Property auctions present excellent opportunities for real estate investors to acquire properties at competitive prices, but choosing the right auction is crucial for success. In 2025, property auctions are expected to offer a wide range of investment opportunities, from distressed properties to lucrative buy-to-let deals. In this article, we’ll explore the best property auctions for investors, highlighting the top locations and auction houses where you can find great deals and maximize your investment potential.
1. Understand the Property Auction Market in 2025
In 2025, the property auction market is expected to be highly competitive, with a growing interest in distressed properties, repossessions, and homes in need of renovation. With rising property prices in some areas and ongoing demand for rental properties, investors can find opportunities in various types of auction properties, from foreclosures to probate estates.
The market is also expected to have more online property auctions, which provide investors with the convenience of bidding from anywhere in the world. However, in-person auctions will still be popular for those looking to inspect properties up close before bidding. Understanding market trends and knowing where to bid are essential for securing the best deals.
2. Online Property Auctions
Online property auctions have become increasingly popular, allowing investors to bid from the comfort of their homes. Online auctions often feature a wide variety of properties, including residential, commercial, and distressed assets. For investors, online auctions provide greater access to properties in different regions, making it easier to find deals outside their local area.
Here are some of the best online property auctions for investors in 2025:
- Essential Information Group (EIG): EIG is one of the largest online platforms for UK property auctions, providing detailed listings of upcoming auctions, including properties suitable for investors. Their database offers easy access to key information, including starting prices, reserve prices, and auction dates.
- BidX1: BidX1 is a leading online auction platform that allows investors to bid on properties from around the world. They focus on providing transparent bidding and a wide range of residential and commercial properties, making it ideal for both first-time and experienced investors.
- Auction House: Auction House is one of the UK’s leading property auctioneers, and they offer a range of online auction events. They frequently list distressed properties, repossessions, and homes in need of renovation—perfect for investors looking to flip properties or add to their portfolio.
3. UK Regional Auctions for Buy-to-Let Investments
If you’re looking to build a buy-to-let portfolio, UK regional property auctions offer great potential in areas where demand for rental properties is high. Cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Birmingham have thriving rental markets, and property prices are more affordable compared to London and the South East. Investing in these areas can yield attractive rental yields and long-term capital growth.
Key regional property auctions for buy-to-let investors in 2025 include:
- Savills Property Auctions: Savills holds regular property auctions across the UK, including in cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. They feature a mix of residential and commercial properties that can be ideal for investors seeking to expand their buy-to-let portfolios.
- Allsop Auctions: Allsop is a leading property auctioneer that hosts auctions in London and other major cities. Their auctions often feature residential and mixed-use properties, including buy-to-let investments, ideal for those looking to invest in profitable rental properties.
- SDL Auctions: SDL Auctions specializes in properties in the Midlands and Northern regions, where there is a growing demand for rental properties. They often feature homes that are ideal for renovation or for buy-to-let purposes, making them a good choice for investors seeking high rental yields.
4. High-Demand Areas for Commercial Property Auctions
Commercial property auctions can provide investors with opportunities to acquire office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial properties. The demand for commercial properties is increasing, particularly in areas with growing businesses, infrastructure development, and a rising number of startups. Investors in 2025 should focus on commercial property auctions to find long-term investment opportunities.
Some of the best property auctions for commercial real estate in 2025 include:
- Goldcrest Auctions: Goldcrest Auctions specializes in commercial property auctions, with properties ranging from office buildings to retail spaces and industrial units. They focus on providing investors with high-quality commercial assets, with a range of properties available for immediate occupancy or redevelopment.
- Clive Emson Auctioneers: Clive Emson is a leading auction house for commercial properties in the UK, offering a wide selection of retail, office, and industrial properties. They hold auctions in major cities and feature both distressed and prime commercial properties.
- Bond Wolfe Auctions: Bond Wolfe is known for its commercial property auctions, often featuring offices, warehouses, and mixed-use buildings in prime locations. These auctions are ideal for investors looking to add income-generating commercial properties to their portfolios.
5. Specialist Auctions for Distressed Properties
Distressed properties, such as foreclosures, repossessions, and probate sales, often present the best opportunities for investors seeking to buy below market value. These properties can offer substantial returns, especially if you’re willing to take on renovation projects. Auctions specializing in distressed properties are ideal for investors looking for bargains or those seeking to flip properties for profit.
Here are some specialist auctions for distressed properties:
- Property Auction Network (PAN): PAN focuses on distressed and bank-owned properties, offering them at lower prices to investors who are willing to take on renovations. Their auctions feature a variety of properties across the UK, including homes in need of significant repairs.
- Barnard Marcus Auctions: Barnard Marcus offers distressed property auctions across the UK, including repossessions, probate properties, and properties with legal issues. They often feature properties that require renovation, making them ideal for investors looking to add value.
- BidX1: As mentioned earlier, BidX1 frequently features distressed properties at auction, including properties in need of major repairs or properties that are in foreclosure. These can offer excellent opportunities for investors with the right resources to renovate and resell.
6. International Property Auctions for Global Investors
If you’re looking to expand your property portfolio beyond your local market, international property auctions offer the opportunity to invest in properties around the world. Many online auction platforms now allow investors to bid on properties in countries like the US, Spain, and the UAE, providing access to a global range of opportunities.
Some notable international property auction platforms for investors in 2025 include:
- BidX1 International: BidX1’s international auctions give investors access to a wide range of properties across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re interested in residential or commercial real estate, BidX1 offers opportunities in several international markets.
- Savills International Auctions: Savills hosts international property auctions in key markets such as the US, Europe, and Asia. Their auctions feature luxury homes, commercial properties, and land for development, providing opportunities for high-net-worth investors.
7. Keep an Eye on Auction Schedules
To maximize your chances of finding the best investment opportunities, make sure you stay up to date with auction schedules. Auction houses typically release their calendars in advance, allowing you to plan your bids and research properties well ahead of time. Many auctions also offer previews, where you can view properties and assess their condition before the bidding begins.
Setting up alerts with auction houses and subscribing to newsletters can help ensure you don’t miss any high-potential auctions. For more information on upcoming property auctions, visit our Property Auctions section, where we feature the latest auction news and tips for investors.
Conclusion
Property auctions can provide lucrative investment opportunities for both novice and experienced investors. In 2025, online and regional auctions will continue to offer a variety of properties, from distressed assets to prime commercial real estate. By researching auction houses, understanding market trends, and developing a clear bidding strategy, you can identify and secure profitable investments at property auctions.
Stay informed and take advantage of the opportunities available in the property auction market by checking out our Property Auctions section for more expert advice and resources.
