House purchases completed through modern method auctions (MMoA) have risen by 14.5% in the past year, according to new data from Lomond, a network of lettings and sales agents. This trend suggests a growing interest in alternative sale routes within the UK housing market.
MMoA sales are reported to complete faster than traditional methods. Once a price is agreed, an MMoA transaction must complete within 56 days, whereas other house sales across Lomond's network take an average of 98 days.
The data also indicates that total completions for modern method auction sales have increased by 9.4% year-on-year. Regions like Yorkshire and Manchester have seen notable increases in auction activity, with properties for sale via auction in Yorkshire up 25% in Q1 2026, and auction completions in Manchester rising by 13.6% this year.
Paul Clarke, chief revenue officer for North West and Midlands at Lomond, noted that auction sales are becoming more attractive for vendors seeking speed and certainty, challenging previous misconceptions about the types of properties sold this way.