Selling Strategy4 min read

Auction clearance rates are weak. Is auction still right for your property?

By Ben Price · 4 November 2026

An illustrative residential auction gathering outside an Australian weatherboard home. — Illustrative editorial image, not actual clients or a documented sale.

An auction can create competition. It can also leave a seller disappointed if the buyers they hoped for do not appear on the day.

October's final combined-capital auction figures are a timely reminder that the method of sale should be chosen for the property and its likely buyers, not simply because an agent prefers a particular campaign.

What the October auction data tells us

Cotality reported on 29 October that the weighted-average final auction clearance rate across the combined capital cities was 43.6% for the week ending 25 October 2026. Across the four October weeks, the average was 45.2%.

These are final auction outcomes in the combined capitals. They are not a measure of every property sale in Australia, and a single combined-capital auction percentage cannot tell you how a particular property type or suburb is performing.

The right question is not 'Are auctions working?'

A better question is: 'For a home like mine, in this location and price range, what evidence supports auction rather than private treaty?'

Ask each prospective agent to show recent comparable campaigns, including homes that sold at auction, sold before auction, passed in or later sold by private treaty. Request the number of registered bidders, genuine offers, campaign length and final outcome where the information is available and reliable.

A small number of local auctions can produce volatile clearance rates. In areas where auctions are uncommon, broader regional or capital-city statistics may have limited relevance.

Compare the strategy, not just the sales pitch

An auction campaign typically works towards a fixed date and may suit a property with a clearly identified buyer pool and potential for competition. A private-treaty campaign can allow a different style of negotiation and timetable. Neither method guarantees a higher price.

Ask the agent to explain the likely buyers, proposed advertising, inspection schedule, price communication and decision points. How will they handle early offers? What happens if buyer interest is weaker than expected? If the property passes in, what is the next step and what additional costs might arise?

The answer should reflect your circumstances too. A seller relocating for work may have different timing needs from an owner who can comfortably wait.

Make the proposed costs transparent

Two agents may recommend the same sale method but very different marketing packages. Compare the proposed commission structures, photography, online listing products, advertising periods, auction-related expenses and any renewal charges. Ask what is included, what is optional and who approves extra spending.

The cheapest proposal is not necessarily the best. Equally, a larger advertising budget is not proof of a better result. You should understand the reasoning and expected role of each item.

Appoint the agent whose evidence you trust

An agent's local comparable-sales record, communication, buyer strategy and ability to explain alternatives matter more than a headline clearance rate. Before signing, ask for a written recommendation and the assumptions behind it.

Price Advocates independently researches and compares licensed sales agents on behalf of homeowners. We review appraisals, agent proposals and selling costs and provide guidance while the seller's chosen sales agent conducts the campaign and negotiates with buyers.

Our Australia-wide seller advocacy service is free to sellers; the appointed agent pays our referral fee. For help assessing your options before choosing an agent, you can use the button below to book a free 15-minute call.

Sources and market context

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