wrote
| Usually the auctions are local, but I do remember seeing one
| programme where a property up north was auctioned in the midlands. ...
| I thought it strange at the time that the property was auctioned
| hundreds of miles away ...

The bulk of auctioned property is/was mortgage repossessions. They aren't
aimed at the general/local market but are often bought for investment by
people who will refurbish before letting or resale, often buying unseen or
on their local agent's report. (They can take that risk, I do NOT advise
that strategy for an individual buyer.) The repossession agencies will use
only a few auction houses for all its properties countrywide.

Owain