Two adjoining houses close to Liskeard town centre fetched a total of £190,000 for Cornwall Council when they sold at auction.

The properties in Castle Street were available separately with regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson.

Strong bidding in the online auction sent the final prices for both properties soaring, said the auctioneer, to about double their freehold guides. Both were purchased by the same buyer.

Number 1 Castle Street – an end-terrace with two bedrooms, off-road parking and an outside store – had a guide of £45,000 plus and sold for £91,000.

Number 3 Castle Street – a double-fronted terraced house with two/three bedrooms – had a guide of £55,000 plus and sold for £99,000.

Senior Auction Appraiser David Henwood said: “There was tremendous interest in both these properties.

“It resulted in the final sale prices significantly exceeding their guides. Bidders clearly recognised the potential for letting, re-sale or even owner-occupation after improvement works.

“It was also a favourable outcome for Cornwall Council, which instructed the sale of the properties.”