UK auction activity remains strong as the spring market gathers pace
The UK property auction market continued to build momentum in March, with more stock coming to market and buyer demand remaining resilient.
The latest figures from Essential Information Group show 2,897 lots sold during the month, up 20.3% year-on-year, while total funds raised reached £559.1 million, an increase of 16.6%. (1)
With the overall sale success rate holding at 68.6%, the latest data points to a market that is not only more active but still highly responsive to well-priced opportunities.
That strength is reflected across the first quarter as a whole. Between January and March 2026, 7,738 lots were sold at auction, raising £1.49 billion for sellers.
This confident start to the year is encouraging news for sellers, while buyers will also benefit from the availability of residential, commercial and mixed-use stock.
The current national auction market is defined by a balance between rising supply and sustained demand.
Auction activity strengthened in March in line with the usual seasonal uplift ahead of the end of the financial year, but buyer engagement has remained steady even as volumes have increased.
That suggests confidence is improving, particularly where properties are guided sensibly and offer clear value.
It is likely that stock levels will remain strong in the near future. With the Renters Rights Act due to come into effect in May, there may be an additional wave of landlord disposals as some owners choose to sell ahead of the changes.
While the longer-term impact remains uncertain, landlord disposals could help keep auction stock levels elevated in the weeks ahead.
Residential property remains the main driver of auction activity across the UK. In March 2026, 3,776 residential lots were offered, up 19.2% on the same period last year, while 2,582 sold, representing a 19.6% increase.
Total residential funds raised reached £430.9 million, up 13.5%.
These figures reinforce the continued appeal of property auctions for residential sellers and buyers alike. From investment opportunities to refurbishment projects and vacant homes, auction continues to provide a fast, transparent and reliable route to sale.
Commercial auction activity also strengthened in March, with several key metrics outpacing residential growth.
EIG recorded 446 commercial lots offered, up 22.9%, while 315 sold, up 26.5%. The commercial success rate improved to 70.6%, and total funds raised increased by 28.2% to £128.2 million.
That points to continued appetite for commercial and mixed-use property, particularly where assets offer strong yields, redevelopment potential or clear asset management opportunities.
It is another sign that experienced buyers remain active when the right stock comes to market.
Regional performance continues to vary, but the broader market picture remains positive.
London and the West Midlands both delivered strong growth in volumes and improved success rates, while regions such as Yorkshire and the North East saw supply rise more sharply, which in turn placed some pressure on success rates despite higher sales volumes.
As ever, regional dynamics matter. Local demand, pricing strategy and property type continue to play an important role in determining performance, particularly in a market where stock levels are rising.
The North West remains one of the UK’s strongest and most active auction regions.
Between January and March 2026, 1,522 lots were offered, up 15.4% year-on-year, while 1,071 sold, an increase of 14.1%. Over the same period, the region raised £141.1 million, up 10.8%.
Residential property continues to underpin the North West market, with 979 residential lots sold, up 13.6%. Commercial performance was also particularly strong, with 92 commercial lots sold and commercial funds raised rising by 56.1% to £26.6 million.
Although the overall success rate eased slightly to 70.4%, that appears to reflect increased stock levels rather than weaker buyer demand.
Our latest auction delivered another strong set of results in March, underlining the continued demand we are seeing across the market. We sold 44 lots, achieved a 67% success rate, and raised £6.1 million for our clients. (2)
Those results were driven by competitive bidding across a wide range of properties, including residential investments, commercial opportunities and development stock.
For example, bidding for Grosvenor Street, Denton, pushed the final sale price to £134,000 against a £114,000 reserve. At Waterloo Road, Romiley, strong early interest generated 37 viewings and 60 legal pack downloads in just 10 days, before 107 bids drove the final sale price to £205,000 against a £100,000 reserve.
We also sold a commercial premises on Bridge Street, Warrington, for £35,000 above reserve.
These results continue to show that auction works especially well where speed, certainty and transparency matter most. Whether a seller is dealing with a tenanted property, a refurbishment project, or simply wants a secure timescale and committed buyer, auction remains a highly effective route to sale.
Contracts are exchanged on the fall of the hammer, with completion typically following 28 days later.
“It has been a strong start to the year across the auction market, with momentum building right through the first quarter. At Edward Mellor Auction, we’re now looking ahead to what is shaping up to be a record-breaking April auction in terms of lot numbers,” says Louise Buttery, Head of Auction.
“The demand is there, the market is active, and we expect this trajectory to continue.
If you’re considering your next move, now is the time to act. Call us, talk to us about your plans and the market, and let’s see how we can help you make the most of the current conditions.”
If you’d like to speak to the team, reach us on 0161 820 4658.
Current market conditions remain encouraging. With strong national auction activity, steady buyer engagement and the North West continuing to perform well, auction remains a compelling option for sellers looking for speed, clarity and committed buyers.
If you are considering selling a property at auction, get in touch with our team for a free, no-obligation appraisal and find out how we can help you achieve a successful sale.
Edward Mellor has been helping people to buy and sell at auction for over 30 years. Our dedicated, experienced team and our proven auction process allow us to sell any property, in any condition.
Sources
1 – Essential Auction News – April 2026 Newsletter
2 – March 2026 Auction Results
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