Pictured above: 89-95 Newton Row, viewed from Pritchett Street

Midlands auctioneer Bigwood is benefiting as a trickle of distressed properties is beginning to work its way through.

Bigwood director Ian Tudor, a specialist in commercial property, said they were seeing a definite increase in instructions from receivers.

"At last we are seeing the bargains coming through," he noted.

"Previously the banks could see they had little chance of getting any sort of price, but now things have picked up a bit and they are drip feeding them into the market.

"We are seeing good value. Prices are starting to look cheap."

He was speaking ahead of the firm's July 21 auction being held at the Holte Suite, Aston Villa FC.

One of the highlights of the sale is a freehold modern factory in Birmingham whose guide price is £850,000-£900,000, knocked down from £1.5 million.

Formerly occupied by an exhaust systems manufacturer which has moved to new premises, it is located at 89-91 Newtown Row, Newtown.

"It is a big industrial complex and represents fantastic value," said Mr Tudor.

The main production area alone is 28,770 sq ft with workshops and offices taking the total to nearly 45,000 sq ft.

One definite bargain buy is a shop previously trading as Bargain Buys.

Based at 4 Deykin Avenue, Witton, Birmingham, there is a flat above. The guide price is £70,000.

If you fancy popping into the auction for a takeaway then one is available for £225,000 at 518-520 Alum Rock Road, Alum Rock, a modern freehold building with offices above.

"There should be plenty of interest," said Mr Tudor.

A tasty investment opportunity is the Tasty Fish Bar.

The shop, at 140 Commonside, Pensnett, is available for £85,000-£90,000 and produces a current gross income of £8,600 a year.

"The property is let to a well established local operator," said Mr Tudor.

And fish and chips haven't lost their appeal in West Bromwich either, with a ground floor restaurant and takeaway complete with flats above available at £450,000.

At 198 High Street, it is a freehold property with the residential side producing £12,000 a year.

"It is a well-fitted out chippie on a bustling high street," noted Mr Tudor.

Pictured above: 274-276 High Street, West Bromwich

And in the same location, 274-276 High Street, West Bromwich, is another interesting purchase - guide price £320,000.

It too is freehold and comprises shops and offices.

"It has recently been refurbished and offers plenty of opportunities for someone with initiative," said Mr Tudor.

Meanwhile if you fancy a pint after work you could do worse than look over an investment in Bromsgrove.

With a guide price of £150,000-£160,000, it comprises two units, one a fish and chip shop and the other an amusement arcade next to the Dog & Pheasant pub at 24-26 Worcester Road.

There is a current gross income of £20,000 a year.

"It is a cracking position in the heart of Bromsgrove," said Mr Tudor.

The auction begins at 11am on Wednesday, July 21, at the Holte Suite, Aston Villa FC, Birmingham.

For more information about Bigwood, please visit their website here: www.bigwood.uk.com