Interest from investors in Merseyside properties remains high as Smith and Sons in Wirral gets set to hold its final auction of 2020. Tony McDonough reports

Wirral-based Smith and Sons will hold its final property auction of 2020 early in December   with investor interests in Merseyside remaining high.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Smith and Sons, similar to Liverpool rival Sutton Kersh, has shifted its auctions online. However, recent results from both companies show a keen appetite among investors for properties in the city region.

Smith’s pre-Christmas auction takes place on December 2 and includes 20 Wirral-based lots including a number of development opportunities as well as properties ripe for refurbishment and onward sale or the option to retain as an investment.

Chris Johnson, auctioneer at Smith and Sons, said: “Purchasers are keen to take advantage of both the current Stamp Duty holiday which is due to finish in March 2021 and also the high yields available on both residential and commercial investments.”

The December catalogue contains a wide selection of residential and commercial investments, properties for upgrading and refurbishment and a site suitable for storage and garaging.

Of particular interest will be a sandstone barn in Storeton Village guided at £200,000 to £225,000. This is ripe for refurbishment and extension to create a family home.  It is set in extensive gardens in a rural setting and is an ideal opportunity for owner occupiers or builders to create a home to their own requirements.

A care Home in Vyner Road South, is offered at a guide price of £250,000  to £300,000. It comprises 17 bedrooms and could be refurbished for continued care use or residential purposes. Alternatively the site could be redeveloped subject to obtaining the necessary planning permission.

The freehold of five retail units at the Cherry Tree Shopping Centre in Liscard Town Centre have an estimated rental value of more than £35,000 a year and are guided at £150,000 to £175,000 offering a high yield in an established retail position.

Mr Johnson added: “All properties offered at this auction are set at realistic guide prices and worthy of inspection. We will be arranging viewings to comply with social distancing measures in force at the time and videos of the many lots will be on our website at www.smithandsons.net.”