Australia Property Market Autumn Trends 2026: Auction Activity Across Capital Cities

Australia’s property market is settling into a more balanced phase. Activity across Melbourne and the major capital cities remains steady, demand is still present, and private treaty sales are now playing a much bigger role than earlier in the year.

​Rather than a slowdown, the market is adjusting to more measured conditions.

​What happened over the latest weekend (Friday to Sunday)

​Results from REA Group / PropTrack show a clear difference between auction activity and private sales:

• ​Victoria recorded 756 auction results alongside 1,023 private sales
• ​New South Wales recorded 754 auction results with 1,176 private sales
• ​Queensland, South Australia and the ACT all maintained moderate auction volumes, while private sales continued to exceed auction outcomes across the country

​Nationally, CoreLogic (Cotality) data shows clearance rates sitting between the mid-50% and low-60% range. While lower than earlier in the year, this level remains consistent with stable market conditions.

​In Victoria, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria continues to report higher clearance rates of around 70% or more in recent weeks. This difference is largely due to variations in reporting methods rather than a significant difference in market performance.

​Adding to that, recent reporting shows Melbourne recorded more than 1,100 combined auction and private sale results for the week, with 243 properties selling at auction. Transaction volumes are still strong, even though the market is becoming more balanced.

​Bottom line

​The market is not slowing. It is adjusting. Outcomes are now more dependent on accurate pricing, negotiation, and the right sales approach rather than auction pressure alone.

Australian Auction Market Conditions

​Clearance rates across the country have eased into a moderate range. This change does not suggest the market is weakening. Instead, it reflects a market where buyers and sellers are taking a more considered approach and where negotiation has become more important.

​Melbourne weekly snapshot

​Melbourne continues to transact at a high level, but the way homes are selling has clearly changed.

• ​More than 1,100 total transactions across auctions and private sales
• ​243 properties sold at auction
• ​Most transactions completed through private treaty

​What this means: Melbourne remains active, but auctions are no longer the main path to a sale.

Key takeaways from the week

​Private treaty sales are now leading

Across all capital cities, private sales are clearly outnumbering auction results. This is most noticeable in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia and reflects a shift away from auction-focused selling strategies.

​Clearance rates show stability

Although clearance rates have moderated, they remain within a healthy range and do not signal a downturn. Conditions are balanced rather than weak.

​Auction volumes remain solid

Melbourne and Sydney continue to record high auction volumes and maintain strong transactional depth.

​Adelaide continues to perform strongly

South Australia remains one of the country’s strongest auction markets, supported by limited supply and high levels of buyer competition.

​Buyers are more measured

Buyers are taking a more strategic approach. Emotional bidding has eased, comparable sales are playing a bigger role, and post-auction negotiations are becoming more common.

Notable sales and market highlights

​Recent results across capital cities and regional markets show activity across both premium and affordable segments.

​Melbourne

• ​Over 243 auction sales recorded in the latest week
• ​A premium private treaty sale in Templestowe achieved 3.7 million

​Adelaide

• ​An auction sale at Ferguson Avenue reached 2.2 million
• ​A healthy mix of auction and private sales was recorded across suburbs

​Canberra

• ​An auction sale at Waller Crescent reached 2.45 million
• ​Continued strength in both family homes and investment units

​Key observation: Different price segments are still performing, often through different sales channels. Together, these outcomes capture the weekly property trends & insights.

Metro market trends

​Melbourne

​Melbourne continues to record strong transaction volumes, with a growing reliance on private sales. Buyers are more selective, and well-priced homes continue to attract competition. Properties priced above market expectations are more likely to be passed in.

​Sydney

​Sydney remains deep and active, particularly in premium segments. Affordability continues to shape demand in the middle of the market.

​Brisbane

​Brisbane’s market remains stable, supported by interstate migration and a stronger focus on negotiation rather than urgency.

Adelaide

​Adelaide continues to stand out as the strongest auction market in the country, driven by low supply and high demand.

​Canberra

​Canberra shows steady auction participation and balanced outcomes, supported by ongoing government-led stability.

​Perth

​Auction activity remains limited in Perth, where private treaty sales overwhelmingly dominate.

​Regional Victoria trends

​Geelong

​Geelong continues to benefit from migration out of Melbourne. Lifestyle demand remains strong, and supply and demand conditions are generally balanced.

​Ballarat

• ​37 transactions were recorded in the latest week
• ​The top sale reached 920,000 in Hepburn
• ​Most transactions occurred via private treaty

​Bendigo

​Bendigo is seeing growing investor interest, supported by affordability compared to Melbourne and stable buyer demand.

Buyer and vendor sentiment

​Buyers

Buyers remain active but are taking a more cautious and value-driven approach. Common behaviours include waiting for passed-in opportunities, negotiating after auction, and avoiding emotional decision-making.

​Vendors

Many vendors are starting to adjust their expectations. Pricing strategies are becoming more realistic, flexibility is increasing, and there is greater openness to early offers.

​Broader market influences

​Interest rates

Borrowing capacity remains constrained, and interest rate expectations continue to influence buyer behaviour.

​Housing supply

Ongoing housing undersupply, combined with population growth, continues to support overall demand.

​Economic environment

Global uncertainty remains a factor, even as inflation shows signs of stabilisation.

​Market cycle position

Based on CoreLogic-style reporting, the market has transitioned from a growth phase into a stabilisation phase.

Short-term outlook (next 4 to 8 weeks)

​What to expect

• ​Auction volumes are likely to increase further
• ​Clearance rates are expected to remain in the 50% to 65% range
• ​Private treaty sales are set to continue dominating transactions

Practical considerations

​For buyers

Focus on passed-in properties, negotiate with confidence, and remain disciplined on price.

​For sellers

Accurate pricing, early-offer consideration, and strong presentation remain critical.

​For investors

Target growth corridors, focus on fundamentals, and avoid speculative overpaying.

​Private treaty sales continue to gain importance, particularly in inner-city and investor-focused markets. Buyers are becoming more selective and value-driven, while vendors are responding with greater flexibility.

​Regional centres such as Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo continue to attract demand due to affordability and lifestyle appeal. Most transactions in these areas are still completing through private treaty.

​Looking ahead, auction volumes are expected to increase as the autumn selling season progresses, while overall conditions remain balanced.