Allosp believe that their October auction which is to be held later this month, could prove to be the companys largest sale to date.

The two-day auction, which will be held on the 18 th and 19 th October 2006 wll feature a total of 291 lots, including 22 shops let on new 15 year leases to Johnson’s Cleaners, 9 Kwik Fits let on leases expiring in 2027 and 13 lots let to Kwik Save on new 25 year leases. The auction also includes 10 sale and leasebacks for HSBC and 23 for Threshers.

Company auctioneer, George Walker, comments: “Over the last 12 month, total returns on commercial property have averaged 21.3% and compared to savings rates of below 5% the interest from investors looks set to remain strong for high street shop, office and commercial property investments. Vendors are currently keen to offer properties at auction and appear confident that there is sufficient demand to meet the largest selection for some time.

“In 2006 a number of retailers including Barclays, HSBC and Threshers have offered large property portfolios at auction. This has served, not only to inject considerable money into the auction market, but also to raise the profile of the auction room. Consequently, private buyers are seeking to build on their success with residential property and are turning to commercial property, in particular high street retail investments. Properties such as these with strong tenants offer solid returns over the longer term and remain the preferred choice for private buyers at our auctions.”