Top auctioneer named

Daniel Coulson, of Bayleys, took the title at the REINZ National Auction Championships this week.

Andrew North of Harcourts Cooper and Co was runner-up.

Twenty-six auctioneers competed.

Their skills are in hot demand at the moment – more properties are being sold at auction as the market strengthens, particularly in Auckland and Christchurch.

Almost 15% of properties sold nationwide in May went under the hammer, compared to 10% in April.

For the championship competition, competitors were given an actual house for sale and a few hours to prepare their pitch and research the property’s features.

Experienced auctioneers acting as bidders then battled it out.

Coulson and North will be able to represent New Zealand in the Australiasian Championships in Adelaide in October.

Nu Taramai of Harcourts Team KH won the novice section.