The summer months are generally considered to be a period of slower activity for the property industry, but data from the Essential Information Group (EIG) reveals how auction activity has remained impressively buoyant, with an increase of 3.6% in the number of lots offered during July 2025 compared to last year.
According to EIG (1), over 4,500 properties were offered for sale at auction across the UK during July 2025.
Of these lots, 3,140 properties sold, generating £662.4 million in sales, representing an 8.3% year-on-year increase in revenue.
Residential property sales have been the main driver of a buoyant auction market in recent months.
The number of residential properties available at auction during July 2025 was up by 4.2% compared to the same time last year, while revenues from sales increased by 13.5%.
This is a trend that we have consistently observed throughout the year, as improving mortgage rates and an availability of stock have increasingly drawn buyers to the market.
It is not uncommon for residential properties to sell at auction, particularly for homes sold at probate and rental accommodations
However, following the announcement of the Renter’s Rights Bill and potential changes to energy performance rules, some landlords have chosen to exit the rental space.
This has resulted in an uptick in available residential stock at auction, attracting both first-time buyers and savvy investors looking to expand their portfolios.
Competition between these two groups has inspired a highly engaged market, creating excellent conditions for sellers.
In contrast to the residential space, the commercial property market has shown signs of a cautious approach from investors.
The number of commercial lots available during July 2025 was down by 0.6% compared to the same period last year, while the number of lots sold was down by a substantial 9.2%.
Arguably, the most interesting figure from EIG’s data is the 12-month August 2024 to July 2025 analysis of commercial sales. Here, despite a modest increase of 0.2% in available stock, the number of properties sold was down by 0.6%.
This suggests that the market for commercial properties has remained cool for some time.
Indeed, according to research from Search Acumen (2), the total value of commercial property transactions in the UK fell by an estimated 49% between 2017 and 2023.
A combination of factors, including market uncertainty and higher interest rates, has impacted investment returns in recent years, meaning that the willingness to speculate in commercial property has lessened.
As an ongoing hub of activity for both residential and rental property buyers, the North West continues to perform exceptionally well at auction.
Furthermore, the city of Manchester was recently identified as one of the UK’s most attractive regions for residential investment, in part due to its high number of renters and strong presence of business start-ups.
With its large population, the demand for homes remains strong in Manchester and across the North West; however, its relatively high number of business start-ups also provides a base for a stronger commercial property market.
Between May 2025 and July 2025, a total of 1,208 properties were sold at auction across the North West, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.3%.
The total amount raised in sales during this period was £167.4 million, a 6.4% increase from the previous year’s £157.4 million.
Again, the residential property market was the main driver of the region’s growth, with a 17.0% increase in money raised from May to July.
The commercial market provides a more mixed picture, with a 20% reduction in lots coming up for sale.
However, despite significantly fewer commercial properties coming to market, demand has remained fairly constant, with 111 lots selling from May 2025 to July 2025, compared to 113 last year.
This represents a fall of just 1.8%, compared to a 10.2% drop in commercial auction sales nationally.
The term ‘Northern Powerhouse’ has become somewhat cliché over the years; however, for those involved in the local property market, the term feels increasingly apt.
The region has established a reputation as a buoyant hub for both residential and rental property buyers, consistently outperforming much of the UK for traditional and auction sales throughout 2025.
Although the commercial market remains cautious in the face of an uncertain global economy, Manchester’s strong business focus has helped to shield commercial property sales in the North West from the sharp declines experienced elsewhere.
For both vendors looking to sell with speed and certainty, and sellers looking to secure a property at a good price, the North West is increasingly the place to be!
If you are looking to sell your property at auction, speak to our auction experts today. Edward Mellor is a leading national property auction house and the only local organisation that combines auction, estate agency, and financial services under one roof.
To book a free, no-obligation property appraisal, simply contact us using the link below:
Quick Auction Links
Buying at Auction | Selling at Auction | Book a Valuation
1 – https://www.eigpropertyauctions.co.uk/news/newsletter/2025/august
2 – https://www.search-acumen.co.uk/news/billion-commercial-real-estate-hotspots-revealed/
