An unoccupied property in central Bath has attracted considerable attention at auction, ultimately selling for £525,000-more than £200,000 above the initial guide price of £295,000. The auction took place on Wednesday, 16 September, amidst vigorous bidding both online and via telephone.
Situated on Rockliffe Avenue, the two-storey detached home requires substantial renovation. It exhibits clear signs of neglect, including mould, peeling wallpaper, holes in the walls, and gaps in the downstairs floorboards. Despite its condition, the property offers significant potential for refurbishment, particularly due to its prime location and unique features.
Notably, the garden provides direct access to the River Avon, presenting the rare opportunity for the creation of a private jetty. This feature contributed to the intense competition among potential buyers.
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Olly Hollis, director at estate agency Hollis Morgan, commented on the sale: “31 Rockliffe Avenue attracted exceptional interest in our live online auction, ultimately selling for £525,000. Properties with direct river frontage in a prestigious location like Bathwick are exceedingly uncommon.”
He added, “The considerable scope for modernisation or redevelopment led to strong, competitive bidding, underscoring the sustained demand for distinctive properties with high potential in Bath.”
The property benefits from its central Bath setting, located just a ten-minute walk from renowned landmarks such as Great Pulteney Street and Sydney Gardens, as well as the vibrant London Road district.
Property values in Rockliffe Avenue are notably high, with Rightmove data indicating an average sale price exceeding £1,097,500 over the past year. In comparison, the wider Bathwick district recorded an average property price of approximately £721,028 during the same period.