The national auction market maintained steady momentum in September, posting modest year-on-year gains according to the latest data from EiG (Essential Information Group).
Lots offered rose 2.2% to 4,636, while sales increased 2.0% to 3,307, showing continued buyer engagement.
The total raised eased slightly by 1.2% to £679.4m, as the success rate edged back to 71.3%, reflecting a more selective market.
Residential activity remained dominant, with lots offered up 2.0% and sales ahead 1.4%, though the total raised dipped 3.4%, suggesting some price sensitivity.
The commercial sector performed more strongly, with sales up 6.0% and totals raised 7.6% higher, pointing to sustained investor appetite.
Across the regions, the third quarter (July–September 2025) showed a mixed picture. Yorkshire & The Humber stood out, with totals up 26% driven by strong residential demand, while the North-West also performed well, with sales up 9.9% and values 10.7% higher.
East Anglia and the South-West recorded solid gains, but London and the North-East saw weaker results, the latter posting a 24% fall in total raised.
Responding to the latest auction data, Stuart Collar-Brown, president of NAVA Propertymark (National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers), said: “Since August, we have witnessed the market continue in a steady but selective upward trajectory as auctions provide a compelling route for sellers seeking speed, certainty, and a more predictable outcome.
“However, it is encouraging to see that commercial auctions are on the up yet again, and most regions across the nation performed well.
“This selectivity in buyer demand could be determined by the wider economic backdrop of continued uncertainty now that we are less than two months away from the Budget, and with there being much anticipation about the proposed Stamp Duty reforms for both England and Northern Ireland.
“Despite this, we hope to see the auction market expand in strength, especially if economic headwinds don’t intensify, particularly in more affordable markets where buyers and sellers are seeking more certainty.
“Many more people are turning to auctioning at a time when recently there has been an increasing number of fall-throughs via the private treaty method.”
