Buying property through auction sales has become more popular with home sales representing an increasing proportion of property lots, according to latest figures from the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers (NAVA).

The number of purchases made in this way has shown a substantial increase in the quarter May to July 2010.

The survey from NAVA shows nationally 3,018 lots were put up for auction in July this year, a rise of nearly 50% compared with the previous month when 2,039 were offered and May when the figure for residential properties was 2,102.

Only half way through the year, the number of houses and flats for sale to the highest bidder has already exceeded the number for 2009.

The proportion of residential lots compared with commercial offerings has also increased to make up 65.2% of those at auction sales.

Regular and occasional property auction sales are held in towns and cities throughout the UK, including in London and Brighton, and are conducted by members of NAVA.

Chairman of NAVA Melfyn Williams said, "These statistics confirm that the residential auction market has held up during the past couple of years and is now moving forwards, despite the difficulty in obtaining mortgage finance for many potential buyers. Our research also highlights the benefits of marketing your property at auction for home owners struggling to sell."

He added that selling at auction was still an important part of property transactions and that the trends of greater activity suggested that the market was improving with a consequent upturn for all those involved in home sales, including residential conveyancing solicitors.