review property portfolios, rationalise estates and identify opportunities to release capital from underutilised assets. Auction continues to offer a compelling combination of speed, transparency and certainty, with contracts exchanged when the hammer falls and fixed completion timescales providing a clear and defensible disposal process.

Demand remains strong, with our forthcoming auction featuring 18 properties entered on behalf of local authority clients. From residential and commercial assets to development land and regeneration opportunities, public sector property continues to attract significant buyer interest, helping authorities unlock value while reducing ongoing holding costs.

Talk to our public sector team

Considering whether auction could help unlock value from surplus property assets?
BTG Eddisons works with local authorities and public bodies across England and Wales, from single property disposals through to wider asset rationalisation programmes. Whether you're reviewing surplus offices, development land, vacant residential property or other underutilised assets, our team can help assess whether auction is the right route to market and guide you through the disposal process.

To discuss surplus property or a wider disposal programme, contact Javid Patel, Senior Director, at [email protected]. For advice on auction strategy, including guide prices, reserve prices and sale timetables, contact Andy Thompson, Director, BTG Eddisons Property Auctions, at [email protected].