The UK's residential property auction market has seen a surge in supply, but a decline in demand, as new figures reveal that 3,493 homes were put up for sale in May – a 4.8% increase on the same month last year. However, only 2,331 of these properties found buyers, resulting in a 3.1% drop in success rates.
New data shows that despite the dip in sales rates, the total value of properties sold through auction in May reached £436.8 million – a 2.4% rise on the same period in 2025. Over the past three months (March to May), the sector offered 10,397 residential lots, a significant 12.2% increase year-on-year, with sales totalling £1.22 billion – an 8.5% increase.
Across the country, regional markets displayed varying performance, with some areas experiencing notable growth. Yorkshire and The Humber saw a substantial rise of 39.6% in residential lots offered between March and May, while London recorded an 18.7% year-on-year growth in sales, raising £243.3 million.
Scotland's auction market showed the fastest rate of growth, with sales up by 73% and funds raised more than doubling. However, the slight reduction in success rates to 66.7% in May suggests a broader trend: buyer demand struggling to keep pace with increasing inventory levels, echoing wider challenges within the UK property market.
Despite this, the auction sector remains stable, supported by a consistent flow of properties and ongoing buyer interest, particularly outside of London. With the summer months approaching, the sector looks set to maintain activity levels, albeit with continued pricing pressures and subdued buyer activity in some areas.