Clearance improves across the country

The top result for the day went to Ray White Wilston sales agent Alistair Macmillan, who sold 11 Watson Street, Newmarket under the hammer for 4.9 million. 

The highest number of registered bidders nationally was Ray White Campbelltown sales agent Ryan Stapleton’s auction at 13-17 Resthaven Road, Parafield Gardens with 15 registered bidders and 5 active bidders.

Ray White scheduled 739 auctions nationally this week.

Thomas McGlynn, Ray White CEO of Performance and Value, said a healthy property market isn’t necessarily one where prices continue to rise, but one where buyers and sellers have the confidence to make decisions. 

“It’s an important distinction as we head into the final weeks of 2026, following a year in which changing interest rate expectations and economic conditions have continued to reshape the market,” Mr McGlynn said.

“This week’s Ray White auction results reflect that changing environment, with the national clearance rate improving to 42.6 per cent, up from 35.5 per cent last week. Melbourne recorded a particularly strong result of 67.4 per cent, while Sydney remained steady at 48.5 per cent and Brisbane continues to face more challenging conditions at 27.7 per cent.”

While these improvements are encouraging, the broader picture remains difficult, Mr McGlynn said

“Average open home attendance nationally is less than half what it was 12 months ago, and active bidder numbers remain well below last year’s levels,” he said. 

“Yet 65 per cent of auction campaigns are still resulting in a sale within 45 days, compared with 46 per cent of private treaty campaigns. This reinforces the importance of creating opportunities for buyers and sellers to find common ground through the auction process.” 

Perhaps what’s most interesting is that we’re continuing to see transactions take place without the levels of buyer activity or competition we’ve previously relied upon, he said.

“Buyers have become more selective in their decisions as the year has rolled on, and for sellers, having a clear understanding of today’s market and being prepared to adjust their expectations continue to be increasingly important in achieving a successful outcome.”

New South Wales

Ray White New South Wales Head of Performance Callum Hogan said today’s auction clearance rate of around 44 per cent reflected an increasingly divided market, with a clear distinction emerging between campaigns that are aligned with buyer expectations and those that aren’t.

"We’re seeing a real two-speed market at the moment. Properties that are positioned well, with sellers who understand current market conditions, are still achieving strong results. Those holding onto ambitious price expectations are getting a very different response, and in some cases, no bidding at all," Mr Hogan said.

"In previous markets, competition on auction day could bridge the gap between seller expectations and market value.

"That simply isn’t happening with the same consistency today. Buyers are becoming increasingly selective, and they recognise the difference between a seller who is serious about selling and one who is testing the market.

"Interest rates and the broader cost of living pressures have been a significant part of buyer conversations today. We’re hearing from some buyers that what they were prepared to pay three months ago has shifted by as much as 10 to 15 per cent. That’s a significant change in confidence, particularly when competition is already limited.

"There’s certainly still demand in the market, but buyers are looking for value and certainty before they’re prepared to act. With Christmas approaching and continued economic uncertainty, we’re seeing more buyers become comfortable with waiting rather than making a decision."

The opportunity for sellers hasn’t disappeared, but the market is becoming far less forgiving of unrealistic expectations, he said.

"Right now, the difference between a successful campaign and a disappointing one is increasingly coming down to how accurately a property is positioned and how willing the seller is to respond to the market."

22 Rutherford Avenue, Burraneer

• Sold under the hammer for $4.5 million
• 1 registered and active bidder
• Lead agent: Tiffany Perez - 0418 634 085
• Ray White Sutherland Shire

A heritage-listed 98-year-old home at 22 Rutherford Avenue, Burraneer sold under the hammer today for $4.5 million.

Ray White Sutherland Shire sales agent Tiffany Perez said a buyer from Cronulla bought the five-bedroom four-bathroom late 1920s landmark stunner.

“This was a hugely successful campaign, we had lots of interest Sydney-wide and it was to no surprise the buyer was a local,” Ms Perez said.

“The buyer was looking for something special that grabbed them. They saw it on our champagne soiree launch night.”

