At Smart Auction UK, we often say, “We can sell anything”— and we really mean it. While most people associate property auctions with houses, flats or commercial buildings, the truth is we deal with some seriously unusual listings. From landlocked fields to crumbling castles, if it can be bought and sold, there’s usually a buyer out there somewhere.

Today, we’re diving into some of the quirkier lots that go under the hammer—and why the auction route works especially well for these tricky or overlooked assets.

What is Landlocked Land—And Can You Sell It?

Landlocked land is exactly what it sounds like: a parcel of land that has no direct access to a public road. That means no clear route in or out without crossing someone else’s property. To the average buyer, that might seem like a no-go—but in the auction world, it’s not unusual.

Why? Because buyers at auction tend to be a bit more adventurous. Some may already own neighbouring land. Others may spot a long-term opportunity to negotiate rights of access or even get planning permission. For the right price, landlocked doesn’t mean worthless—it means potential.

Other ‘Odd’ Properties That Do Well at Auction

We’ve seen it all. Here are just a few examples of unusual or unconventional lots that often find success at auction:

• Disused Public Toilets – Believe it or not, they’ve been converted into coffee shops, micro-homes, and artist studios.
• Air Raid Shelters & Bunkers – Often purchased by history buffs or security-focused investors looking for unique underground storage.
• Garages & Parking Spaces – Especially in cities, these can fetch a surprising amount and are highly sought after.
• Water Towers & Windmills – Former industrial or utility buildings can be turned into awe-inspiring homes or holiday lets.
• Houseboats & Static Caravans – Ideal for alternative living or holiday accommodation.
• Tiny Plots of Land – Sometimes sold for quirky reasons (like putting up a sign or securing garden extensions).

What ties these together? They don’t necessarily fit into the traditional estate agent model. But they do spark interest—and auction is the perfect place to turn that curiosity into competition.

Why Auction Works for the Weird and Wonderful

• Speed: Unusual assets can sit on the open market for months without a nibble. At auction, you can have a buyer lined up in just weeks.
• Competitive Bidding: Quirkiness can actually work in your favour. Bidders who fall in love with something rare may be willing to go the extra mile—or pound.
• No Need to “Sell the Dream”: With traditional sales, oddities require a lot of marketing spin. Auctions attract buyers who know what they’re looking at and are ready to take a calculated risk.

What Sellers Should Know

If you’ve got a tricky or unconventional property—don’t assume it won’t sell. We’ve helped people move on from all sorts of “unsellable” lots. The key is transparency, accurate pricing, and tapping into the right pool of buyers—which just so happens to be exactly what we do.

So whether it’s a field you inherited, a listed building in need of love, or a weird little patch of land with no real use (yet)—there’s a very good chance it belongs at auction.

Got something strange to sell?
Let’s have a chat. At Smart Auction UK, we don’t just sell properties—we solve problems.

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