Hi!
We’re Jay Howard and Piotr Rusinek—property traders with over 40 years combined buying and selling at auction. Together, we’ve turned our experience into HAMMERED, a venture dedicated to helping others navigate the complexities of property auctions.
We believe auctions are the best way to transact properties in the UK.
What We Do
HAMMERED is where our expertise comes to work for you. Our mission? To help others buy and sell effectively, minimise risk, and maximise returns. We know auctions present unique opportunities—and we’re here to help you navigate them, from active investors to those transitioning from corporate careers into property. We can advise on and facilitate deals at all stages of the auction process.
Our Offerings
1. Knowledge Sharing: Through our books, YouTube channel, and courses we provide in-depth auction knowledge and insights developed from years of hands-on experience.
2. Mentorship: Retreats and workshop programs for active investors and traders, focusing on actionable insights and strategies for today’s market.
3. Auction Buyers Club: An exclusive, invitation-only community where active auction investors connect, strategise, and expand their portfolios.
4. Advisory: Bespoke auction guidance for buying and selling, from strategic analysis to on-the-ground deal facilitation.
Our Focus
Our focus is simple: to empower our community with the insights and strategies needed to excel in the auction marketplace. We’re not here to teach in theory—we’re here to help you succeed with real-world, practical guidance.
Our Backgrounds
Jay Howard
Property Trader, Commentator and Co-Founder of HAMMERED
I’ve spent over 20 years in the UK property game, from managing thousands of high-stakes transactions at Auction House London to becoming a co-founder of HAMMERED. Some of my most memorable moments have been in those packed auction rooms, like the day we sold 61 Marville Road—a vacant, roofless property in Fulham, which I watched spark an electrifying bidding war. When the hammer finally fell at £1.275 million, it wasn’t just a record-breaking sale; it was a testament to the power of auctions and the diverse motivations driving buyers. That sale taught me something valuable: property is as much about people as it is about bricks and mortar.
My journey has led me to co-author Before the Hammer Falls, a guide for those wanting to navigate property auctions with the same grit and strategy that seasoned traders bring to the table. Today, alongside Piotr, I work with investors through Hammered and Auction Buyers Club, aiming to open up the sometimes-intimidating world of auctions to those willing to learn, strategise, and take action.
And when I’m not in the auction room? You might find me at the forge, working on my latest bladesmithing project. Swords and auctions—they both demand precision, skill, and a little bit of nerve. Let’s say it keeps me balanced.
Piotr Rusinek
Auction Trader, Property Advisor, and Co-Founder of HAMMERED
I first stepped into the world of property auctions over a decade ago in Central London, where I was thrown into my first live auction—alone, with a mandate to secure three properties for my boss. I remember the adrenaline rush of that day, outbidding a big-name estate agent on a block of flats in Maida Vale. After winning, I was immediately offered £50,000 over the sale price for one of the properties. That experience sold me on auctions; it’s a fast-paced world where strategy and nerves of steel make all the difference.
Today, I co-run HAMMERED and Auction Buyers Club with Jay, where we work to make auctions more accessible for those eager to grow their portfolios. I’m passionate about guiding others in crafting the right approach, preparing sharp offers, and understanding the nuances that only come with experience.