13/12-22 Newington Road, Marrickville

• Sold under the hammer for $1.67 million
• 4 registered bidders, 2 active bidders
• Lead agent: Ercan Ersan - 0423 941 112
• Ray White Erskineville
• Auctioneer: James Keenan, Ray White

Ray White Erskineville director Ercan Ersan sold a three-bedroom, two-bathroom property to a local young first homebuyer on Saturday morning.

Mr Ersan said the property sold for $100,000 over the reserve.

He said the seller is relocating to London after buying the house a few years ago.

“His kids have finished school and now he’s heading home to spend time with his ageing dad,” Mr Ersan said.

Jessica, the buyer, had been looking to purchase a property for a year.

“It’s in a great location and I can move straight in,” Jessica said.

“I inspected it two weeks ago and came back a few times.

“It’s great value for money and good properties like this are few and far between in this current market.”

1D/12 Bligh Place, Randwick

• Sold under the hammer for $812,000
• 7 registered bidders, 4 active bidders
• Lead agent: Angus Gorrie - 0418 282 853
• Ray White Eastern Beaches

A crowd of 30 people watched on as a young family bought 1D/12 Bligh Place, Randwick under the hammer for $812,000.

Angus Gorrie, director of Ray White Eastern Beaches, said the buyers plan to renovate and sell it.

He said the two-bedroom, one-bathroom property was a mortgagee in possession sale and was “unlivable”.

He said registered bidders included first homebuyers and a downsizer.

Victoria

Victoria and Tasmania chief auctioneer Luke Banitsiotis said Melbourne’s property market delivered a solid performance this week, recording a 67.4 per cent clearance rate across the 148 scheduled auctions.

“While the average of 1.6 active bidders per campaign suggests a measured and strategic approach from purchasers, the weekend's activity makes one thing abundantly clear: buyers are absolutely willing to engage and compete the moment they see genuine value,” he said.

“The standout result at 217 Nepean Highway, Seaford perfectly illustrates this value-driven buyer behavior. 

“After the property was passed in four weeks ago, it returned to the auction floor today with a reserve of $920,000. 

“Recognising the undeniable value on offer at this level, buyers immediately stepped up to the plate. The resulting engagement drove the final sale price to a successful $922,000 under the hammer.”

This Seaford campaign serves as a powerful indicator of current market sentiment, he said.

“Purchasers haven't retreated; they are simply waiting for the right opportunity to act. When the value is clearly there, buyers are ready to jump in and that active engagement is what continues to drive competition and secure strong results on the auction floor,” Mr Banitsiotis said.

4/21 Beckett Street, Chadstone

• Sold under the hammer for $1.257 million
• 4 registered, 2 active bidders
• Lead agent: Jacob Biviano - 0416 088 586
• Ray White Mount Waverley
• Auctioneer: Courtney Matthews, Ray White

Ray White Mount Waverley sales agent Jacob Biviano sold 4/21 Beckett Street, Chadstone under the hammer for $1.257 million this morning.

Mr Biviano said the buyer (pictured) was living with his family in Mount Waverley.

He said there was strong interest during the campaign, mostly from young families.

A major highlight of the property was the privately positioned ground-floor bedroom, complete with its own stylish ensuite, providing an ideal retreat for guests, extended family or those seeking convenient accommodation on the lower level. 

3 Shapiro Rise, South Morang

• Sold under the hammer for $946,000 -
• 3 registered bidders, 2 active bidders
• Lead agent/auctioneer: Petar Djeparoski - 0480 120 048
• Ray White South Morang

Ray White South Morang sales agent Petar Djeparoski sold a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 3 Shapiro Rise, South Morang under the hammer for  $946,000.

Mr Djeparoski said a young couple (pictured above) from the area bought their first home and were “over the moon”.

“They inspected it a few times and loved the place,” he said.

“They were bidding against a neighbour who was trying to buy it as an investment for their daughter to eventually give it to her.”

