The Acuitus Commercial Property Auction Data (cPad) report for the first quarter of this year shows exceptional sale volumes, a stabilisation of yields and a broadening asset appetite among investors.
Key findings include:
- The first quarter of 2026 generated total sales of £239.2m through the sale of 396 lots – making it the highest Q1 by value on record.
- Retail assets still account for the largest proportion of sales (Q1:48.5%), but there’s clear evidence of investors favouring more ‘alternative’ property types such as medical facilities, care homes, pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels. This category accounted for 27.7% (£66.2m) of Q1 sales.
- Both prime and secondary auction yields have continued to stabilise yields and investors are showing a greater acceptance of shorter lease terms.
- The Q1 results indicate that the UK commercial property auction market continues to evolve as a mainstream transactional route for a widening pool of sellers and buyers.
- Investor confidence has improved but remains selective and buyers continue to favour assets where cash flow is clear, pricing is realistic and there is a credible route to income growth, repositioning or eventual resale.
The full report can be viewed here
