The UK property auction market maintained steady momentum in September, with modest year-on-year gains in activity despite signs of growing selectivity among buyers, according to the latest data from Essential Information Group (EIG).
Across the month, lots offered rose 2.2% to 4,636, while sales increased 2.0% to 3,307, underscoring continued buyer engagement.
However, the total raised dipped slightly by 1.2% to £679.4 million, as the overall success rate edged back to 71.3%.
EIG managing director David Sandeman says the results reflected an active but more discerning market.
PRICE SENSITIVE
He adds: “Residential activity remained dominant, with lots offered up 2.0% and sales ahead 1.4%, though the total raised dipped 3.4%, suggesting some price sensitivity.
“The commercial sector performed more strongly, with sales up 6.0% and totals raised 7.6% higher, pointing to sustained investor appetite.”
The regional picture was mixed over the third quarter, with some areas outperforming sharply. Yorkshire & The Humber stood out, posting a 26% rise in total raised, fuelled by strong residential demand.
The North-West also saw solid gains, with sales up 9.9% and values 10.7% higher. East Anglia and the South-West recorded steady progress, while London and the North-East lagged behind, the latter seeing a 24% drop in total raised.
REGIONAL CONTRASTS
Sandeman says: “Local stock levels and buyer sentiment continue to shape results. Overall, the auction market remains active and resilient, with increased volumes and selective but steady demand.
“While success rates have eased slightly, buyer confidence persists, and auctions continue to provide an efficient and transparent route to market amid shifting economic conditions.”
STABLE MARKET
Stuart Collar-Brown, president of NAVA Propertymark, sayz the data pointed to continued stability, particularly given wider market uncertainty ahead of the autumn Budget.
“Since August, we have witnessed the market continue in a steady but selective upward trajectory as auctions provide a compelling route for sellers seeking speed, certainty, and a more predictable outcome,” he said.
“It is encouraging to see that commercial auctions are on the up yet again, and most regions across the nation performed well.”
Collar-Brown added that the pick-up in commercial activity reflected enduring investor appetite even as buyer selectivity remained high.
“This selectivity in demand could be determined by the wider economic backdrop of continued uncertainty, now that we are less than two months away from the Budget and with much anticipation about proposed Stamp Duty reforms for both England and Northern Ireland,” he said.
Despite that uncertainty, Propertymark expects the sector to strengthen through the final quarter of 2025.
“We hope to see the auction market expand in strength, especially if economic headwinds don’t intensify,” Collar-Brown said. “Many more people are turning to auctioning at a time when there has been an increasing number of fall-throughs via the private treaty method.”
