Residential Auction Market
The residential auction market continues to show strong resilience to wider economic challenges and provides increasing opportunity for both buyer and seller. Auction volumes have been increasing with more sellers looking for speed and certainty and buyers searching for opportunity in challenging circumstances. Our recent October sale raising £67M from 180 transactions is our second largest sale in over a year.
In terms of trends, value-add opportunity remains strong, lots that need refurbishment, or have conversion potential, are performing well. Properties with good energy ratings or low remedial costs are becoming more attractive, and those needing major upgrades may face discounts or fewer bidders. There has been a recent uptick in international buyers bidding at our live stream sales providing strong competition for well-priced products in desirable locations.
Lots sold in 2025 to date
Total amount realised/sold in 2025 to date
Total Success Rate to date in 2025
Total Lots sold over £1M
Who is selling?
We continue to act for a wide variety of sellers including housing associations, councils, government bodies, receivers, administrators, property companies, funds, and private investors.
The private treaty residential market remains challenging and has provided many sellers with concern over certainty and timing. Many private sellers are now using auction as a method to “conclude” a transaction efficiently.
Sales of distressed stock has also increased over the past 12 months as has sales for councils, housing associations and governing bodies.
Much has been made about private investors and portfolio owners exiting the market recently due to concerns over rental reform, an increase in stamp duty and of course the cost of finance impacting on re-finance deals. We have, as expected, seen a reasonable uptick from sellers that fall into this category, but it seems, more often than not, these sellers are reducing their holdings to bring down their LTVs and manage the long-term costs of new finance deals.
Buyer profiles
The cost of borrowing and wider economic metrics continue to spread caution amongst investors however there remains plenty of appetite for well-priced products and there is certainly a flight to quality.
The vast majority of buyers are domestic however more international money has entered the auction frame recently, particularly in prime central London for larger lots showing strong income or asset management opportunity.
June Auction - Highlights
Lot 296: New Summerseat House, Summerseat Lane, Ramsbottom, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL0 9UD
VACANT - Substantial Freehold Detached Grade II Listed Manor House
Key Features
- Most Recently Used as a Pupil Learning Centre
- Comprising a Dilapidated Former Manor House occupying Grounds extending to approximately 2.83 Hectares (6.99 Acres)
- Possible Development Potential, subject to obtaining all necessary consents
- Well located for the amenities of Ramsbottom, Bury and surrounding areas
Total Current Rent Reserved £321,000 p.a. (equivalent)
Sale Price: £1,575,000
Lot 204: Rockingham House, West Street, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S63 6PX
INVESTMENT - Freehold Block of Twenty-Four Self Contained Flats
Key Features
- Twenty-Two Flats are subject to Assured Shorthold Tenancies and Two Flats are Vacant
- Comprising Nineteen x 1 Bedroom Flats and Five x 2 Bedroom Flats
- Arranged over Lower Ground, Ground and First Floors
- Parking Area
Total Current Rent Reserved £163,320 p.a. (equivalent) with Two Flats Vacant
Sale Price: £1,430,000
Gross Initial Yield: 11.42%
September Auction - Highlights
Lot 11: Campden Mansions, Kensington Mall, Kensington, London, W8 4DU
INVESTMENT - Freehold Well Located Unbroken Block of 11 Self Contained Flats With Generous Basement
Key Features
- Arranged to provide Eight x 3 Bedroom Flats, Two x 2 Bedroom Flats and One x 1 Bedroom Flat
- Six flats subject to Assured Shorthold Tenancies , Four flats subject to Company tenancies and One flat occupied by the housekeeper
- Basement Storage Area and Garage
- Same family ownership for over 100 years
- Kensington Palace, Kensington Olympia and the open spaces of Holland Park are also close by
- 10 Weeks Completion Available
Total Current Rent Reserved £321,000 p.a. (equivalent)
Sale Price: £8,150,000
Gross Initial Yield: 3.94%
Lot 144: 40 Mornington Terrace, Camden, London, NW1 7RS
VACANT - Substantial Freehold Mid Terrace Building
Key Features
- Internally arranged to provide a Former Hostel (Use Class C2)
- Providing Eight Bedroom Accommodation together with Kitchen and Bathroom Facilities
- GIA approximately 235.4 sq m (2,534 sq ft)
- Planning Permission Granted for the Change of Use from Hostel (Supported Housing) (Class C2) to a Single Family Dwelling (Class C3)
- Rear Garden
- Affluent location within the London Borough of Camden close to Regents Park, Primrose Hill and Camden High Street
Sale Price: £1,620,000
Looking ahead
There is plenty to look forward to for the remainder of 2025, we are holding auctions every month (more often than not over 2 days), providing high quality catalogues and hopefully something for everyone. Pricing, as always is the key ingredient to a successful sale and there remains a large buying pool looking to invest. As interest rates slow down and there is more certainty post autumn budget, this could be a great opportunity to buy.
