A typical Melbourne auction campaign runs for 4 weeks from the initial listing to the auction date. Following a successful auction, settlement usually occurs within 30 to 90 days, with 60 days being the most common timeframe for residential transactions. While the 4-week window is the standard, the actual time to a contract depends on
Private sale involves negotiating directly with buyers, offering flexibility in price and terms, and is becoming increasingly competitive with auction, particularly as clearance rates hover in the low-to-mid 60s (Cotality, March 2026). While auctions provide a definitive timeframe, the current market sees approximately 35–40% of properties passed in, often leading to a private negotiation period
In Melbourne’s current auction market, approximately 35–40% of properties are passed in, meaning they don’t sell on auction day (CoreLogic/Cotality, April 2026). While this can be disappointing, it’s a common outcome. Most passed-in properties do sell within a few weeks via private negotiation, with the highest bidder having the first opportunity to negotiate. Vendors should
Auction remains a viable strategy for many Melbourne vendors in April 2026, particularly in the eastern suburbs where a strong auction culture exists. However, with clearance rates tracking in the low-to-mid 60% range, approximately 35–40% of properties are currently passed in (REIV). Vendors should carefully consider their property’s appeal, location, and establish a clear post-auction
