There has been a significant shift in the UK commercial property market as online auctions rapidly gain traction among a diverse range of sellers, transforming the landscape of property sales.
Our team has seen total transactions on its online auction platform, covering commercial property and land, rise significantly in the last year.
Commercial auctions now represent 35 percent of sales, a substantial rise from just 13 percent in 2024. Vendors are increasingly turning to online platforms for a faster, more certain route to sale.
Recent successes include a former building society premises in Gloucester selling for £139,000 at auction, well above the guide price of £94,000, a small business centre in north Wales selling for £185,000, and an old phone shop in Bromsgrove fetching £151,000, surpassing its guide of £140,000.
We are also marketing around a dozen commercial properties on behalf of funeral provider Dignity, highlighting the broadening appeal of online auctions across corporate clients. Another example is Edgeley House, a former care home in Whitchurch Staffordshire extending to over 22,000 sq ft and in a 5.36-acre plot, the building represents an incredible opportunity to purchase an excellent site with potential for a variety of different uses subject to planning. The guide price is £450,000 and the auction ends on 16 September 2025.
Head of Auctions, Tom Dennes, believes this growth reflects a fundamental change in how vendors are approaching the sales process. He said: “Traditionally, auctions were often reserved for challenging properties, odd parcels of land, renovation projects, or compromised stock. But the landscape has changed. Today, we’re seeing corporate clients, private sellers, and even liquidators using online auctions to achieve certainty, transparency, and speed in a challenging marketplace.
“Online auctions deliver legally binding exchanges the moment the timer ends, removing the long, drawn-out negotiations of private treaty sales. With cash-funded buyers, sales can complete quickly, giving vendors confidence in the outcome.”
Auctions are also being seen as a way for landlords to quickly sell assets that may be too costly for them to upgrade to meet new government requirements on energy efficiency.
ESG Partner, Rachel Bridge, added: “With MEES regulations requiring landlords to ensure commercial buildings meet stricter EPC standards, many owners either need to invest in their assets or consider releasing the asset, online auctions provide a transparent and efficient option, while ensuring best value through competitive bidding
“We are seeing a more diverse range of clients than ever before deciding to go to auction, from private individuals to corporates and even public bodies. They are all drawn by the combination of speed, certainty, and an open, competitive sales process.”
The firm’s platform continues to deliver exceptional results, with sale prices averaging 30 percent higher than initial listings. Its four-week bidding window, extended time periods for last-minute bids, and accessible legal packs are helping to attract a growing pool of informed and motivated buyers.
“While private treaty transactions will remain the most common route for many, the rising success of online auctions shows they are now a mainstream, viable alternative,” Tom added.
“We expect this popularity to continue as more clients experience the benefits of the process.”