The property auction market continues to evolve, with changes to rental legislation, greater levels of stock and shifting buyer behaviour all influencing the opportunities available to landlords and investors.
The latest Essential Information Group (EIG) Property Auction Insights [1] shows that residential auction sales increased across almost every region during the first half of 2026, while the range of stock coming to market has also continued to broaden. At the same time, the Renters’ Rights Act is beginning to influence landlord decisions, particularly around whether properties are sold vacant or with tenants in situ.
For investors, that creates an interesting market. There is more choice across different locations, property types and price points, but selecting the right opportunity remains just as important as ever.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduced significant changes to the private rented sector in England from 1 May 2026 [2]. Among the changes, Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions were abolished, assured shorthold tenancies moved to a periodic system, and landlords now need to rely on specified grounds when seeking possession.
It is still too early to measure the Act’s long-term effect on the wider rental market, but EIG’s auction data provides some insight into how landlords have been responding.
Tenanted property sales at auction rose sharply during 2024, increasing by 21.8% year-on-year in Q2 and 48.4% in Q3. That increase subsequently eased, and tenanted properties represented 10.2% of auction sales during H1 2026, compared with 13.3% in H1 2024 and 9.9% in 2025.
At the same time, vacant sales have continued to increase. EIG suggests that some landlords who had already decided to leave the sector may have regained possession before the new rules came into force, contributing to the number of vacant former rental properties appearing at auction.
For investors, this changing mix can create different types of opportunity. A tenanted property can provide income from the point of purchase, while a vacant former rental property may offer scope for refurbishment, repositioning or bringing the home back into the rental market.
Auction also gives landlords looking to sell the flexibility to market a property with a tenant in situ, rather than necessarily waiting for the property to become vacant.
There is certainly more property finding its way through auction.
Across H1 2026, 15,349 residential properties sold at auction, around 8.4% more than during the same period in 2025. Residential auction sales increased across 12 of the 13 regions analysed by EIG, including a 12% rise in the North West.
The price range is also significant for investors. During the first half of the year, 37% of residential auction sales were below £100,000, 58% were below £150,000 and 81% were below £250,000.
Flats are becoming an increasingly important part of this market too. They accounted for 27.2% of residential auction sales in Q2 2026, their highest share during the period analysed by EIG, with the number of flat sales up 18.1% compared with Q2 2025.
Almost half of flats sold at auction during H1 2026 changed hands for less than £100,000, while 60.6% were below £150,000.
That could create opportunities for investors looking at lower entry-price properties, particularly where refurbishment requirements, lease length, service charges or other considerations have limited demand through the traditional market.
More choice does not automatically mean every property represents good value. Legal packs, tenancy arrangements, lease terms, service charges, refurbishment costs, finance and realistic rental income should all form part of the decision before bidding.
Rental yield remains one of the most useful starting points when comparing potential investment locations, but headline yield should always be considered alongside purchase price, tenant demand, running costs and the prospects for longer-term value.
EIG continues to track average yields alongside sales volumes and average auction prices across its regional data. For context, the 2025–26 regional figures used in our June Investment Insights showed considerable variation: Scotland recorded an average auction yield of 14.4%, Northern Ireland 13.0% and Wales 12.1%, while the North West produced an average of 10.8%. London, by comparison, averaged 7.1%.
The North West’s combination of a 10.8% average yield and comparatively accessible auction prices remains particularly relevant for investors. With the average residential auction sale price in the region sitting at around £100,000 in H1 2026, buyers can potentially access stronger income returns without the higher entry costs seen in areas such as London.
These figures remain a useful benchmark rather than a guarantee of what an individual property will produce. A high gross yield can quickly look less attractive once void periods, maintenance, management fees, service charges and refurbishment requirements are taken into account.
The September EIG data also highlights just how widely auction purchase prices can vary by region. Average H1 2026 auction sale prices ranged from £55,000 in the North East and £65,000 in Scotland to £325,000 in London.
For investors prepared to consider locations outside their immediate area, online auction therefore provides access to a much wider range of price points and potential returns.
The latest figures continue to give investors reasons to consider the North West.
Residential auction sales in the region increased from 2,205 in H1 2025 to 2,459 in H1 2026, a rise of 12%. The average auction sale price was £100,000 during the first half of 2026, compared with £105,000 a year earlier.
EIG cautions that changes in average auction sale prices do not necessarily reflect underlying house-price movements, as the type, condition and location of auction stock can change considerably between periods. What the figures do demonstrate is that more North West properties are finding buyers through auction.
Combined with the 10.8% regional yield benchmark reported for 2025–26, the North West offers a combination of relatively accessible auction prices and competitive potential income returns.
There is also evidence of strong activity closer to home. Edward Mellor’s September Property Auction [3] saw 36 lots sold, with £5.7 million in total sales across residential homes, investments, renovation projects, commercial properties and development opportunities.
For investors, the appeal of the North West is therefore not based on yield alone. The region offers a broad mix of property types, different entry points and an active auction market, giving buyers scope to tailor purchases around their own investment strategy.
To find out more about buying and selling at auction, and how if could work for you, contact our friendly auction experts today.
The wider housing market provides important context for anyone buying or selling investment property.
The latest UK House Price Index [4] shows that the average UK property price was £272,611 in July 2026, up 1.4% compared with July 2025. In the North West, the average price stood at £221,445, with annual growth of 4.4%.
Asking-price data paints a slightly different picture. According to Rightmove’s August House Price Index [5], the average asking price of a newly listed property fell by 2.0%, or £7,360, during August to £364,999. That was a considerably larger August fall than usual, against a backdrop of more properties being available for sale.
It is important to distinguish asking-price data from completed sale prices. Greater supply can put pressure on sellers to price competitively, but the ONS/HM Land Registry figures show completed property values were still higher than a year earlier nationally.
Looking further ahead, HM Treasury’s August comparison of independent economic forecasts [6] showed an average forecast of 1.6% house-price inflation for 2026 among forecasts received that month. This is an average of independent forecasters rather than a Treasury house-price forecast.
For investors, relatively modest national price growth places more emphasis on buying well and assessing the income potential of an investment rather than relying solely on capital appreciation.
Sellers can still expect a good price, provided they set the right price from the outset to attract buyers in an increasingly competitive market.
For property owners considering selling, the September auction demonstrated what competitive bidding can achieve when a property is positioned correctly and exposed to the right audience.
Across the 9th–10th September auction, Edward Mellor sold 36 lots with a total sales value of £5.7 million and a 55% conversion rate.
Individual results also demonstrated the variety of properties suited to auction. A vacant renovation opportunity at 8–10 Bank Street in Hadfield was marketed with a guide price of £89,000 and eventually sold for £183,000 following strong buyer interest and 31 viewings.
Meanwhile, 74 Windermere Road in Stockport, which had structural issues, sold for more than £30,000 above its reserve price. These are individual results rather than an indication of what every property will achieve, but they demonstrate how competitive bidding can work when there is strong demand.
You can learn more about of exciting September auction results with our latest update.
Auction can be particularly suitable for vacant properties, landlord investments, refurbishment projects, inherited homes, commercial premises, land and properties where certainty of sale is important.
With contracts exchanged when the hammer falls and completion working to an agreed timescale, sellers have a clear and structured route through the transaction. Edward Mellor combines that process with over 30 years of auction experience and extensive exposure to buyers across the North West and beyond.
Our next online property auction takes place from 30th September–1st October 2026. If you are considering selling, speak to our auction team to arrange a free, no-obligation property appraisal and find out whether auction could be the right route for your property.
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Related Pages: Auctions | Book an Appraisal | Auction Finance | Edward Mellor
