Residential property auction sales increased across 12 of the UK’s 13 regions during the first half of 2026, according to new data from EIG’s Property Auction Insights report.
The figures reveal a broadening market with flats accounting for an increasing share of transactions, while average sale prices varied significantly across regions.
Flat sales reach record share
Flats represented 27.2% of residential auction sales in the second quarter of 2026, the highest level recorded in the period analysed. Quarterly flat sales have approximately doubled since 2021.
Flat sales in the first half of 2026 were 18.1% higher than the same period in 2025, with 11 of 13 regions recording increases. Yorkshire & The Humber saw the largest percentage rise at 29%, followed by London at 27.6%.
Almost half of flats sold at auction in the first six months of 2026 achieved prices below £100,000, while 60.6% sold for under £150,000 and 79.2% for less than £250,000.
EIG noted that factors including lease length, service charges, ground rents, cladding, building safety requirements and major works can affect buyer appetite and mortgageability. The auction route provides an alternative sales channel for properties facing challenges in conventional markets.
Regional variations
London recorded the strongest growth among larger markets with sales up 24%, followed by Yorkshire & The Humber and the North-West, both up 12%. The South West increased by 11% and the North East by 10%.
Scotland recorded a 21% rise from a smaller base, while Wales was the only region to record a decline, with residential sales down 8%.
Average auction sale prices ranged from £55,000 in the North-East and £65,000 in Scotland to £325,000 in London. Most regional averages showed slight decreases compared to the same period in 2025.
Across all sales, 37% of residential auction properties in the first half of 2026 sold below £100,000, 58% below £150,000 and 81% below £250,000.
Tenanted properties and market flexibility
Tenanted properties accounted for 10.2% of residential auction sales in the first six months of 2026, compared with 9.9% in the same period in 2025 and 13.3% in the first half of 2024.
EIG stated it is too early to assess the longer-term impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on auction activity within the private rented sector, though auction remains an established route for landlords looking to sell with tenants in situ.
Stuart Collar-Brown, President of NAVA Propertymark, said: “EIG’s latest report reflects how auction has firmly established itself as an important part of the property market. For sellers, it can provide speed and certainty, while for buyers it can open up opportunities to purchase a wide range of property.”
He added: “As auction becomes more familiar to the public, it is important that consumers understand what makes the process different from a traditional sale. Buyers should have access to clear information about the property, the legal pack and any additional costs, so they can bid with confidence and know exactly what they are committing to.”
Market implications
The data suggests the auction market is attracting properties that may face obstacles in traditional sales channels, particularly flats with leasehold complications or building safety concerns. The price distribution indicates auctions continue to serve the lower to mid-range market segments, with the majority of sales below £250,000.
The growth across most regions, combined with the increase in flat sales, indicates the auction channel is expanding its reach beyond its traditional base of distressed or problematic properties to encompass a broader range of stock types and seller motivations.
