Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, the largest property auction house in Wales which regularly attracts hundreds of people to its sales, has moved its March auction to its tried-and-tested online auction platform due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The sale was due to take place in the Mercure Cardiff North Hotel on Thursday (March 19), but with the government now discouraging large gatherings, it will now instead be conducted online. Bidders can also bid by telephone or proxy.

Paul Fosh, the owner of the business, said: “With the increasing fears over the spread of the Covid-19 virus, we have decided to move our March sale online. This decision has been taken in light of the most recent government information regarding the virus and mass gatherings of people. The safety and well being of our clients are of paramount importance to us at all times.

"Since the virus began spreading more rapidly over the last few weeks, we immediately put a contingency plan in place for this exact circumstance, so we're fully prepared and have all systems in place to ensure another successful sale.

"The current catalogue of properties can be accessed online. All of the properties will still definitely be offered for sale but solely online, by telephone or via a proxy if you wish for us to bid on your behalf. We advise that if you were intending to attend the auction, please do not turn up to the hotel. We don't want anyone being put at any unnecessary risk.

"I will be conducting the online auction personally through a live stream. It will be just like our usual room auctions with the hammer falling in the usual way but with no-one in the room.

“If you have any other questions or would like further clarification on one of the items listed in the catalogue, please send us an email to online@paulfoshauctions.com.”

The sale will now be carried out online via www.paulfoshauctions.com.