Providing confidence in uncertain times

The UK property market always has its share of ups and downs, but 2025 is proving particularly unpredictable. With the November Budget on the horizon, speculation about potential Stamp Duty reforms and even a mansion tax is fuelling hesitancy among buyers and sellers. 

With the rumour mill in full swing, major forecasters have downgraded their outlooks. Savills has cut its 2025 growth forecast from 4% to just 1%, and Rightmove from 4% to 2%. While activity has picked up in recent months – with Rightmove reporting its busiest July since 2020 – uncertainty continues to dominate conversations in the sector. 

In the capital, house prices in central London have already slipped by 3.2% year-on-year, according to Knight Frank – the sharpest fall since March 2021 – while transaction volumes across prime markets are down 6%. 

Whilst house prices are still growing on average, growth has slowed, indicating caution and uncertainty across the market. 

For Estate Agents, this backdrop can feel challenging, but there’s an opportunity amongst it to give clients confidence when so many factors remain beyond their control. For many properties, auction can provide the security and confidence that buyers and sellers are lacking. 

Auction thrives in uncertain conditions 

History shows that auction activity increases during periods of market pressure. From the Brexit referendum and Stamp Duty changes in 2016, to the COVID-19 lockdowns and the 2021 Stamp Duty holiday, both buyers and sellers have increasingly turned to auction as a faster and more secure route. 

This trend continued into 2025. The most recent Stamp Duty threshold changes sparked urgency among buyers, driving a 24% year-on-year sales increase in March. Crucially, momentum didn’t fade even with higher rates from 1 April. June 2025 marked iamproperty’s highest number of auction sales so far this year. 

Why auction gives agents and clients confidence 

Auction is gaining traction because it addresses the very pain points that make the current market difficult to navigate. Our recent consumer research* shows what buyers and sellers value most in the process: 

• 93% value commitment from the other party 
• 90% prioritise certainty of sale 
• 89% want better communication 
• 87% prefer a faster process 
• 84% say reduced stress is key 

These figures reflect what many agents already know: Private Treaty transactions can be vulnerable to delays and fall-throughs, especially when uncertainty makes buyers cautious. Auction offers a clear contrast, with legally binding commitments at the point of sale and set timescales that keep transactions on track. 

A flexible option for today’s market 

With house price growth slowing and affordability still a concern, sellers need routes to market that offer more confidence. Auction creates competitive bidding environments, helping sellers achieve the best possible price while guaranteeing a committed buyer. 

For buyers, it provides transparency, speed and confidence – crucial at a time when affordability pressures are high but mortgage rates are expected to gradually moderate.  

A solution for Private Treaty transactions 

Most UK home sales still follow the Private Treaty path. But right now, that route carries tangible risks: according to the latest RICS UK Residential Survey, buyer enquiries dropped into negative territory in July 2025 (net balance –6%) and agreed sales slid to –16%, with house price growth turning negative (net balance –13%).  

Meanwhile, Rightmove data shows average asking prices fell by 1.3% in August (to about £368,740), while more than one in three listings have had to reduce price, which reflects a supply-heavy and price-sensitive market. 

To help mitigate those risks, iamproperty offers Premium Conveyancing.  By front-loading  the legal work – title checks, searches, standard enquiries and pre-sale documentation – the process moves more quickly, cutting Private Treaty transaction times by about five weeks (to an average of 79 days)^. 

With fewer legal or chain-related surprises, agents can offer clients greater confidence that a Private Treaty route will still deliver, even in a slow or cautious market. 

Agents with flex will stand out in tricky markets 

From tax policy changes to economic cycles or shifting interest rates, markets will always face shocks, that much is certain! 

Offering auction alongside Private Treaty showcases adaptability. It lets agents meet client concerns head-on, whether it’s anxiety over a sale falling through, frustration with drawn-out timelines, or uncertainty in a cooling market.

*Survey of 353 respondents in July 2025 iamproperty sales data  

^Based on completions handled by Medway Law, iamproperty’s specialist conveyancing arm, between November 2024 – March 2025.