1/98 Grandview Avenue, Pascoe Vale South

• Sold under the hammer for $710,000
• 3 registered bidders, 2 active bidders
• Lead agent: Trish Di Vito - 0422 289 850
• Ray White Brunswick
• Auctioneer: Hassan Allouche, Ray White

Ray White Brunswick sales agent Trish Di Vito sold 1/98 Grandview Avenue, Pascoe Vale South under the hammer for $710,000.

Ms Di Vito said 41 groups inspected the property throughout the campaign.

She said the buyer owns a property in Coburg which he and his partner plan to renovate and needed something to live in while they complete it.

Mr Di Vito said the seller is moving back to Adelaide and was “really happy” with today’s outcome.

“She has had this property since 2012 and it’s in immaculate condition,” she said.

5 Green Place, East Melbourne

• Sold under the hammer for $1.15 million
• 4 registered bidders, 4 active bidders
• Lead agent/auctioneer: Toby Campbell - 0409 965 146
• Ray White CRE

Queensland

Ray White Queensland head of auctions Tom Gunness said auction volume remained steady this week with clearance rates having a noticeable uplift on last week.

“Buyer numbers remain strong across our auctions and open home inspections with sentiment surprisingly resilient,” Mr Gunness said.

“Sellers have shifted their expectations to meet the market more often than not and we are seeing lively negotiations across the majority of our auctions this week.

“Prices are remaining stubborn, but overall there are positive signs as to the acceptance of in the market from both parties.”

11 Watson Street, Newmarket

• Sold under the hammer for $4.9 million
• 4 registered bidders, 2 active bidders
• Lead agent: Alistair Macmillan - 0410 636 221
• Ray White Wilston
• Auctioneer: Christian Hamilton, Ray White

Ray White Wilston sales agent Alistair Macmillan sold 11 Watson Street, Newmarket under the hammer for $4.9 million.

Mr Macmillan said the buyer used to live opposite this house as a kid and grew up on the same street.

“He texted me this morning saying he wasn't going to come - and he turned up and ended up buying it!,” Mr Macmillan said.

Mr Macmillan said the auction of the six-bedder opened at $4 million in front of a crowd of around 50 people.

“It went up in hundred thousand dollar rises until $4.6 million, and then paused for 30 minutes while we negotiated that buyer up to $4.9 million.

“It was then put on the market -  there was no further bid and it was sold.”

He said the sellers also used to live opposite the house.

“They sold their house to buy  11 Watson Street, Newmarket - they moved across the road and have lived here since the early 2000s. Now they are downsizing.”

77 Harding Street, Hendra

• Sold under the hammer for $1.18 million
• 10 registered bidders, 3 active bidders
• Lead agent: Nick Roche - 0449 900 984
• Ray White Ascot
• Auctioneer: Gavin Croft, Ray White

Ray White Ascot sales agent Nick Roche sold a three-bedder at 77 Harding Street, Hendra under the hammer to a local family.

Mr Roche said the property had been in the same family for 40 years as an investment.

He described the property as a “full renovator” which had not been touched for several years.

Mr Roche said there were a few builders who were keen to purchase the property however the majority of interest came from young families.

“We had four people pre-registered before auction day and six registered today and had not even seen it,” Mr Roche said.

42 Rosina Street, Kangaroo Point

• Sold under the hammer for $1.4 million
• 3 registered bidders, 1 active bidder
• Lead agent: Karen Pierce - 0414 477 303
• Ray White City Living
• Auctioneer: Dean Yesberg, Ray White

A three-bedroom deceased estate at 42 Rosina Street, Kangaroo Point was sold under the hammer today for $1.4 million.

A local family placed the winning bid on the three-bedroom home in front of a crowd of around 25 people.

Ray White City Living sales agent Karen Pierce said the buyers inspected the property on Wednesday night.

The property is just 2km from Brisbane’s CBD.

17 Dema Street, Sunnybank

• Sold under the hammer for $1.6M
• 12 registered bidders, 7 active bidders
• Lead agent: Miranda Cheang - 0450 616 681
• Ray White Sunnybank 
• Auctioneer: Daniel Diamantopoulos, Ray White

Ray White Sunnybank sales agent Miranda Cheang sold 17 Dema Street, Sunnybank under the hammer for $1.6M in front of a crowd of 60 people.

