The ‘Back to Business’ Buyer: What We See in January Auctions

January marks a noticeable shift in behaviour across the property market. After the natural slowdown of December, the open market generally remains relatively quiet and many people assume the same applies to auctions. In reality, the opposite is often true. While private treaty activity can take time to build momentum after Christmas, auction buyers tend to be active from the very start of the year and are ready to transact.

Across our auction platforms, January buyers tend to arrive with clearer objectives than at most other points in the year, having already set their plans in motion. Rather than browsing or testing the market, they generally come into the year with a plan and the motivation to act on it quickly.

So who are these buyers, and why does January consistently attract them?

One of the most active buyer groups in January is investors, with national traders particularly prominent. Many rely on buying in volume and often find stock levels constrained in December, which means demand carries into the New Year. Developers are also keen to get moving early, using January to secure their next refurbishment project, while landlords are reviewing portfolios and deciding where capital can be better deployed.

This is often reflected in the way buyers engage early. Legal packs are downloaded quickly, enquiries increase, and bidding activity tends to be confident rather than speculative. Buyers know what they are looking for and act decisively when the right lot comes along.

January suits buyers who want to get plans underway early. Acquisitions made at this point in the year allow time for works to be scheduled, funding to be deployed and next steps to be set out with clarity, rather than playing catch-up later on.

Owner-occupiers, while traditionally less associated with auctions, are also increasingly visible in January catalogues. Many have experienced fall-throughs or frustration in the private treaty market the previous year and are attracted by the transparency and commitment that auctions provide.

Across buyer types, the consistent theme in January is focus. With fewer competing priorities, buyers are more inclined to make decisions early rather than wait. From a seller’s point of view, this tends to lead to more meaningful engagement and clearer intent.

Not every property is suited to auction, and timing will always depend on individual circumstances. But what the early part of the year consistently offers is a market where intent is clearer and decision-making is more settled, which shouldn’t be overlooked when considering sale options.

For sellers weighing up their next move, understanding how buyers behave at this point in the year is important. Activity doesn’t build slowly in the same way it can elsewhere; interest tends to be purposeful, with buyers looking to move forward rather than feel their way into the market.

For the right property, and with sensible preparation, auction can be a particularly effective route at this point in the year.