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Seedy joint creates a national PR coup for property firm

House full of cannabis growing paraphernalia is listed unapologetically on Rightmove by Manchester agency Landwood Group.

Nigel Lewis

cannabis

An property firm in Manchester got more publicity for its latest auction than it had expected after listing a property on its website featuring an interior packed with cannabis plants and drug-growing paraphernalia.

After being uploaded to Rightmove in preparation for its 9th December auction, the terraced house in Hyde, Cheshire came to attention of The Sun newspaper.

Its headline writers had a field day with puns such as “highest price” achieved for the property, which was listed for £45,000 but sold at £135,000, saying the agent was “dopey” to list it.

The pictures are not the usual battered former rental properties that fill many auction catalogues, but instead include a succession of huge heating ducts, growing pots, loose electrical wiring and dangling heat lamps.

But after being approached for comment, auctioneer Landwood Property Auctions was unapologetic.

It says the company handles quite a few former cannabis factory houses like this, which are sold by the government following Proceeds of Crime orders against criminals.

james ashworthJames Ashworth (pictured) of Landwood Property Auctions, said, “’We know this might look shocking to the average house buyer, but this is an end of the market that auctioneers and estate agents work in every day. It’s just very rarely spoken about.

“Landwood Group is frequently asked by receivers to sell properties at auction like this.

“’We are bound by the Consumer Protection Regulations 2008 to be completely transparent in all listings, words and pictures. This is so any potential buyer knows exactly what they are purchasing from us. It also helps place the guide price in context.”

December 1, 2020

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