The number of commercial properties available for purchase through auction (496 lots) in the UK during the first quarter of 2008 was half the number available in the same period last year, but sales rates have remained strong at 79% as private investors and high net worth individuals (HNWIs) continue to invest in commercial property, according to the latest Auction Result Analysis System (ARAS) report produced by Jones Lang LaSalle and the Investment Proeprty Databank (IPD).