PROPERTY BUSINESS

A property auctioneer/valour is a specialist surveyor who advises clients on all aspects of the valuation of property (including hotels, cinemas, shops and factories) for purposes such as sale, loans, inclusion in company accounts, or compensation claims. If the property goes to auction, the auction itself might be handled by a specialist.

The auctioneer/valour will also handle auctions of personal property such as cars, furniture and other items. The greatest part of the value’s day is spent gathering information by means of a network of contacts in the locality, with the vast proportion of such work being done over the telephone.

Typical activities include: visiting, inspecting and measuring land and property; working sometimes as part of a team for complicated valuations; producing accurate, detailed written reports - a crucial part of the work, especially if negotiations between the client and the owner of the property result in legal proceedings following a dispute.

Offering advice on acquisition, disposal and investment to clients, who may range from private individuals to large organisations; marketing the auction to appropriate potential bidders; running live auctions, managing the process of bidding to keep the atmosphere lively, gaining substantial bids to reach a good price.