Wishing you all a warm welcome to our 14th April Auction Sale

Our 3rd auction of the year takes place on Tuesday 14th April at The De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms right next to London’s famous Covent Garden.

I am writing this introduction in late March, in fact, exactly 12 weeks into 2026 and thought it would be an appropriate time to reflect on activity through the early part of the year and what may be coming in future months.  One of our unique benefits is that as part of the Connells One Group, we have market insights both at a macro-UK wide level and, detailed right down to individual High Streets through our 1,200 or so group estate agency outlets.  Add to that, our premier auction business, lettings, management, New Homes and mortgage services, there aren’t many activity factors we can’t drill into with actual transactional data to inform what is happening. 

Our auction results so far this year clearly reflect there is continued buyer confidence and activity.  In fact, since the start of this year we have exchanged contracts on over 355 lots, that’s equivalent to 6 contracts exchanged each and every working day since the start of the year, and total capital value of sales is already well over £62 Million. 

Our sales offices are busy, buyers are keen, sellers are realistic and in real terms, some great mortgage products are available.  Whilst some private landlords decided to cash in on their buy-to-let investments, others that know the Renters Rights Bill won’t really change their quality investments to any real detriment are enjoying rental growth and therefore, much improved yields at a rate not seen in this sector for many years. 

Our teams of mortgage advisors have full appointment diaries.  It looks for the moment that interest rates won’t shift downwards for some time so rather than wait for a lower rate, buyers are committing now and locking in at some very affordable interest rates. 

So, whilst many media outlets may suggest that the market is struggling, our data clearly shows this isn’t the case.  Yes, the market may not be quite as hot as this time last year but, activity last year was accelerated due to the stamp duty changes.  In fact, now is probably a better time to buy.  Sellers know the market is currently more weighted in favour of buyers so are pricing accordingly, great mortgage deals are available now and it doesn’t look at the moment that waiting for rates to come down would be a good idea and, the market is a little less hot so when competing against others, you may well find not quite so many people are competing against you and, especially at this upcoming auction, a great deal could be bought. 

For landlords, what better time to buy than now!  The market for good rental properties is less heated than before, rents have gone up and, in all likelihood, will continue to do so and, judging by the buy-to-let mortgage products and rates available, lenders clearly want to lend to new and existing residential landlords. 

So, here’s a thought, as you page through our catalogue of exciting lots, will you pass on an opportunity and miss out or, will you do all your due diligence, get auction ready and on Tuesday 14th April come to the auction and bag yourself a great deal?  Only you can decide and by not engaging, you open the door for others to come along and get the deal that you could have done and for that, I guess I should pass on their thanks to you! 

Get auction ready, we’re here to help and answer all your questions in the lead up to the sale, come along to the auction, we’re the only national auctioneer that invites you to participate in person rather than just online or via the phone and on the day, enjoy your successful purchase with a glass of bubbly whilst signing the contract on your bargain purchase. 

We look forward to seeing you on the day and wish you the best of luck with your bidding!