Auction bidding strategies involve how potential buyers approach making offers during an auction, aiming to secure the property. As of December 2025, understanding these strategies is helpful for sellers to anticipate buyer behaviour and manage expectations.
Currently in Melbourne, several bidding approaches are common. ‘Opening bid’ strategies see buyers immediately place a strong initial offer, attempting to deter competition. ‘Incremental bidding’ involves raising the bid in small increments, often to gauge interest and encourage others to reveal their limits. ‘Vendor bidding’ – where the vendor themselves bids through their agent – is permitted in Victoria, but must be clearly declared. It aims to stimulate interest, but can also be a tactic to push the price beyond a certain point. In the Melbourne Eastern Suburbs, we often see competitive bidding on family homes near sought-after schools, with buyers employing strategies like ‘rapid fire’ bidding – quick successive bids – to demonstrate commitment. It’s important to realise that auction dynamics can change quickly, and buyer behaviour in 2026 will be influenced by prevailing market conditions, currently forecasting moderate growth of 3-6%. Fletchers’ experienced auctioneers are skilled at reading the room and navigating these strategies to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Ultimately, successful auction outcomes depend on a combination of strategic preparation, realistic price expectations, and a skilled auctioneer who can effectively manage the bidding process.