The rise of digital property auctions are quietly sparking a revolution in the industry. Once a niche route to market for seasoned professionals, auctions are now thriving in a new, digital-first era. They’re transforming who buys, how they bid, and the opportunities available. And there’s plenty of room for more growth.
Figures from Essential Information Group (EIG) show the scale of this shift. In 2024, there were 33,448 digital auctions - either livestreamed or online - compared to just 3,976 in-room events. The first half of 2025 alone has already seen more than 18,700 online auctions, a staggering leap from fewer than 1,500 before Covid. At pace, digital auctions are becoming the norm for savvy buyers and sellers, with monthly livestreams and online sales.
Why digital auctions are winning out
Compared to in-person auctions, the appeal of digital auctions lies in their accessibility. While a livestreamed event from an auction room provides buyers the chance to participate remotely, purely online auctions resemble the digital experiences we’re all familiar with - echoing platforms like eBay.
The democratising effect of this is apparent. The auction room used to typically be the haunt of seasoned property buyers, whereas now online bidding allows for the involvement of a more diverse investor profile. This includes younger first-time buyers, an uptick in female bidders, as well as new property investors and developers. International investors are also increasingly active, being able to participate in livestreamed sales from anywhere in the world.
In a similar vein, for the domestic buyer new markets are being unlocked by this implicit accessibility. Traditionally, property portfolios could often be concentrated locally to the investor due to simple reasons of practicality and familiarity with the local market. Digital auctions help to lay out the national market in a wider scope, allowing buyers to find opportunities across the country. Auction activity is particularly strong in regions such as the North and the Midlands, where a steady supply of auction stock - including mixed-use and redevelopment opportunities - provides strong potential for returns.
For lenders too, the growth is clear. We at Together have seen a 181% rise in our auction finance lending since 2019 - evidence that the digital boom has not just widened participation but also deepened confidence in auctions as a mainstream way to buy.
Technology driving confidence
Technological innovations are playing a crucial role in the auction renaissance. Virtual tours and AI-powered legal-pack summarisation are making the process more efficient and less daunting, especially for those new to the sector. In a market where purchases must be made with detailed consideration of financial and legal implications, online resources are helping both buyers to engage with confidence.
This blend of technology and transparency is key. Unlike private treaty sales, where delays and uncertainty are common, auctions guarantee speed - typically completing within 28 days – and the digital format has only enhanced that certainty.
The outlook
As buyers and sellers see more success with digital auctions, the momentum generated since the pandemic will only continue to grow. While 2025 has arguably not been a vintage year for the property market, the continued high activity within auctions is a testament to the advantages that the method brings to those who participate.
Looking to the long-term, despite stickiness, interest rates along with inflation will ease and auction activity will only accelerate. Specialist lenders such as Together will continue to refine our products to suit the auction market, facilitating a more agile - and accessible - market.