A 98-year-old sold her family home to an investor who plans to renovate the property and rent it out.

Ms Cheang said the owner’s daughter attended the auction and said her mum would be “super happy” with today’s result.

The property sold $300,000 above the reserve.

South Australia

Ray White South Australian chief auctioneer John Morris said as agents and auctioneers, our job is simple - do the best by our clients - the sellers. 

“That means choosing a strategy that creates competition, brings buyers to a decision, and gets results. An auction campaign does all of that and gives buyers a deadline,” Mr Morris said.

“If someone's ready to buy before auction day, we help them put forward an unconditional offer that our seller can consider. 


“If the buyers' finance isn't ready, we can help them understand what they need to organise before they bid. 

“We are creating urgency and helping the buyers take action.” 

Mr Morris said: “Now, around 40 to 50 percent of properties sell on auction day. 
But judging an auction campaign solely by what happens under the hammer, misses the bigger picture”. 

“The figures we're seeing show auction properties spend less than 30 days on the market compared with more than 50 for other methods of sale. In a falling market, those extra weeks can come at a cost,” Mr Morris said.

“By the end of a typical 90-day agency campaign, close to 90 per cent of auction properties have been sold, compared with around two thirds through other methods.” 

13-17 Resthaven Road, Parafield Gardens

• Sold under the hammer for $2.463 million
• 15 registered bidders, 5 active bidders
• Lead agent: Ryan Stapleton - 0400 047 114
• Ray White Campbelltown 

A keen developer bought 13-17 Resthaven Road, Parafield Gardens under the hammer today for $2.463 million after the property was owned by one family for 60 years.

Ray White Campbelltown selling agent Ryan Stapleton said the three-bedroom property had attracted interest from mainly developers throughout the campaign.

He said the buyer plans to build nine single storey houses on the block.

“There was another developer who wanted it, he was the underbidder, he had done a development nearby.”

In 1961, 87-year-old Barry Chambers and his late wife, Moreen, purchased their first block of land on what was then former farmland. 

Mr Chambers recalls buying the initial allotment, only for Moreen to worry overnight that there would not be enough space for her dream garden. 

Natalie Hubrechsen, Mr Chambers’ youngest daughter, said true to her father’s devoted nature, he returned to town the very next day to secure the adjacent block, later acquiring a third block to complete the expansive, street-to-street corner plot.

“The third block had been sold but remained empty. A few years after moving in, they bought the third block from the owner because he no longer planned to build there.

Mr Stapleton described today’s auction as “emotional” for the seller and his family, who were in attendance.

“We had a meeting at the nursing home last night, and he came to the auction today - he put the sold sign up.”

1/108 Beulah Road, Norwood

• Sold under the hammer for $910,000
• 3 registered bidders, 3 active bidders
• Lead agent: Adam Humzy - 0488 586 522
• Ray White Prospect
• Auctioneer: John Morris, Ray White

A three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 1/108 Beulah Road, Norwood sold under the hammer for $910,000 this morning.

Ale, a 29-year-old, only inspected the property this morning and described his experience as “wild”.

“This is my first home, and I must say it feels good to be buying in this property market,” he said.

Ray White Prospect sales agent Adam Humzy said a crowd of around 30 to 40 watched the auction unfold.

“For the times we are in, it was a bloody good auction,” Mr Humzy said.

“The seller is moving onto his next project and is stoked with today’s result.”

Lot 632, 6 Culbara Ave. Ingle Farm

• Sold under the hammer for $940,000
• 11 registered bidders, 4 active bidders
• Lead agent: Brijesh Mishra - 0430 140 905
• Ray White Para Hills
• Auctioneer: Crispian Fielke, Ray White 

27 Third Avenue, Cheltenham

• Sold under the hammer for $910,000
• 2 registered, 2 active
• Lead agent: Savvas Eftimiou - 0414 263 428
• Ray White Grange
• Auctioneer: Rod Smitheram, Ray White

Western Australia