Channel 4 is set to lift the lid on the high-stakes world of property auctions with a brand-new series, I Bought it at Auction with Sarah Beeny, hosted by the renowned property, renovation and business entrepreneur. The series is a co-production from Little Gem and Knockers TV.
In a tumultuous economy overall property sales have dropped by 10% since 2019*, but property auction sales defied the odds—soaring by an astonishing 39%**. With over 35,000 properties *** going under the hammer last year, and total sales topping £5 billion****, this booming market is the backdrop for Channel 4’s latest must-watch property series.
I Bought it at Auction with Sarah Beeny explores the drama, risk, and reward of buying property at auction. From bargain terraces to sprawling mansions—and even the occasional castle—each episode follows gripping real-life stories of buyers seeking a bargain and gambling their life savings in pursuit of their dream home. But with many properties in dire need of renovation, the journey is rarely straightforward. Behind every wall and beneath every floorboard could lie a costly surprise.
Fast-paced and packed with practical tips, the six-part series will offer viewers a front-row seat to the emotional rollercoaster of buying at auction. Each episode follows those that have taken the brave leap, and will follow their experience in the months following the purchase. Some will have tales of transformation, triumph, and lucky wins, and some will tell the story of setbacks, surprises and sometimes, disaster.
Sarah Beeny, regarded as one of the UK's leading property experts, brings her trademark insight, warmth, and wit to the series, guiding viewers through the highs and lows of this increasingly more popular route to home ownership.
Sarah said, “Buying property at auction is risky and not for the faint-hearted but for those who dare, it can be an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, way to get on or move up the property ladder. I’ve always believed there is possibility in almost any piece of land or building, and those sold in auction are sometimes packed with potential - if you know what to, and what not to look for. I’m thrilled to bring viewers along for the ride and shine a light on this high risk but sometimes high gain part of the market.”
Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4 said, “Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer dreaming big, I Bought It At Auction With Sarah Beeny is the ultimate guide to the risks—and rewards—of buying property at auction. Sarah knows firsthand how to navigate the property market and what it really takes to make bold moves pay off.”
Ben Gale, Managing Director and Executive Producer, Little Gem said, “We’re excited to team up with Sarah on this dynamic new show which will pull back the curtain on the auction world and show off some cracking properties along the way."
The series was commissioned for Channel 4 Lifestyle by Clemency Green, with Director of Commissioning, Nations & Regions & Head of Lifestyle, Jo Street. The series was developed by Tammy Hale and Fred Mercer for Little Gem and will be Series Produced by Tim Brocklehurst and Executive Produced by Ben Gale and Sarah Beeny.
ENDS
*"Proptech firm iamproperty analysed data between January and July since 2019 and found the number of residential properties sold through private treaty has decreased by 10%, while auction sales are up 39%."
** "Proptech firm iamproperty analysed data between January and July since 2019 and found the number of residential properties sold through private treaty has decreased by 10%, while auction sales are up 39%."
*** “All in all, 2024 has been a strong year for the residential auctions market. At the auctions we track, over 35,000 properties were offered, around 70% sold and around £5,121m was raised.”
https://propertyauctions.news/january-2025/property-auction-market-update/
**** “All in all, 2024 has been a strong year for the residential auctions market. At the auctions we track, over 35,000 properties were offered, around 70% sold and around £5,121m was raised.”
https://propertyauctions.news/january-2025/property-auction-market-update/
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