The UK auction market saw a dip in monthly year-on-year activity in May 2025, with lots offered down 2.7% and sales falling by 7.7%, according to the Essential Information Group (EIG).

The national success rate fell 5.2% with only 68.8% of lots sold compared to a year earlier, raising a total of £526.4M, a 1.1% decrease.

David Sandeman, managing director at EIG, said: “While supply is up across much of the country, sale rates are under pressure in a number of areas. The East Midlands, South-West and Wales recorded increases in both entries and sales, but in regions such as London and Yorkshire, a disconnect is emerging between the lots and buyer demand.

“Overall, the data points to a market that remains active, though more finely balanced than in recent months. Early interest is playing a greater role in whether lots are offered, with auctioneers responding to bidder behaviour in real time. Encouragingly, where properties are priced in line with expectations and attract early attention, competitive bidding is still being achieved - a positive sign that demand is there for the right opportunities.”

The number of residential lots offered fell 3% with lots sold down 8.3% annually, whilst the number of commercial lots offered stayed the same with lots sold falling 2.4%.

Overall the percentage of residential lots sold fell 5.5% down to 68.8% with commercial lots sold falling 2.4% to 67.9%,