The Norfolk auction scene looks set for one of its busiest years ever as a growing number of agencies expand into this sector. Regular players have already pencilled in sales over the next few weeks, and all eyes will be on the year's first TOPS Property Services event (Tuesday, February 14, The Assembly House, Norwich, 10am), with more than 40 lots to tempt bidders.

The Norfolk auction scene looks set for one of its busiest years ever as a growing number of agencies expand into this sector. Regular players have already pencilled in sales over the next few weeks, and all eyes will be on the year's first TOPS Property Services event (Tuesday, February 14, The Assembly House, Norwich, 10am), with more than 40 lots to tempt bidders.

Last year TOPS sold more than £22m of property and land before, during and after its six city sales, a success rate of about 88pc. It has already announced five further sales for 2006.

Its February event offers a wide choice of Norwich and county properties, including terraced houses, bungalows, and cottages. There are unusual entries of at least two rail crossing keepers' cottages, two lots of garages at Little Plumstead and a telephone mast site at Rackheath, currently producing £4000 annual rent.

Pictured are two distinctive lots, a high-earning Norwich investment property of student accommodation in Unthank Road (£300,000-£350,000) and a handsome Georgian townhouse at Norwich Road, Wisbech (£80-£100,000).

Interest is expected to be strong in a former ranger's cottage with garden at the heart of Mousehold Heath in Norwich. It has two reception rooms, kitchen, three first-floor bedrooms and bathroom, and needs attention inside and out (guide £160-190,000).

Another attractive Norwich lot is a former three-bedroom water authority property with good family living space for updating at Waterworks Road (£100-£120,000).

Other city offerings include an older three-bed semi-detached chalet bungalow for structural repair at St William's Way, Thorpe St Andrew (£40-£60,000), and terraced houses at Norman Road (£70-£80,000), Helford Street (£90-£100,000) Denton Road (£90-£110,000), Nelson Street (£100-£110,000) and Melrose Road (£120-£130,000).

County lots include various single properties, a former residential care home at Nightingale Close, Mulbarton (£200-£225,000) and a striking unfinished barn conversion at Tilney cum Islington, five miles from King's Lynn (£200-£250,000).

TOPS Auctions, Princes Street, Norwich has more details and is arranging open days tomorrow and next Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.