Bidding at auction in Melbourne involves a public, competitive process where potential buyers verbally offer increasing prices for a property, overseen by an auctioneer. As of December 2025, it remains a common method for selling property, particularly in the competitive Eastern Suburbs market.
Currently in Melbourne, auctions typically begin with the auctioneer presenting the property and seeking an opening bid. Bids are then made verbally, increasing in increments determined by the auctioneer – commonly $10,000, $5,000, or even $1,000 as competition intensifies. Prospective buyers usually register to bid and are assigned a paddle number. The auctioneer will acknowledge bids and work through the crowd, encouraging further offers. Vendor bidding is permitted, but must be clearly declared. In 2026, we anticipate continued strong buyer interest in key Eastern Suburbs locations like Balwyn and Doncaster, potentially leading to fast-paced auctions. It’s important to realise that a property can be ‘passed in’ if bidding doesn’t reach the vendor’s reserve price – the minimum acceptable sale price. Following a pass-in, negotiations can continue between the highest bidder and the vendor. Fletchers’ experienced auctioneers are skilled at managing these dynamics and maximising results for our clients.
Understanding the auction process is crucial for both buyers and sellers, and Fletchers’ long history in the Melbourne market – dating back to 1919 – provides us with unique insight into how these events unfold.