Property Auction Activity Rises by More Than a Third – What Does This Mean for Sellers?

The UK property auction market is showing strong signs of growth, with more sellers choosing to explore alternatives to a traditional private treaty sale.

According to figures from the Essential Information Group, reported by Property Industry Eye, 4,008 properties were offered at auction across the UK in June 2026. That was an increase of 35.3% compared with June last year.

The number of properties sold rose by 31.3%, while the total amount raised increased by 33.5% to £519.7 million. The South West was also named as one of the strongest-performing regions during the April-to-June period.

These figures suggest that auction is becoming an increasingly established choice for sellers, not simply a last resort for properties that are difficult to sell.

Why are more sellers considering auction?

The traditional property market can sometimes feel uncertain. A buyer may make an offer, but the transaction can still be affected by a broken chain, a change in mortgage circumstances, a survey issue or a last-minute withdrawal.

Depending on the auction method used, selling by auction can offer:

• a clearly defined sales process and timetable;

• access to motivated buyers, investors and developers;

• greater certainty once the buyer becomes legally committed;

• competitive bidding where there is strong interest;

• a route for properties that may not fit a conventional sale; and

• an opportunity to sell tenanted property to another landlord or investor.

Auction is not only for vacant properties, major renovation projects or repossessions. It can also be suitable for tenanted investments, inherited properties, land, unusual buildings and ordinary homes where the seller values greater structure and certainty.

Increased activity does not guarantee a sale

The latest figures also contain an important note of caution.

Although considerably more properties entered auction in June, the increase in supply outpaced buyer demand. The national auction success rate therefore eased to 65.3%.

In other words, choosing auction does not automatically guarantee that a property will sell.

The method of sale, guide price, reserve price, quality of the marketing and suitability of the property all matter. A realistic pricing strategy is particularly important if the aim is to attract several serious bidders and create competition.

This is why the first question should not be, “Can my property go to auction?”

It should be, “Which sale route gives my property the best opportunity to achieve my priorities?”

Not all auction routes work in the same way

There is more than one way to sell a property through auction, and the point at which the buyer becomes committed can vary.

At Personal Economy Partners, we help sellers consider the most appropriate route for their property, circumstances and preferred timescale.

Secured Sale

Our modern method of auction route is designed to provide a structured sale with a reservation agreement and a committed buyer.

It can give buyers additional time to arrange their purchase while offering the seller more protection than an ordinary sale agreed on the open market.

Exchange Sale

Our unconditional auction route is designed for sellers who place a high priority on speed and certainty.

When a successful bid is accepted and the legal requirements are met, contracts exchange and completion will normally follow within the agreed period—often 28 days.

Protected Sale

Auction will not be the right choice for every seller.

Our Protected Sale route provides a private treaty alternative with added reservation protection, helping to reduce the risk of a sale falling through after an offer is agreed.

Any fees, legal commitment points and completion timescales should be explained clearly before a route is selected.

Which properties may benefit from an auction sale?

Auction may be worth considering if:

• you are a landlord selling a tenanted investment;

• the property needs refurbishment or modernisation;

• you are selling an inherited, probate or vacant property;

• the property has unusual features or development potential;

• you want to reach investors and cash buyers;

• you have experienced a previous sale falling through; or

• achieving a defined timetable is particularly important to you.

However, the right answer depends on the individual property. Auction can create urgency and competition, but only when the route and pricing strategy are suitable.

Helping you choose the right way to sell

At Personal Economy Partners, we do not believe every property should be sold in the same way.

We take the time to understand the property, your circumstances and what matters most to you. We can then help you compare the available routes, explain the process clearly and recommend whether a Protected Sale, Secured Sale or Exchange Sale is likely to be the best fit.

With auction activity increasing across the UK - and particularly strongly in the South West- it is a route more sellers should be aware of.

The key is not simply choosing auction. It is choosing the right auction method, with the right pricing and preparation behind it.

Considering selling a property?

Speak to Personal Economy Partners for a straightforward discussion about your property and the sale routes available. We will help you understand the options before you decide.

Property is the answer, now what’s your question?

---

Source inspiration: Property Industry Eye – Property auction activity jumps by more than a third in June, reporting Essential Information Group data, July 2026.

This article is for general information only. Auction terms, fees, legal commitment points and completion timescales vary. Sellers and buyers should obtain appropriate legal and financial advice before proceeding.