The UK property auction market continued to strengthen throughout 2025, with the latest data from the Essential Information Group (EIG) revealing rising sales volumes, higher capital values and growing investor confidence heading into 2026. Auctions are no longer viewed as a niche or last-resort sales method. Instead, they are becoming an increasingly mainstream route to market for residential and commercial property alike.
According to EIG’s latest Property Auction Insights report, 29,026 lots were sold during 2025, up from 28,253 in 2024, while total funds raised increased to £5.87bn. The figures demonstrate continued demand from investors, developers and owner-occupiers seeking speed, transparency and greater certainty during a period where the traditional property market has faced longer transaction times and increased complexity.
As a national auctions business, Bradley Hall Auctions is seeing growing activity from buyers and sellers across the UK, particularly through its specialist digital auction platform which allows investors to bid remotely on opportunities nationwide.
Helen Wall, Managing Director of Bradley Hall Auctions, said: “Auctions have become an increasingly attractive route for sellers who want a secure and efficient transaction process. We are seeing far more investors, developers and owner-occupiers recognising the benefits of competitive bidding, fixed timescales and the transparency auctions provide.”
One of the major drivers behind the sector’s growth is speed. Most properties sold via auction complete within either 28 or 56 days, providing greater certainty for both buyers and sellers compared to many traditional transactions.
The report highlights that properties requiring refurbishment, redevelopment or repositioning continue to perform particularly well at auction. In many cases, investors are prioritising value-add opportunities and stronger rental yields outside London and the South East, with northern regions increasingly attracting attention.
Commercial property auctions are also evolving. Mixed-use investments, smaller regional retail units and redevelopment opportunities are becoming increasingly popular as investors diversify portfolios and look for multiple income streams.
The continued growth of the sector reflects wider market changes. Higher borrowing costs, evolving landlord legislation and increased demand for time-certain sales are all influencing how buyers and sellers approach transactions. Auctions are increasingly viewed as a proactive strategy rather than a fallback option.
For regions such as the North East, Yorkshire and the North West, this presents significant opportunities. Investors are continuing to target areas with strong rental demand, lower entry prices and redevelopment potential, while sellers benefit from competitive bidding and reduced fall-through risk.
As the market continues to evolve throughout 2026, auctions are expected to remain a major force within both residential and commercial property sectors, providing a fast-moving and transparent marketplace for a diverse range of assets.
