Strong growth in residential auction sales defies seasonal slump
Residential auction lots offered are up 23.9% year-on-year with activities in certain regions helping to maintain market momentum.
Latest figures from Essential Information Group (EIG) show that the UK residential auction sector saw another encouraging month in August 2025, with key metrics showing solid year-on-year growth.
Lots offered rose by 23.9% to 1,571 compared with a quieter August 2024, with sales up 15.2% to 1,021 in the same period, signalling increased buyer activity.
Total realised value also jumped by 13.5% to reach £157.7 million despite the percentage sold slipping slightly to 65%.
Affordable regions standing out
Regions such as East Anglia, North-West Home Counties and Yorkshire and the Humber stood out with double digit year-on-year growth in residential auction lots offered, while the East Midlands, West Midlands, South West and also performed well.
In contrast, Wales, the North-East and South-East Home Counties saw a decline in activity, suggesting that sellers in more affordable regions are driving much of the expansion, with auction becoming an increasingly popular route for those seeking certainty of sale.
Responding to the August 2025 statistics published by EIG, Stuart Collar-Brown, NAVA Propertymark President, commented: “In July, we witnessed fantastic growth in the residential sector year-on-year, and today’s figures further demonstrate the same pattern. The auction market has defied the seasonal summer lull that is usually seen in the overall property market and has been the busiest period that I can remember since starting out in 2008.
“However, while it is clear that many people are opting to sell by auction in the North of England and the Midlands, this is an indication that house price growth is accelerating faster in some parts of the country compared to others due to there being more affordable house prices in those regions.”
The uptick in residential auction activity suggests sellers and agents are increasingly using auctions to achieve prompt sales and avoid prolonged chains. While the slight drop in the success rate serves as a reminder that realistic guide prices are crucial, the overall message is one of confidence.
