With increasing stock levels and strong buyer engagement, the UK property auction market has made a confident start to 2026.
As we move through the first quarter of the year, we review the latest auction data and explore why auctions remain a highly effective method of sale for a wide range of properties.
The latest figures from Essential Information Group (EIG) show that auction activity has increased significantly at the start of 2026, with growth seen across most regions and sectors. (1)
This reflects a market that is becoming more active following a period of caution in 2025, as both buyers and sellers adapt to evolving economic conditions.
While buyers remain price-conscious, the data clearly shows that demand is strengthening—particularly where properties are well-priced and offer strong investment potential.
Residential property continues to dominate auction activity, with strong demand from investors and owner-occupiers alike.
Across many regions, residential lots have seen notable increases in both volume and sales, underlining the continued appeal of auction as a route to secure property quickly and transparently.
This sustained demand is helping to support pricing levels, with competitive bidding still evident for attractive opportunities.
The commercial sector remains active, although buyer behaviour is more selective compared to residential property.
Opportunities offering strong yields or asset management potential continue to attract interest, particularly from experienced investors.
Mixed-use and redevelopment projects are also proving popular, reflecting a market that rewards strategic purchasing decisions.
Regional variation continues to shape the auction landscape, with some areas seeing particularly strong growth.
London, for example, recorded a 25.3% increase in total funds raised (£369.6M) alongside a 23.3% rise in lots sold, highlighting sustained demand in the capital.
The West Midlands also delivered impressive growth, with lots sold up 35.3% and total funds raised increasing by 31.0% year-on-year.
Across the UK, the overall trend is clear—more stock is entering the market, and buyers are continuing to engage where value is evident.
The North West remains one of the UK’s strongest and most consistent auction regions.
Between December 2025 and February 2026:
Residential property continues to drive activity in the region, with 974 residential lots sold (up 11.7%), generating £126.4 million (up 17.9%).
These figures reinforce the North West’s position as a key investment hotspot, supported by strong rental demand and accessible price points.
While the overall success rate sits slightly lower at 70.5%, this reflects increased stock levels rather than reduced demand, with buyers remaining highly active across the region.
Our March 2026 Spring Property Auction delivered another strong set of results, once again demonstrating how auction can succeed where traditional sales methods have struggled. (2)
Our team sold 32 properties, generating over £4.7 million for our grateful clients.
These results highlight continued demand from serious buyers, with competitive bidding seen across a diverse range of lots, including residential investments, renovation projects, commercial units, and development opportunities.
A clear message this month has been the number of vendors turning to auction after facing challenges on the open market—such as collapsed chains, survey issues, or difficulties selling properties in need of refurbishment.
Auction has provided a fast, secure alternative, allowing sellers to achieve committed sales within as little as seven weeks from beginning to end.
We have also seen excellent individual results, with some properties significantly exceeding expectations.
In one instance, a property achieved over £40,000 above its reserve price, demonstrating the competitive environment that auctions can create when buyer demand aligns with the right opportunity.
With strong momentum carried through from January and February, our auctions continue to attract motivated buyers from across the UK, reinforcing Edward Mellor’s reputation for delivering reliable, high-performing results for our clients.
If you are considering selling your property, now is an excellent time to take advantage of current market conditions.
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.
If you are buying with a mortgage, our in-house mortgage advisors are available to support you throughout the process.
Book a free, no-obligation appraisal today and discover how we can help you achieve a successful sale in just 7 weeks, from instruction to completion.
No matter what kind of property you are selling, we are here to help you achieve the best result at auction.
Sources
1 – Essential Auction News, March 2026
2 – Edward Mellor March 2026 Auction Results
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