John Townsend

Head of the Auction Advisory Service

Working closely alongside the Commercial Property Investment and Auction teams, I offer a bespoke service to clients and investors considering buying a commercial property at auction.  I  provide expert advice and assistance by drawing upon my vast experience of the auctions sector and combining this with the legal expertise of Harold Benjamin.

I also help clients of the firm source and identify suitable properties for purchase at auction.

Experience

I have worked in the auction industry for more than 31 years.  During my career I have gained widespread experience in the sale of all types of commercial property across the UK.  My team and I were the market leaders in sale and leasebacks by auction and acted for most of the major high street banks and building societies including Lloyds/TSB, Barclays, HSBC, Halifax/Bank of Scotland, Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank amongst others and also for other major occupiers including Woolworths, Boots, WHSmith, Kwik-Fit and Threshers.

As one of the UK’s most renowned and respected auctioneers, I was previously the Head of Auctions and principal auctioneer at Edward Erdman (later Erdman Lewis), Healey & Baker (later Cushman & Wakefield) and, most recently, CBRE.

I have been on the rostrum for 153 auctions and have offered a total of 7,157 properties realising a total of £3.6 billion.

Awards, Accreditations and Professional Bodies

Bachelor of Science (BSc), in Estate Management from the Thames Polytechnic

Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Vice Chair of the RICS Auctioneering Committee and the Magic Lantern Society.

Life Outside the Law

I have a deep interest in Victorian magic lanterns and enjoy salmon fishing.

Contact Details

Direct Dial: 020 8872 3059
Email:          john.townsend@haroldbenjamin.com