Auctions have proudly been part of our fourth generation, family-owned and led business since 1902. This method of sale is one we believe in and have recommended to our clients since then. We still believe it’s the purest form of selling real estate.
Why auction?
With auctions, the market determines the price of a property in an open forum negotiation, which is essentially what happens on auction day. For buyers, you can see what others are prepared to pay for the property, and can then decide if it’s worth more and continue bidding while for sellers, auction provides a transparent environment and if your property sells by auction it's binding by all parties.
No matter what state the market is in, an auction campaign, if carried out correctly, gives you the best chance of creating that competition between bidders to achieve the maximum price for the vendor. At worst, an auction campaign gives you a platform. A platform where post-auction negotiations can take place to still achieve the best possible outcome for the vendor, and for those unsuccessful, they become a pool of buyers for the future.
Your guide to property auctions
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Everything you need to know before auction day
Whether you’re buying your first home, an investment property or adding to your portfolio, the process can be just as stressful as it is exciting. Our expert auctioneers have shared their best advice to help you prepare and bid with confidence at auction - think of this as your auction day buyer cheat sheet.
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Advice for buying at auction
At Ray White, auctions our the lifeblood of our group and we have expert auctioneers across Australia who successfully call auctions on a weekly basis. Read the tips from our auctioneers to learn more about the auction process and what's involved in an auction for buyers.
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Advice for selling at auction
Looking to sell your home? An auction provides the most transparent and decisive environment in real estate. To sell a property by auction has benefits and outcomes that benefit all parties involved in the transaction. Read the advice from our auctioneers to learn more about the auction process.
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Auction terms explained
Auctions can be overwhelming, but knowing the key terms and phrases will help you confidently navigate the auction process and get ready to bid. Read our simple auction terms explained guide to learn more.
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What's the difference between auction and private treaty?
Looking to buy or sell but not sure which method is the right one for you? There are key differences between auction and private treaty. Read our useful guide to learn more.
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Auction FAQs
Buying or selling at auction? Get expert answers on reserve prices, bidding increments, and post-auction steps to navigate the Australian property market with ease.
What do I need to know about auctions?
Watch our auction mythbusting video series where we answer some commonly asked questions around property auctions - from bidding tips to reserve prices. Learn the best real estate auction strategies and find tips to prepare for an auction.
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If you're looking to buy at auction, building a relationship with the right agent can save you time and stress. They can share their knowledge, research, and data to help you understand what's going to happen on auction day.
Auction mythbusting -
How does an auction work? When is the perfect time to buy at auction? Head of auctions (NSW), Dave McMahon, breaks down the key things you should be aware of when going to bid at auction.
Auction mythbusting -
Learn the best real estate auction bidding strategies, including why you should "bid quickly" and the importance of knowing your strategy and sticking to your budget.
Auction mythbusting -
If you're feeling nervous before an auction, Queensland head of growth and auctioneer, Georgia Turner, shares her top tips to prepare for an auction and feeling confident on auction day.
Auction mythbusting -
Want to feel prepared at an auction? Luke Banitsiotis, chief auctioneer, Ray White Victoria | Tasmania debunks common myths around buying at auction.
Auction mythbusting -
When you're buying at auction for the first time, things can seem confusing. Sales performance executive and auctioneer, Jake McIntyre, talks through his recommended strategies for bidding at auction and why auctions are great for the buyer.
Auction mythbusting -
It's auction day - are you feeling ready? Ensuring you're fully prepared ahead of auction day can help you to feel confident when it's time to bid. Hear some useful tips from Queensland head of growth and auctioneer, Georgia Turner.
Auction mythbusting
Read our latest auction stories
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Auction market rewards "precision over pressure"
While national clearance rates continued to ease this week, it has become clear that market dynamics are specific to each capital city. -
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In an uncertain market, is auction the right method of sale?
