The property auction market has stormed into 2026 with new data revealing sharp rises in supply, sales and capital raised as momentum builds.
Figures from the Essential Information Group show that 2,162 lots were offered nationally in January, up 47.3% year on year, while 1,462 lots sold – a jump of 53.1%.
The success rate improved to 67.6%, and total funds raised hit £269.7m, up 56.7% on the same month last year.
Regionally, growth was broad-based over the three months from November to January. London led the way, with lots offered up 50.5% and total raised reaching £350.2m, a 64.4% increase year on year, driven by residential demand.
AROUND THE REGIONS
East Anglia recorded a 57.7% rise in funds raised while the South-East Home Counties saw a 20.9% uplift.
The North-West remained the highest-volume regional market, offering 1,264 lots and raising £130.2m, up 23.1%, despite what Sandeman described as a “marginally softer success rate”.
David Sandeman, Managing Director of the Essential Information Group, says: “January delivered a strong start to 2026. National auction activity rose sharply across all key measures… confirming firm buyer demand at the opening of the year.
“January’s figures point to a market entering 2026 with solid momentum. Rising supply has been met by sustained demand, particularly for residential stock, while commercial buyers remain more selective.”
GROWING SHIFT
The surge in activity reflects a growing shift in seller behaviour, according to Stuart Collar-Brown, President of NAVA Propertymark (National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers).
He says: “These figures show that more sellers are turning to auctions as a secure and time-certain way to achieve a quick sale.”
He adds that auctions are increasingly viewed as “simply another effective method of sale, rather than a last resort”, with transparency, competitive bidding and fixed timelines appealing to both buyers and sellers.
“With the market continuing to shift… many are choosing not to wait months for a transaction to complete. Auctions provide a proactive alternative.”
