Another week, another consistent set of auction clearance rates for Melbourne hovering anywhere between the high 60s and low 80s depending on which data source you rely on. What’s clear is that despite the stability in market performance, there’s a growing sentiment among agents that deals are anything but straightforward.

Scheduled Auctions
975
Reported Auctions
563
Total Sold
467
Total Passed In
196
Clearance Rate
83%

Scheduled Auctions
867
Reported Auctions
665
Total Sold
456
Total Passed In
142
Clearance Rate
69%

The market may appear steady on the surface, but behind the scenes, every negotiation feels like a tug of war.

Buyers are walking into inspections and auctions with the mindset that the market isn’t as strong as it looks. They’re convinced there’s room to negotiate and that a bargain is out there waiting for them. On the other side, vendors believe their property deserves a premium it’s unique, it’s well presented, and they’ve often emotionally priced it above comparable sales.

This push-and-pull is creating friction, making every transaction a delicate dance. That’s where auctions continue to shine.

Unlike private sales, auctions bring the negotiation into the open. It’s a public, transparent process that removes the guesswork, levels the playing field, and brings real-time competition to the table. For sellers, it’s a chance to see the market speak loud and clear. For buyers, it’s an opportunity to engage with clarity rather than drawn out haggling.

Adding to the confusion is the media’s ongoing narrative of doom and gloom surrounding the property market. Much of this negativity isn’t grounded in current market reality, but rather in fear-mongering designed to grab headlines and generate clicks. The truth is, Melbourne’s market has shown remarkable consistency and while conditions may not be easy, they are far from collapsing.

In a market where neither side wants to blink first, the auction remains the most effective way to strike a fair deal with no secrets, no spin, just real results.