Despite affordability pressures, auction markets are heating up. The winter auction season ended strongly, with clearance rates and volumes rising across the capitals.

According to Cotality, 2,251 properties went to auction last week—the busiest since June and a 9% increase on the previous week. Melbourne led the charge with 1,124 auctions and a clearance rate of 74.9%, while Sydney’s 825 auctions delivered an 80.3% clearance rate, its strongest since April 2024.

Adelaide also recorded solid activity with a 75% clearance rate from 106 auctions. Brisbane, while quieter with just 124 auctions, is seeing its clearance rate improve, now sitting at 64.5%.

Looking ahead, another 2,150 auctions are already booked for this weekend, and 2,400 the following week. Cotality’s Caitlin Fono says vendors are entering spring with confidence: “Low competition and rising prices across nearly all regions are giving sellers the upper hand.”

Cotality’s research director, Tim Lawless, points to the supply and demand imbalance. With advertised listings 20% below average, buyers are competing for fewer properties, which is expected to keep prices climbing through spring.