London and Country Property Auctions showcase some of the UK's most desirable auction properties and have specialist expertise in the London property auction market as well as more rural areas. A wide range of properties for sale are included in each auction, including; executive houses, luxury apartments, rural properties, and development opportunities. London and Country Property Auctions are leading property auctioneers offering: *Telephone/Proxy bidding *Online property alerts *A wide range of superior property *Numerous auctions per year Hamptons International's auctioneers provide an unrivalled depth of experience and market knowledge and can help you to secure a successful property sale quickly and easily. Selling by auction provides you with the flexibility to plan ahead and meet your own timescales. What makes a suitable property for auction? *Unusual properties *Renovation properties *Landmark or prime property *Properties abroad *Building plots *Development potential *Structural issues *Probate *Planning or legal problems The sale of property by auction is suitable for a wide range of property types from city flats, and family homes to large country estates. Hamptons International offers an extensive portfolio of UK and international property, marketed via our 85 offices. Our services include sales, lettings, residential developments, property management and mortgages. We are continuing to expand both locally and internationally, positioning ourselves as one of the most valuable residential property groups in the world. The History of Hamptons International Hamptons International originally started in 1830 when William Hampton opened a shop in Cranbourn Street, London for the sale of furniture. In 1869 the shop was destroyed by fire and Hamptons Limited was formed with George Hampton being named as the Managing Director. A satellite store was opened on Wimbledon Common. The estate agency business was then established in 1890 with an office and eight staff on Pall Mall. After a bombing raid the site moved to the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery. Hamptons continued to grow through the 1920s with the addition of a successful auction house arm which was involved in the sale of amongst other things the luxury liner the Mauritania, sister ship to the fateful Titanic and also the Cameroon islands! In 1936 the Estate Office moved to the former French embassy building on Arlington Street and 21 years later, the Estate Agency was separated from the parent company when a partnership was formed by the founder's grandson. During the 1980s there was a period of expansion and acquisition, culminating in Hamptons being bought by Bristol & West Building Society. In February 1996, Hamptons was purchased by Cluttons London Residential Agency and then in 2005 it was purchased again by Wheelock Properties (Singapore) limited. In August 2006, the global real estate giant, Emaar Properties, acquired Hamptons International. In June 2010, Hamptons International was acquired by Countrywide, the UK's largest estate agency. Today, Hamptons International offers a number of property-based services including sales, residential development services, new home sales, international estate agency, lettings, financial services, property investments, valuation, property management, corporate home search and tenancy management.