Article by Simon Bailey, Director, BidX1 UK

The commercial property market is operating against a backdrop of uncertainty. While activity levels remain encouraging across many sectors, traditional disposal routes are still presenting challenges for sellers. Extended transaction periods, pricing uncertainty and deal fall-throughs are still common, and it is creating frustration for both buyers and vendors. For asset managers, local authorities, housing associations and private investors, the focus is increasingly on achieving certainty, transparency and speed of execution. As a result, we are seeing a growing number of organisations reassess how they bring assets to market, with online auctions emerging as a strategic disposal route rather than a niche alternative.

One of the clearest trends we are witnessing is the changing expectations of buyers. Today’s investors operate in a faster-moving environment and are increasingly unwilling to commit to lengthy acquisition processes that can take several months to complete. In fact, many buyers are now seeking opportunities where transactions can be completed within a matter of weeks rather than months. At the same time, ongoing market volatility means investors remain highly focused on value and are looking for greater transparency around pricing. This combination of factors is driving demand for sales methods that provide both speed and visibility throughout the transaction process.

I’m very pleased to say that the perception of auctions has changed significantly over the last decade. Historically, auctions were often associated with distressed assets, unusual properties or situations requiring urgent disposal. Today, that is no longer the case. We are seeing a growing volume of institutional investments, income-producing assets, development opportunities and public sector portfolios being sold through auction platforms. Online auction technology is helpful in these changing times because it provides a transparent and secure environment where buyers can participate remotely and compete in real time. The result is a process that reduces the risks associated with traditional transactions, including renegotiations, delays and fall-throughs. Perhaps most importantly, though, competitive bidding creates genuine price discovery. In uncertain markets, this can often provide a clearer reflection of demand than traditional marketing methods.

At BidX1, we recently completed the disposal of fourteen multi-let retail parades on behalf of Thurrock Council. The portfolio generated significant interest from investors across the UK, attracting 2,536 bids and achieving a 100% sale rate. The assets raised £20 million in total, with average sale prices reaching 35% above guide prices. Beyond the completed sales themselves, the auction process revealed substantial levels of undeployed capital, with over £35 million identified within a single auction and £97.3 million across the wider disposal programme. This ability to uncover active demand and identify motivated underbidders provides valuable market intelligence for future disposals and demonstrates that investor appetite remains strong for appropriately priced commercial opportunities.

The growth of online auctions is changing how assets are sold. However, it is also changing how agents approach the market. Many traditional agency firms are now incorporating auction services into their offering as a way of providing clients with greater flexibility and certainty. We are increasingly seeing agents utilise auction platforms alongside private treaty sales to ensure vendors can choose the route most suited to their objectives. The success of BidX1’s partnership with Foxtons is one example of this trend. Since 2020, more than 1,200 properties have been sold through the partnership, generating over £500 million in sales and becoming one of the group’s strongest-performing sales channels.

As we move through the remainder of 2026, the market is likely to remain influenced by economic uncertainty, evolving investor sentiment and ongoing pricing adjustments across certain sectors. However, it is clear that buyers and sellers increasingly value certainty, transparency and efficiency.

The continued growth of online auctions reflects a broader change in market behaviour. What was once considered an alternative disposal route is now becoming a mainstream transactional strategy for assets ranging from individual investments through to complex portfolios. For vendors seeking reliable price discovery, access to deep pools of capital and a clearly defined sales process, online auctions are increasingly proving their value. As technology continues to improve accessibility and market reach, its role within the commercial property sector is likely to strengthen further.

You can see all of the available commercial property from BidX1 Commercial on NovaLoca here.

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