Australia’s auction markets lost further momentum this week, with Cotality Australia reporting a preliminary national clearance rate of 56.5%, the second‑weakest early result so far this year after the Easter long weekend.
The latest result comes amid higher interest rates, renewed debate over negative gearing and capital gains tax settings, and a patchy post‑Anzac Day market.
Auction volumes also stepped down, with 2,212 homes taken to auction, 13.6% fewer than a week earlier, although still 27.5% higher than the same week last year as new listings continue to run ahead of 2025 levels.
Brisbane hosted 164 auctions, sharply lower than a week ago but 53.3% higher than a year earlier, with a modest lift in its preliminary clearance rate to 53.7%. Adelaide’s 106 auctions were lower on both weekly and annual comparisons, yet its clearance rate improved to 67.2%. Canberra recorded 114 auctions, a 16.3% weekly rise and more than double last year’s levels, but only 48.3% have reported a positive result to date, underlining a more fragile selling environment.
Against this cooler backdrop, agency‑level data suggest auctions are still delivering strong outcomes where campaigns, pricing, and stock quality align. Australia's auction market is proving its durability, with Ray White recording a national clearance rate of 62.3% this week as bidder depth held steady despite a turbulent economic backdrop.
Ray White Group CEO, performance and value, Thomas McGlynn said bidder depth remaining stable was the key signal.
“Serious buyers have not left the market. For sellers aligned on price, strong outcomes remain well within reach,” McGlynn said.
“The national clearance rate improved to 62.3% this week while bidder depth remained stable. This tells us that the market is still functioning well, just with a more disciplined buyer.”
He said that “Sydney and Melbourne still feel measured, but Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth continue to show how strong underlying supply and demand imbalances remain. The broader economy still feels uncertain, however the Australian property market is proving its durability.”
Ray White scheduled 445 properties to go under the hammer, recording a preliminary clearance rate of 67.3% for the day and 62.3% for the week, with an average of 3.1 registered bidders and 2.2 active bidders per auction nationally.
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