Specialist property lender Auction Finance Limited and the Essential Information Group have formed an alliance following a boom in the property auction sector. In December 2008 alone, more than £300m worth of property was sold under the hammer.

Auction Finance Limited and the Essential Information Group will be working in partnership to help auction buyers access finance following recent restrictions in mainstream lending, and to provide them with relevant data and statistics to assist with their bidding decisions.

The Essential Information Group works with auction houses across the UK and has selected Auction Finance Limited as its preferred partner for all finance enquiries submitted via the Essential Information Group website. In turn, Auction Finance Limited will be developing an exclusive product for Essential Information Group customers and producing a monthly Essential Auction Update newsletter.

Founded in 1990 by David Sandeman, the Essential Information Group is the universally recognised authority for data on UK property auctions, providing comprehensive monthly statistics on industry activity and full details for every lot on offer throughout the country.

Auction Finance Limited launched in late 2007 to specialise in providing finance for property professionals buying at auction. Chris Baguley has recently been appointed as director of Auction Finance Limited following his success as managing director of Bridging Finance Limited, where he is widely known for his focus on promoting clarity and transparency in the specialist short term finance sector.

Sandeman said: "The team at Auction Finance Limited are a key feature at many of the major property auctions throughout the UK and the company is known to offer a high standard of customer service together with fast funding solutions, essential for the auction market. By working together we can ensure people are informed about the latest developments in the auction industry and make the process of securing finance as quick and uncomplicated as possible."

Chris Baguley, director of Auction Finance Limited, said: "David is regarded as an ambassador for the auction sector and we're delighted to have secured this exclusive partnership with the Essential Information Group. We've been working hard to maximise the benefits for the clients of both companies. We both feel strongly about helping investors take advantage of the current opportunities in the market."