Country house sales are going, going . . . gone to the boutique saleroom

Big auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s are now opting to focus on a select few items from large estate sales rather than offering full property auctions, which has significantly benefited smaller UK auction firms. This shift suggests a trend towards more personalized and boutique-style sales, catering specifically to high-end clients. The change highlights the evolving dynamics of the luxury property market, where smaller auction houses are filling the niche left by the big names.