The UK property auction market closed 2025 with record levels of activity as rising supply and sustained investor demand pushed sales volumes and funds raised to their highest levels on record.
Figures from the Essential Information Group (EIG) show that December delivered a particularly strong finish to the year, with national auction activity accelerating across all key measures.
The number of lots offered during the month rose by 14.2% year on year, while lots sold increased by 15.1%.
Over the full year, auctioneers brought a record 41,628 lots to market, with 28,975 successfully sold – the highest annual total ever recorded. Total funds raised reached £5.9 billion, up 7.1% on the previous year, reflecting both higher transaction volumes and rising capital values.
RECORD BREAKING
David Sandeman, Managing Director of the Essential Information Group, says: “December delivered a strong finish to the year. National auction activity accelerated across all key measures, with lots offered in the month up 14.2% year on year, and an increase of 15.1.% for lots sold.
“Looking at the full year, 2025 saw a record 41,628 lots offered and 28,975 lots sold, the highest annual total on record. Total funds raised climbed to £5.9 billion, up 7.1%, confirming sustained demand in the sector.”
At a regional level, the final quarter showed broad-based growth, led by London, the South-East Home Counties, the South-West, and the North-West Home Counties.
London stood out, with lots offered up 25.9% and total raised jumping to £400.2 million. The South-West also delivered strong growth, with lots sold up 33.9% and funds raised up 19.1%.
The North-West remained the highest-volume regional market, selling 1,032 lots in the quarter.
While some regions such as the North-East and parts of the North-West Home Counties saw softer success rates, higher supply and rising capital values helped offset these pressures, keeping overall quarterly totals firmly ahead of last year.
NEW BENCHMARKS
Sandeman adds: “The year-end data confirms that 2025 set new benchmarks for auction supply and sales volumes. A record number of lots were brought to market, and sales volumes reached their highest level to date.
“The strength of supply and the way the year closed suggest that a 30,000-lot sales year is now within reach, with 2026 shaping up as a potential candidate to see that milestone delivered.”
RENEWED CONFIDENCE
Stuart Collar-Brown, NAVA Propertymark President, says: “Considering the Autumn Budget cast considerable uncertainty over the housing market in general before November 2025, today’s figures indicate the renewed confidence in buyers and sellers as they opted to auction their properties once that unease was lifted after the Budget was announced.
“Auctions provide a fast, transparent route to sale and can bring forward properties that might otherwise remain unsold, helping to maintain momentum at a time when buyers and sellers are looking for greater certainty.
“Auctions are increasingly being used not just by investors, but by a broader range of sellers who value the clarity of a fixed timescale and a clear understanding of price. This can be particularly effective for properties that require refurbishment, are chain-free, or suit cash and mortgage-backed buyers who are ready to move quickly.”
UNLOCKING STOCK
And he adds: “Rising auction activity also demonstrates that the market continues to function and adjust to changing conditions.
“By offering an alternative pathway to sale, auctions support liquidity, encourage engagement from committed buyers, and help unlock stock that contributes to overall market activity.
“As part of a diverse housing market, auctions play an important role alongside traditional sales, providing choice and flexibility for consumers and supporting continued movement across the sector.”