The Australian property market is constantly influenced by shifting economic factors. Adjustments to the Federal Budget, fluctuating interest rates, policy risks, and global economic anxieties naturally cause buyers - and sellers - to become more cautious. -
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Tax overhaul triggers auction market caution
Everyone was waiting with baited breath to see how the auction market performed this weekend following the federal budget announcements this week, and according to data from Australia’s largest real estate group, the market response was mixed. -
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Australia's auction market proves its durability
Australia's auction market is proving its durability, with Ray White recording a national clearance rate of 62.3 per cent this week as bidder depth held steady despite a turbulent economic backdrop. -
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Property market enters a more disciplined phase
Australia’s property market becomes more disciplined, with active but selective buyers. Auction volumes are up, but clearance rates have eased. Strong demand remains for well-priced homes. -
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Decoding a vendor bid
Those looking at a property for sale for the first time may attend an auction and hear the phrase "vendor bid" - but possibly won't know what that means. -
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Data proves auction is still king despite changing market
As the property landscape across Australia and New Zealand shifts into uncertain territory, Ray White South Australia chief auctioneer John Morris said auctions are now more relevant than ever. -
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Higher supply tests demand in national auction market
This week’s auction data points to a softer set of results, with a noticeable pullback in buyer activity. -
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Auction transparency provides certainty as market shifts
The past 60 days saw market conditions across Queensland shift in response to a range of factors, including consecutive interest rate rises, increasing cost-of-living pressures, and ongoing global uncertainty. -
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National auctions show resilience amid rising rates environment
Australia’s auction market showed resilience, with a 70.9% clearance rate across 422 properties. Buyer activity remained steady despite rising interest rates, signalling stabilising conditions as the market adjusts to economic uncertainty. -
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Uncertain auction market still full of opportunities
The month of March brought a sudden shift in market conditions, driven by economic factors and ongoing global conflicts. -
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Uncertainty in auction market despite high pre-Easter volumes
Ray White scheduled a whopping 718 properties to go under the hammer across the nation today, with sellers keen to transact before Easter. -
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Auction conditions slightly subdued post rate hike
The Australian auction market softens after the rate hike, with lower open home attendance and cautious buyers. Clearance rates and bidder numbers remain steady, auction volumes rise, and price growth continues despite affordability pressures. -
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Economic uncertainty softens auction engagement
If you noticed a little more breathing room at open homes this weekend, you weren't alone. New data from Ray White indicates a significant shift in the national property landscape. -
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Market remains well supported by underlying demand
Ray White auctions saw strong results across Australia this week, with competitive bidding in many markets. Renovators, investors and families remained active, highlighting continued demand despite shifting conditions and lower auction volumes in areas. -
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Auction market shows tenacity in wake of rate rise
Despite widespread speculation regarding the impact of recent interest rate increases, February’s auction data indicates a market characterised by tenacity rather than retreat. -
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You could be forgiven for thinking that after the RBA rate rise, the wind may have been taken out of the sails of the Victorian market. -
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Ray White auctions kick off 2026 with record-breaking January on the Gold Coast
Ray White has opened 2026 on a high, with a series of blockbuster auction events across the Gold Coast delivering record-breaking results, strong clearance rates and clear evidence of sustained buyer confidence. -
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Packed auction room sees 92 per cent clearance rate
Ray White Sherwood|Centenary sold more than $14.3 million in property as part of their in-room auction event in Graceville last night. -
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300 auctions set the tone on the Gold Coast
Ray White’s Gold Coast auctions will yet again set the tone for the year ahead, with close to 300 properties set to go under the hammer during the last week of January. -
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Interest rates to be a key driver for 2026 auction market
December concluded with 699 auctions scheduled, down 5 per cent year-on-year as expected, with activity concentrated across just two Saturdays before Christmas. -
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Ray White auctions show strength in 2025
It was a year of momentum, strength, and strong competition for Ray White auctions, with the group scheduling a total of 38,976 properties to go under the hammer in 2025 across Australia and New Zealand. -
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Elesa Wood is a trailblazer in Australian auctioneering
In an industry where female auctioneers remain a rarity, Elesa Wood stands out as one of Australia's most experienced and respected voices under the hammer. -
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Momentum remains strong in push to year’s end
November proved to be another robust month for our auction market, with Ray White scheduling 1,487 auctions across the group, a 2 per cent increase year-on-year. -
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Basketball legend Lauren Jackson sells Albury investment property
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Why auctions are good for both buyers and sellers
Auctions aren’t a trend, nor are they just a method of sale. At Ray White, they’re ingrained in the culture of the group and have shaped our history. -
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Last chance to buy to be in by Christmas
A rare piece of Sunshine Coast history sold today, with the block of flats offering both development potential and a rich family legacy spanning more than half a century. -
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Sisters sell family home that “stood the test of time”
Simone Caswell and her three sisters sold their childhood home at 12 Keightley Road East, Shenton Park, at auction today after it had been in their family for more than 60 years. -
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November heat: Bidders storm the market
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Spring selling moves into high gear
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No-reserve auction attracts huge crowd, fierce bidding
It was standing room only at the packed Ray White Collective auction event at The Calile Hotel with more than $47.5 million in property sold as part of the stand out event.