Despite the scare stories circulating at the back end of last year, of residential auction houses deserted but for a couple of spectators and a handful of derelicts who've come in out the cold, the auctioneers kicking the tumbleweed... day one of the Allsop Residential Auction sounded like the old days. We've a report of a thousand people on the day, including first-time buyers, an 86% sale rate, and properties going for way above what must surely have been some conservative guide prices. Big sales included Flat 6, 21 De Vere Gardens (Kensington) which made £1.925m (guide price: £1.25m-£1.5m). Day two... February 18, Cumberland Hotel.

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