The latest auction data from the Essential Information Group provides a valuable snapshot of the UK property auction market, with 4,424 lots offered and 2,864 sold during July 2026, generating almost £540 million in sales.
While July was softer than the same period last year, the wider market continues to show healthy levels of activity. Over the past 12 months, more than 44,000 lots have been offered, with total funds raised exceeding £6 billion.
A strong underlying market
Between May and July 2026:
- 12,465 lots were offered – up 10.3%
- 8,267 lots sold – up 6.2%
- 66.3% achieved a sale
- £1.625 billion was raised – up 1.8%
Over the wider 12-month period, lots offered increased by 11.7%, while total funds raised rose by 8%.
The figures highlight the continued importance of auction as a route to market, despite some month-to-month fluctuations in sales rates.
Commercial auctions show particular momentum
Commercial property is one of the strongest areas of growth.
Between May and July, 1,526 commercial lots were offered, an increase of 21.3% on the previous year. Sales increased by an even stronger 23.9%, with 1,061 properties sold.
The commercial success rate also improved to 69.5%, while £301 million was raised – up 3.8%.
Over the past 12 months, commercial activity has continued to expand:
- Lots offered: +12.5%
- Lots sold: +11.5%
- Total raised: +3.4%
This growth reflects the increasing role of auction for commercial property, offering sellers a defined sales process while giving investors access to a wide range of opportunities.
Residential remains the dominant auction market
Residential property continues to account for the majority of auction activity.
Between May and July, 10,939 residential lots were offered, up 8.9%, with 7,206 sold.
Although the percentage sold fell from 69% to 65.9%, the market generated £1.324 billion during the period.
Looking at the past year, 39,635 residential lots were offered, an increase of 11.6%, while total funds raised reached £4.99 billion, up 9.1%.
The continued volume of residential stock demonstrates that auction is increasingly being considered for a broad range of properties, rather than being limited to distressed or unusual assets.
Regional markets tell different stories
There were significant variations across the UK, highlighting the importance of understanding local market conditions.
London
London recorded particularly strong growth between May and July, with lots offered increasing by 24.5% and sales by 26.7%.
The success rate reached 75.3%, while total funds raised increased by 18.1% to £342.5 million.
South West
The South West recorded some of the strongest commercial growth nationally.
Commercial lots offered increased by 102.9%, while sales rose by 121.8%. The commercial success rate reached 80%, compared with 73.2% the previous year.
Total commercial funds raised increased by an impressive 96.8% to £46.7 million.
Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber also saw strong growth in transaction volumes.
Between May and July:
- Lots offered increased 16.6%
- Lots sold increased 15.3%
- Residential lots offered increased 18%
- Residential lots sold increased 17%
The region generated £89.6 million, although this was down 19.3% year-on-year, indicating that increased transaction volumes have not necessarily translated into higher average sale values.
What does this mean for sellers?
With more than 44,000 lots offered nationally over the past 12 months, auction has become an increasingly established route for selling property.
It can offer:
- A clearly defined sales process
- Greater transparency around buyer demand
- Competitive bidding
- A clear timetable
- The potential for a faster transaction
- Access to specialist investors and property buyers
However, the figures also demonstrate that pricing and positioning remain crucial. With the national percentage of lots sold falling compared with last year, achieving the right outcome depends on setting an appropriate guide price, creating strong marketing exposure and reaching the right buyers.
What does this mean for buyers?
For investors and property buyers, the growth in auction stock means an expanding pool of opportunities across both residential and commercial markets.
These can include:
- Investment properties
- Development opportunities
- Commercial buildings
- Land
- Properties requiring refurbishment
- Vacant or alternative-use properties
- Assets where a traditional sale may not be the most suitable route
As always, preparation is essential. Buyers should complete their due diligence, review the legal pack and ensure they have the necessary finance and funds in place before bidding.
The bigger picture
The July figures point to a UK auction market that is active, growing and increasingly selective.
The volume of property entering the auction market continues to rise, while commercial auctions in particular are experiencing significant growth. At the same time, the lower percentage of lots selling highlights the importance of realistic pricing and effective marketing.
For sellers, this reinforces the need to work with an auctioneer that can maximise exposure and attract the right buyers. For investors, the growing volume of stock provides an increasingly broad range of opportunities.
As the auction sector continues to evolve, it is becoming an increasingly important part of the wider UK property market.
At Bradley Hall Auctions, we are seeing first-hand the opportunities this changing market presents, with a focus on maximising exposure, attracting competitive bidding and achieving the strongest possible result for sellers.
To book a no-obligation discovery call with our Auctions Manager, Louise McMorran, click here.
