Hammer out a genuine bargain

Buying on a tight budget or looking for a doer-upper?

- Edited by DEBORAH STONE

Property auctions could be the answer, as long as you've got the vision and skills to project manage a rebuild or at least take on a renovation.Auctions are not for the fainthearted but they can be cheaper than buying through estate agents so it’s worth looking at their online sites for a property gem.

SDL Property Auctions, for instance, has an 1800s water-powered woollen mill and cottages for sale near Aberystwyth that could be transformed into holiday accommodation with planning permission.

With a guide price of £450,000 (0800 046 5454; sdlauctions.co.uk), Lerry Mills in Talybont will be for sale during a live-streamed auction on February 26.