Melbourne Auction Clearance Rates 2026

Although several varieties have been established, especially between the different states and properties, Australia is expected to have a very promising and consistent buyer activity throughout 2026.

According to reports by realestate.com.au, the results of the weekend of the 20th to the 22nd of February, which were solicited, are as follows:

• Victoria
  62% clearance from 1,191 auctions and 1,271 private sales 

• New South Wales
  55% clearance from 1,149 auctions and 1,630 private sales

• Queensland
  57% clearance from 179 auctions and 998 private sales

• South Australia
  86% clearance from 105 auctions and 292 private sales

• Western Australia
  36% clearance from 11 auctions and 436 private sales

• Australian Capital Territory
  57% clearance from 104 auctions and 100 private sales 

• Tasmania
  50% clearance from 4 auctions and 175 private sales
• Northern Territory
  33% clearance from 3 auctions and 11 private sales

Only 16 private sales have been recorded, with no auction sales occurring in Metropolitan Victoria (3000 postcode and surrounding areas) during the last week. This indicates that most of the sales occurring in the major cities will be dominated by private sales, especially since there are few auctions.

Overall, as a result of what has been happening over the last week, it is clear that the current market is cautious. Clearance rates are not at either extreme; sales volume is slowly building up as we reach the peak season. Buyers remain cautious but are willing to buy properties that are of good value and align with their standards.

Key takeaways

Dynamics of Metro Melbourne

The inner city apartments have been available for purchase at a price range of $300K to $1.15m for the bigger units, highlighting the unique price points. 

These same principles apply to Melbourne auction clearance rates, where, as volume decreases, the number of private sales increases.

 Rise in private negotiations

 In all of Australia, it is evident that private negotiations outweigh formal auctions.

The desire to have private negotiations rather than the environment of an auction was seen in the inner city regions and affordable apartments. 

This trend will be significant to understand the future course of property investment in Australia, especially in the metropolitan regions. 

Key trends in the market

Quite a few apartments were available for purchase in the inner city region, such as the two-bedroom ones near the area of Southbank and St. Kilda Road, which have been sold within the range of $300,000 to $830,000 within the past 10 days before this report. 

There have been some transactions within the higher end of the inner metro region, such as the two-bedroom apartment on Queens Road, which was sold for $1,155,000.

Metro market trends

Melbourne – Victoria

No auctions were recorded this weekend; however, private treaties were noted in units and walk-in apartments, with sales across a wide range of prices.

Sydney – New South Wales

Unlike in previous years, the auction market is relatively low; however, properties in strategic locations are being sold at a good value.

Brisbane and Queensland

The increase in prices in 2025 has continued this year, with more people moving in from other states, citing the fact that it’s more affordable compared to Sydney and Melbourne.

Adelaide – South Australia

The high clearance rate was achieved due to the supply constraint in the area, where people are competing to buy properties to move into, rather than to invest in.

Perth and the Australian Capital Territory

While private treaties dominated most of the Perth market, there were low levels of auctions. Canberra, on the other hand, is showing promising signs with moderate levels of competition in the auction market.

Analysis of regional Victoria

Geelong

• Is attracting regional shifters and lifestyle buyers.
• When good properties are available, formal auctions tend to perform well.
• The lifestyle neighbourhoods continue to score private negotiations.

Ballarat

• The housing market remains stable with moderate auction clearances and family homes garnering consistent buyer interest. 

Bendigo

• Due to greater affordability than Melbourne, the area always secures stable buyer demand.
• For expensive properties, the common sales method is private deals; however, auctions are seen to be generating a fair share of buyer interest. 

Perspectives of buyers and sellers

 Buyers:

• Selective and usually view properties first because they check interest rates prior to making a decision to buy or lease.
• Choose to negotiate privately on inner-city apartments and units instead of going through the formal auction process. 

Sellers:

• Fairly confident when a property is being presented professionally and pricing it correctly by using historical sales prices as a guide.
• Increasingly using hybrid approaches, where private negotiations and auctions are combined to reach as many buyers as possible.

Economic contributors

 Interest rates

Despite the Reserve Bank of Australia increasing the interest rates, the level of clearance rates has remained fairly constant. This shows that employment and an increase in population will both continue to drive demand in the long-term and are not impacted by short-term fluctuations in interest rates.

Price trends

Year on year, the price of residential properties has increased, and the auction market has performed relatively well; however, there is still some pressure on the residential property market.

Housing demand

Due to the limited supply of residential property in metropolitan areas and strong competition for the available properties, the price of residential property in these areas has remained steady.

Forecast for the next 4 to 8 weeks

• Auction sales are anticipated to increase as the peak selling season moves closer to autumn.
• Clearance rates will differ from city to city; however, it is expected to stabilise a bit more as buyer confidence picks up again.
• Private negotiations are expected to play a crucial role and shape property investment in Australia.

Actionable advice

Buyers:

• Get finances approved early on.
• Visit auctions whenever possible.
• Focus on potential private negotiations before auctions.
• Use recent auction data to make solid bidding strategies.

Sellers:

• List properties with realistic prices by using recent sales data as guidance.
• Focus on property presentations as it’s key during presentations.
• Opt for flexible routes, such as private negotiations, when needed.

Investors:

• Consider regional markets where there are supply constraints.
• Focus on properties that yield more rental income and are located in areas where long-term growth is anticipated.