London leads gains as residential demand underpins bidding
National auction volumes and receipts accelerated at the beginning of 2026, according to figures from auction house Essential Information Group (EIG).
In January, 2,162 lots went under the hammer, an increase of 47.3% on the same month a year earlier, while 1,462 lots were sold, up 53.1% year on year. The overall success rate rose to 67.6%, with total proceeds reaching £269.7 million, a 56.7% annual uplift.
EIG’s regional data for the three months from November to January indicate that growth has been broad-based. London recorded the sharpest expansion, with the number of lots offered up 50.5% and total receipts climbing 64.4% to £350.2 million, supported in large part by residential demand. East Anglia also saw a marked rise, with money raised up 57.7%, while the South-East Home Counties posted a 20.9% increase in total receipts.
The North-West remained the most active market by volume, with 1,264 lots offered over the period and £130.2 million raised, up 23.1% year on year, despite a slight easing in its success rate. For lenders and brokers, the figures underline the continued importance of the region in terms of pipeline and disposal routes for stock.
Source: Essential Information Group
EIG’s January numbers suggest the auction sector has entered 2026 with solid momentum. Increased stock is being absorbed by consistent buyer demand, especially for residential assets, while commercial purchasers remain more cautious and selective. With both volumes and values still trending higher, the sector appears set to build on the record levels reported in 2025. EIG also confirmed that its newsletter can be accessed online.
“These figures show that more sellers are turning to auctions as a secure and time-certain way to achieve a quick sale,” said Stuart Collar-Brown, president of NAVA Propertymark. “For those facing changing circumstances, such as relocating abroad, trying to secure a place for their child at their first choice of schools, or needing to move swiftly, auctions provide greater certainty and avoid many of the delays and fall-throughs often seen with traditional private treaty sales.
“At the same time, buyers and sellers are becoming more aware that auction is simply another effective method of sale, rather than a last resort. As misconceptions fade, more people are recognising the transparency, competitive bidding and clear timelines that auctions offer.
“With the market continuing to shift, and wider reforms to the homebuying process in England and Wales still some way off, many are choosing not to wait months for a transaction to complete. Auctions provide a proactive alternative.”
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