The number of properties sold at auction rose 53% year on year to 1,462 in January, new figures show.
According to the latest data from Essential Information Group, there was a 47% increase in the number of properties put up for auction in January, to 1,162.
It found that the success rate for the sale rose to 68% and the total amount raised was £270 million, an increase of 57% compared to the same month in 2025.
Stuart Collar-Brown, president of the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers, said: “These figures show that more and more sellers are turning to auctions as a safe and time-certain way to achieve a quick sale.
“For those dealing with changing circumstances, such as moving abroad, trying to secure a place for their child at their first choice school, or needing to move quickly, auctions provide greater certainty and avoid many of the delays and failures that often occur with traditional private treaty sales.
“At the same time, buyers and sellers are becoming increasingly aware that auctioning is simply another effective sales method, and not a last resort.
“As the misconceptions fade, more and more people are recognizing the transparency, competitive bidding and clear timelines that auctions provide.
“As the market continues to shift and wider reforms to the homebuying process in England and Wales are still some way off, many are choosing not to wait months for a transaction to complete.
“Auctions offer a proactive alternative.”
But he says it’s important that buyers and sellers work with qualified professionals.