The UK property auction market recorded another substantial increase in activity during June, bringing the first half of 2026 to a positive close.
The latest figures from Essential Information Group show that 4,042 lots were offered during the month, up 36.5% year-on-year, while 2,659 lots sold, representing an increase of 33.4%.
Total funds raised reached £537.3 million, up 38% compared with June 2025. Although the overall sale success rate eased slightly to 65.8%, the increase in both sales volumes and funds raised demonstrates that buyers remain active as more properties come to market. (1)
That momentum is also reflected across the second quarter. Between April and June 2026, 11,504 lots were offered and 7,632 sold, raising more than £1.46 billion for sellers.
For property owners, the figures point to a market offering strong exposure and access to motivated buyers. Buyers, meanwhile, continue to benefit from a growing selection of residential, commercial and mixed-use opportunities.
The national auction market is currently being shaped by rapidly increasing supply alongside sustained, although slightly more selective, buyer demand.
The number of properties offered at auction rose more quickly than the number sold during June. This placed some pressure on the national success rate, which fell from 67.3% in June 2025 to 65.8% this year.
However, with sales volumes increasing by more than a third and the total value raised growing by 38%, the broader picture remains encouraging. Correct pricing and a carefully planned marketing strategy continue to be particularly important as buyers are presented with a wider choice of stock.
Essential Information Group has also suggested that the increase in activity could partly reflect landlords reviewing their portfolios following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act in May.
As the market moves through the summer, stock levels are likely to remain healthy. Properties offering clear value, income potential or opportunities for refurbishment and development should continue to attract strong interest.
Residential property remains the main driver of UK auction activity.
During June 2026, 3,538 residential lots were offered, an increase of 33.5% compared with the same month last year. A total of 2,319 residential properties sold, up 29.7%, while residential auction sales raised £436.6 million—an increase of 31.9%.
The residential success rate stood at 65.5%. Although this was slightly below the 67.4% recorded in June 2025, the significant rise in completed sales shows that demand remains strong for appropriately priced properties.
Vacant homes, tenanted investments, probate properties and refurbishment opportunities continue to be particularly well suited to selling at auction. The process gives sellers access to a broad audience of committed buyers while providing greater transparency and a defined sale timetable.
Commercial property delivered some of the strongest year-on-year growth seen across the auction market in June.
EIG recorded 504 commercial lots offered, up 62.1%, while 340 sold—an increase of 65.9% compared with June 2025.
The commercial success rate improved to 67.5%, while the total amount raised increased by 73.2% to £100.7 million.
These figures point to considerable demand for commercial and mixed-use assets. Experienced investors remain prepared to compete where properties offer attractive yields, redevelopment potential, secure tenants or opportunities to add value through active management.
The commercial market can be highly property-specific, but June’s figures demonstrate that well-positioned opportunities continue to attract motivated buyers.
Auction performance continues to vary across the country, with local demand, property type and pricing strategy all influencing results.
London delivered another strong quarter between April and June. A total of 703 lots sold, up 32.6%, while the regional success rate reached 74.3%. Auctions in the capital raised £310 million, an increase of 27.1% year-on-year.
The South West also performed strongly, with 849 lots sold and a success rate of 72.3%. Total funds raised increased by 28.9% to £165.7 million.
Yorkshire and the Humber recorded particularly strong growth in residential activity. Overall sales rose by 35.9%, while the regional success rate improved from 65.8% to 68.7%.
Other regions experienced greater pressure on success rates as supply increased. This underlines the importance of setting realistic guide and reserve prices, particularly where buyers have a larger selection of properties from which to choose.
The North West remains one of the UK’s largest and most active regional auction markets.
Between April and June 2026, 1,780 lots were offered across the region, an increase of 22.9% year-on-year. A total of 1,185 properties sold, up 16.3%, raising £138.2 million for sellers.
Residential property continued to underpin the market. During the quarter, 1,637 residential lots were offered and 1,100 sold, representing increases of 23% and 17.8% respectively. Residential auction sales raised £121.4 million.
Commercial stock also increased, with 143 lots offered, up 22.2%. A total of 85 commercial lots sold, raising £16.8 million.
The overall North West success rate eased from 70.4% to 66.6%. This appears to reflect the sharp increase in available stock rather than an absence of buyer demand, with the region still recording considerably more completed sales than during the corresponding period last year.
For North West sellers, the figures reinforce the value of an accurate pricing strategy and comprehensive pre-auction marketing campaign. Properties that are positioned correctly continue to attract committed buyers and competitive bidding.
Our 22nd–23rd July online property auction generated £4.4 million in property sales, with 30 lots successfully sold. (2)
Several properties attracted strong competition and achieved excellent results above their guide prices, demonstrating that motivated buyers remain active across the North West auction market.
As we approach the traditionally busy autumn sales period, now is an excellent time for owners to bring their property to auction. Increased buyer activity during the autumn peak can help well-priced properties attract greater interest, competitive bidding and a secure sale within a defined timescale.
With contracts exchanged when the property sells and completion typically taking place within 28 days, selling through Edward Mellor Auctions offers speed, certainty and access to committed buyers.
Current market conditions continue to offer opportunities for sellers.
National auction sales and funds raised have increased considerably, while the North West remains one of the country’s busiest regional markets. Buyers are actively searching for residential investments, commercial assets, development opportunities and properties requiring refurbishment.
As stock levels rise, an accurate valuation and carefully planned pricing strategy are becoming increasingly important. Our experienced auction team will assess your property, recommend an appropriate guide and reserve price, and market it to our established database of active 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 secure a committed buyer within a defined timescale.
Edward Mellor has been helping people buy and sell property at auction for more than 30 years.
Our dedicated and experienced team, extensive buyer database and proven property auction process allow us to sell almost any type of property, in any condition.
Sources
1 – Essential Auction News – July 2026 Newsletter
2 – July 22nd–23rd 2026 Auction Success Stories
Related Pages
