The number of properties going under the hammer in the UK increased in September, but auctioneers struggled to convert the extra stock into sales, new figures from Essential Information Group (EIG) show.
A total of 4,903 lots were offered across the country, up 5.7% year-on-year. However, the number sold fell 2.5%, pushing the national success rate down to 65.9%. The total amount raised dropped 12.8% to £593.7m, despite an 8.1% increase in residential lots offered.
Commercial auctions see sharper decline
Commercial auctions recorded a sharper decline in both sales and proceeds. Regional performance was mixed, with London and Scotland recording stronger sales over the rolling three-month period, while parts of the North and the Home Counties saw activity weaken.
David Sandeman of EIG said: “Overall, the auction market continues to see a healthy flow of stock, although the increase in supply is placing some pressure on success rates. While recent results have been softer, activity over the past 12 months remains ahead of last year, providing a positive backdrop as the market moves into the traditionally busier final quarter.”
National auction analysis
In September 2026, 4,903 lots were offered (compared with 4,637 a year earlier), with 3,230 sold (down from 3,313). The percentage sold fell to 65.9% from 71.4%, and total raised dropped to £593.7m from £680.5m.
For the three months from July to September 2026, 11,163 lots were offered (up 2.1%), 7,312 sold (down 4.1%), and the success rate was 65.5%. Total raised fell 12.1% to £1,345.5m. Over the 12 months from October 2025 to September 2026, 45,129 lots were offered (up 11.2%), 30,766 sold (up 9.0%), and the success rate was 68.2%. Total raised rose 6.7% to £6,028.4m.
Residential and commercial breakdown
Residential lots offered in September rose 8.1% to 4,382, but sales fell 1.1% to 2,873, with the success rate down to 65.6% and total raised at £504.3m (down 5.5%). Commercial lots offered fell 10.8% to 521, sales dropped 12.5% to 357, and total raised plunged 39.2% to £89.4m.
Regional variations were notable. London saw total lots offered rise 10.6% to 878, with sales up 15.5% and a success rate of 77.3%. Scotland saw lots offered jump 28.2% to 396, with sales up 69.2% and a success rate of 38.9%. The North-West Home Counties saw lots offered fall 21.0% to 653, with sales down 19.0% and total raised down 35.6%. The North-East saw lots offered fall 12.3% and sales down 22.0%, with a success rate of 60.8%.
These figures are based on sales data provided to EIG by the auctioneers.
