The Allendale Centre in Wimborne was overflowing with bidders competing for building plots and renovation projects at Symonds & Sampson’s first auction of the year in March.

Auctioneer Mark Lewis was very pleased to see so much demand not only from local buyers, but also from those travelling from further afield, “We had an excellent catalogue with a number of development sites in East and Central Dorset and the response to the intense and widespread advertising was strong.

“Some prices were well ahead of expectations including a workshop in Bournemouth. This had failed to sell in four London auctions but we were inundated with enquiries. 32 people registered for the legal pack and strong bidding took the price 45% above the guide.

The star lot, however, was in Charlton Marshall – a site for two semi-detached four bedroomed houses set in about 0.29 acres. Guided at £195,000 frantic bidding quickly took the price above £200,000 and then £300,000 and after forty bids the hammer fell at £385,00, 97% above guide. The buyer also exercised the option to buy the adjoining 1.2 acres for £35,000.”