Uncertainty Ahead of the Budget Drives Record Auction Listings as Sellers Seek Speed and Certainty

First for Auctions, part of LRG, has recorded its largest auction on record as sellers act decisively ahead of the Autumn Budget. October’s catalogue has reached 70 lots, the highest in the company’s history, following a sharp rise in new instructions and a steady stream of buyers continuing to compete for well-priced properties.

Across August and September, First for Auctions achieved an 82% success rate and total sales exceeding £19 million. The September auction alone generated sales of £7.19 million from 66 lots, reaching an average uplift of 17% above guide price. Buyer engagement remained solid, with 688 registered interests and 365 active bidders, demonstrating confidence in the sector even as the broader sales market slowed.

The number of new instructions has grown consistently through the year, with an average of 38 per auction earlier in 2025 rising to 54 in September and 70 in October. The increase in volume reflects a notable increase in sellers seeking the speed and certainty of an auction rather than waiting for a traditional sale to progress.

Since launching its partnership programme last year, First for Auctions has seen steady growth in instructions from local and regional agents, with collaborations now delivering an increasing number of successful sales. Recent examples include partnerships with Curchods, Staples & King and Tim Russ. A property in Blumfield Crescent, previously marketed with Staples & King, achieved a particularly strong outcome, selling for £372,000 against a £300,000 guide price, a 24% uplift.

Daniel Gale, Head of Auctions, commented, “Budget speculation always creates hesitation in the private sales market, but auctions thrive on realism. Sellers want certainty and buyers want clarity, so both sides are taking a pragmatic approach. We’ve seen record entries, competitive bidding and sensible pricing across probate, refurbishment and investment stock – all signs of a healthy, functioning marketplace responding logically to change.

“The Budget has encouraged people to make decisions, not delay them, and that’s why we’re seeing such strong activity. Whenever the market faces uncertainty, auction volumes increase. It’s a straightforward equation – people want control, and an auction gives them that.

“The results of our partnership programme show how well-presented, mortgageable properties that have struggled to sell through private treaty often perform exceptionally well at auction. When a property is sensibly priced and ready to sell, an auction provides a transparent and efficient route to completion, making it a strong option for owners who want certainty without compromising on value.”

As speculation around tax policy and the autumn budget continues, First for Auctions expects sellers to remain motivated and buyers to continue pursuing value through transparent competition