The UK property auction market is expected to strengthen in 2026 after a robust 2025 in which the sector outperformed much of the conventional sales market.
Despite economic pressures, higher borrowing costs and legislative change, auction rooms continued to attract sellers seeking rapid, transparent transactions and legally binding completion dates.
Industry data from NAVA Propertymark members indicates rising volumes, strong pricing relative to guide levels and continued demand from cash buyers.
The typical 28-day completion window remains a major draw for vendors wanting certainty in a market still marked by valuation gaps and fall-through risk in private treaty sales.
CHANGING STOCK
A marked shift in the type of stock coming to auction is also underway. More investment properties, refurbishment opportunities and commercial assets are appearing as landlords respond to changes in rental legislation and adjust portfolios.
At the same time, a growing proportion of owner-occupiers are now buying via auction, attracted by clarity on price and faster timescales.
Consolidation is also reshaping parts of the sector. Mid-sized auction houses have increased lot numbers and, in some cases, absorbed smaller rivals, while new entrants launched during the second half of 2025 point to a competitive and confident marketplace.
POSITIVE SALE
Stuart Collar-Brown (main picture, inset), President of NAVA Propertymark, says: “2025 has been a positive year in terms of lots auctioned and money raised for clients, with an increase of just under 15% across the board.
“Sellers continue to value the speed and certainty that an auction offers when compared to private treaty sales.”
He adds that while residential investors are exiting following legislative changes, commercial investors are increasingly stepping in, with councils releasing sites and long-income assets proving attractive.
CERTAIN SALES
Prices achieved have remained firm. Richard Worrall, Immediate Past President of NAVA Propertymark, says: “2025 has been a positive year, with more and more clients turning to auction to achieve a speedy and certain sale. Prices achieved have been strong without being overinflated.”
Digital engagement has accelerated the shift. Online platforms are drawing thousands of page views per lot and generating competitive bidding, contributing to record hammer prices in several regions.
High levels of registered bidders and multi-bid contests underline sustained depth of demand.
RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT
On the supply side, changes linked to the Renters’ Rights Act and Section 21 reforms have prompted some landlords to exit or consolidate, pushing more flats and former rental stock into auction catalogues.
Meanwhile, tighter pricing discipline has resulted in fewer speculative listings and a greater proportion of motivated sellers.
With buyer sentiment improving, greater pricing realism and expectations of steadier economic conditions, NAVA Propertymark members report strong early pipelines for the first quarter of 2026.
