Speed, certainty, and strong results: why property auctions are set to thrive in 2026
Following a robust year for the property auction sector in 2025, leading members of NAVA Propertymark’s Advisory Panel Board have shared their standout moments from the year and an optimistic outlook for the auctioning market as it heads into 2026.
Despite economic pressures, regulatory change, and fluctuating sentiment in the wider property market, auctions continued to demonstrate resilience, delivering speed, certainty, and competitive pricing for sellers across the UK.
Below, Propertymark’s auctioning experts reflect on the year just gone and explain why confidence remains high for the year ahead.
A year of momentum and market confidence
Stuart Collar-Brown, President of NAVA Propertymark, commented:
“2025 has been a positive year in terms of lots auctioned and money raised for clients, with an increase of just under 15% across the board. Sellers continue to value the speed and certainty that an auction offers when compared to private treaty sales.
“We have actually seen some interesting quarterly fluctuations this past year with Q1 and 4 being extremely buoyant, Q3 was similar to last year with Q2 a real struggle for sellers reaching their expected reserve prices.
“The implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act has made residential investment more challenging, with many landlords choosing to sell up but facing the reality that it’s the larger portfolio landlords who are the main buyers in the market as they are less affected by market changes.
“However, while residential investors are exiting the market, we are seeing commercial investors step in. Councils, for example, are releasing garage sites and similar assets, which often provide greater longevity and stability than short-term residential tenancies, making them a safer investment – with the stand out lot for us being the most expensive commercial lot sold in 2025 outside of the M25 – a parade of retail premises selling for £4.7m from a guide of £3.6m.
“As we head into the new year, we are expecting to see more properties in need of refurbishment and commercial investments coming to auction.”
Market insight:
Across the UK, auctions continue to attract buyers seeking transparency and speed. The legally binding nature of auction sales, typically completing within 28 days, remains a key driver as market uncertainty persists.
Strong prices and growing appeal to end users
Richard Worrall, Immediate Past President of NAVA Propertymark and Advisory Panel Member, said:
“2025 has been a positive year, with more and more clients turning to auction to achieve a speedy and certain sale. Prices achieved have been strong without being overinflated, and we have seen good levels of interest across all price ranges.
“The late timing of the Budget, combined with sustained media coverage and the run-up to Christmas, undoubtedly contributed to a slower end to the year than we might otherwise have hoped for.
“Looking ahead to 2026, I am very optimistic. Buyer sentiment appears more positive, the certainty of sale at auction is becoming increasingly appealing to sellers, and we are now selling far more properties to ‘end users’ than at any point in my career.”
Market insight:
Traditionally dominated by investors, auctions are now attracting a growing number of owner-occupiers, drawn by clear pricing, faster timelines, and access to property types not always available on the open market.
Record-breaking results and digital engagement
Melfyn Williams, Past President of NAVA Propertymark and Advisory Panel Member, commented:
“Some of the highlights of 2025 included a terraced house guided at £50,000 that sold for £106,000, 112 per cent above the guide price, after attracting more than 7,000 online page views.
“Later in the year, an end-of-terrace property in Amlwch on the Isle of Anglesey achieved 38.5 per cent above its guide price, selling for £97,000 against a £70,000 guide. That property alone generated 41 unique bids and around 4,500 online views.
“As we move towards 2026 with optimism, we believe that correctly priced lots will continue to perform well, particularly when sold by experienced auctioneers with strong local knowledge and qualified NAVA Propertymark staff ready to guide clients to a successful outcome.”
Market insight:
Online auction platforms and digital marketing continue to expand buyer reach, with page views and bidding activity playing an increasingly important role in driving competitive results.
Consolidation and confidence within the sector
David Leary, NAVA Propertymark Advisory Panel Member, commented:
“2025 has largely been a year of consolidation within the property auction sector. We have seen a noticeable increase in flats and converted houses being offered at auction, driven in part by regulatory and legislative changes such as the Renters’ Rights Act and changes to Section 21.
“Many landlords have taken this opportunity to exit the market or consolidate their portfolios, contributing to an increase in auction stock, with properties sold at auction up by approximately 4 per cent year on year.
“Medium-sized, well-established auction houses have strengthened their market positions, increasing lot numbers and, in some cases, absorbing smaller operators.
“Despite this, the market remains highly dynamic. We’ve seen strong enquiry levels and a notable number of new auction houses launching in the second half of the year, an encouraging sign that points to a confident outlook for 2026.”
Market insight:
While consolidation has reshaped parts of the sector, competition remains strong, helping to drive service standards, innovation, and wider consumer choice.
Resilience in challenging conditions
Matt Burrows, NAVA Propertymark Advisory Panel Member, said:
“The auction market in 2025 can best be described as challenging but productive.
“Across the year, we saw a reduction in market appraisals and new instructions compared with 2024. This reflected ongoing price sensitivity, cautious vendor sentiment, and a market still adjusting to higher borrowing costs and affordability pressures.
“Stock became more selective, with fewer speculative disposals and a greater proportion of probate, strategic asset management, and motivated seller instructions coming forward.
“Despite this, selling performance remained robust. Well-priced lots continued to attract strong interest, particularly where reserves were realistic and guidance was clear. Demand from cash buyers and experienced investors remained consistent, reinforcing the relevance of auctions in uncertain market conditions.
“Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook is positive. Early indicators suggest renewed confidence, with the February auction already shaping up well. Improved sentiment, greater pricing realism and more stable economic conditions should support increased activity and allow auctions to capitalise on pent-up demand.”
Looking ahead
As 2026 approaches, NAVA Propertymark members agree that auctions remain uniquely positioned to thrive, offering certainty, transparency, and efficiency in a changing property landscape. With growing demand from both investors and end users, and continued professional standards across the sector, confidence in the year ahead remains strong.
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