Purpose

The authority is seeking to procure a specialist property auctioneer to assist in the disposal of authority properties no longer required by the authority.

The provider will be capable of assessing the suitability of vacant properties for auction, advising on reserve and guide prices, conducting viewings with prospective purchasers, and marketing the property before ultimately auctioning the property and negotiation of post auction sales as required.

It is estimated that approximately 10-20 properties are required to be sold via auction per annum but this, as well as the value of property being auctioned, can vary significantly each year.

The procurement is a renewal of a long-existing rolling agreement, managed by the authority's Estates department. The intention is to contract with a single provider on a framework basis for an initial term of two years, with the option to extend the term for any number of defined periods up to a maximum of a further two years.

The authority will not be charged a fee by the provider for provision of the services. Instead, the fee will be paid for by the buyer of the property following sale.

Decision

Gary Pearse, Head of Estates, took a decision to approve the commence procurement exercise for appointment of specialist property auctioneers.