Bidding Wars in Cornwall: Property Auctions See Houses Sell for Double Their Guide Price

Cornwall’s property market showed strong demand as bidders snapped up homes and land at auction, with some properties selling for twice their guide price. The first auction of 2025 by Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers saw high interest in homes across the county, including Looe, Launceston and Bodmin.

Looe Homes Attract Competitive Bidding

In Sandplace, near Looe, a characterful two-bedroom cottage at Council Cottages was a standout sale, fetching £116,000—double its freehold guide price of £50,000 to £60,000. The property boasts views over the scenic Looe Valley Line, making it an attractive prospect for buyers.

Meanwhile, in Pelynt, about four miles from Looe, a three-bedroom semi-detached house needing extensive improvement work sold for £77,000. Its guide price had been set at £50,000 plus.

Auction Appraiser James Lofthouse commented:

“The house requires a comprehensive programme of improvement works, after which the new owner has a number of options. These include letting as an investment property, placing it back on the market for sale or owner occupation.”

Launceston Land and Bungalows See Strong Sales

Buyers also showed strong interest in land and homes in Launceston. A 0.11-hectare (0.28-acre) plot off Trecarn Close, placed in the auction by Cornwall Council, sold for £13,000—more than double its freehold guide of £5,000 plus.

Two semi-detached bungalows on Hellescott Road in North Petherwin, both in need of major refurbishment, also attracted buyers. One sold for £56,500, while the other fetched £42,000. Both had been listed with a freehold guide of £27,500 plus.

Bodmin Sees Two Homes Sell on the Same Road

Two end-terraced houses in Margaret Crescent, Bodmin, were listed at £50,000 plus each and saw competitive bidding. One sold for £68,500, while the other went for £56,000.

James said:

“These houses drew keen interest. The new owners may wish to use them for lettings as investment property or for owner-occupation.”

More Auctions Ahead

Clive Emson Auctioneers, which has a regional office in Exeter, was recently named Residential Auction Service of the Year at The Negotiator Awards 2024, often called the Oscars of the UK’s residential agency sector.

Their next auction concludes on 20th March, with bidding live 48 hours beforehand. Lot entries close on 24th February, and the full catalogue will be available online from 27th February.

For more details, visit Clive Emson Auctioneers.