Ten years ago, I took my first step into the world of property not fully knowing where it would lead, but immediately captivated by the fast-paced, high-energy environment that surrounded me. It didn’t take long before I found myself hooked on the buzz of the auction room.
Back then, I’d get my hands on the latest catalogue a week before auction day, poring over it and trying to predict what each lot would sell for. I’d attend auctions regularly, not just out of interest, but because I genuinely loved it. That excitement, the anticipation as each property came under the hammer, and the thrill of seeing deals happen in real time, it was addictive.
The Curiosity That Sparked a Career
One thing always stood out to me early on: how did the best investment stock end up in the auction catalogue? I wanted to understand the why behind it what made certain properties suitable for auction, how they were valued, and how the process worked behind the scenes.
That curiosity led me to my next move. After leaving my first job, I joined an auction house determined to learn everything I could about the process. I wanted to understand how properties were selected, what made them “auction-ready,” and how auctioneers worked to get the best results for sellers.
On the Ground and Learning Fast
I started at the bottom taking photos and videos, hosting block viewings across the South East, and essentially being the “tea boy” of the team. But those early days were some of the most valuable. I was out in the field, meeting buyers face-to-face, answering questions, and hearing directly what they were looking for and what put them off.
I’d often revisit properties in my own time after they sold to see how investors had transformed them. I learned about the common problems they faced and the creative solutions they used to overcome them. That real-world, boots-on-the-ground experience has shaped the way I now approach every property I take on.
A Changing Industry
Over the last seven years, I’ve worked at three different auction houses and have seen the industry change dramatically.
Pre-COVID, auctions were all about keeping the room full. We didn’t know who was there to bid on what, so we’d strategically space out the most desirable lots to keep people in their seats throughout the day. Every person in that room was a potential bidder, so the busier the room, the better the chances of selling every lot.
Then everything went online.
Now, buyers must pre-register, pay a deposit, and confirm their intent to bid. We have full visibility how many people are bidding on each lot, how serious they are, and what kind of competition to expect. It’s completely changed how we prepare and how we advise sellers.
Another major change? Viewings. Previously, we relied on local agents to show properties, often splitting commission. Now, national viewing agents handle everything offering a smoother, single point of contact experience that benefits both sellers and buyers.
Launching Probate.Auction
In 2024, I hit a major milestone: I became Associate Director and helped launch Probate.Auction, the UK’s first probate-only auction house.
This venture came from years of experience and a realisation that probate properties require a specialist approach. They’re often misunderstood seen as complicated or difficult — but we’re changing that narrative.
We’ve created an auction model specifically tailored to probate sales, making the process clearer, faster, and more accessible. The response from solicitors, corporate clients, and families has been incredible.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the last decade, I’m proud of how far I’ve come from hosting viewings and learning the ropes to leading innovation in a specialised area of the property world.
In 2025, I’m focused on:
- Winning more instructions and helping more sellers get the best outcome
- Simplifying the probate process for all involved
- Growing our auction calendar and helping more properties sell for maximum value
- Using the knowledge, I’ve built from day one to now — to guide sellers through every step
It’s been an incredible journey so far and I’m just getting started.
