An auction of homes in York and North Yorkshire raised more than £1 million in 40 minutes, it was disclosed today.

It brings the total sum generated through house auctions at eight events organised at York Racecourse by York-based Hunters the estate agents to more than £10 million since they began two years ago.

Among the houses that went under the hammer was a corner property in Fetter Lane, York, which had not been renovated for 35 years and had neither a bathroom nor a kitchen.

Auction director John Waterhouse said that while the asking price was £150,000 it sold for £154,000 to a "small developer". He said: "There were a lot of investors looking to buy, renovate, and re-sell, and the Fetter Lane property, just off Skeldergate was one of the big bargains, even though it had not been touched for 35 years and was in need of comprehensive improvements and modernisation."

The next auction at York Racecourse will be on June 2.

Updated: 11:36 Wednesday, March 23, 2005