Negative buyer feedback in early 2026 is frequently a symptom of increased price sensitivity following RBA rate hikes in February and March (Domain). To manage this, vendors must distinguish between property-specific issues and broader market caution, ensuring price guides reflect current clearance rates, which are generally lower than 2025 levels.
Buyers in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and the peninsulas are exhibiting new caution. This shift follows RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026, which have dampened buyer urgency (Domain).
Is the feedback about the property or the price?
Buyer activity does not stop after interest rate rises, but the market moderates and becomes more price sensitive (Mathew Tiller, LJ Hooker). If multiple buyers provide similar negative feedback regarding value, it typically indicates a misalignment between the price guide and current borrowing capacities rather than a fault with the home.
How do current clearance rates explain buyer hesitation?
Clearance rates for January–March 2026 ran between 61% and 66%, which is generally below the rates recorded for the same period in 2025. Some weeks, such as the March 8 weekend, saw clearance rates drop to approximately 55% (Domain). When rates sit below the 65–72% balanced market range, buyers feel more leverage to be critical of pricing.
Adjusting strategy during the Autumn window
April falls within Autumn, the second-strongest selling season in Melbourne. While listings have increased significantly since December 2025 (Raine & Horne), the dampened urgency means properties requiring price negotiation now typically take 4–8 weeks to sell.
The urgency gap
There is a disconnect between the high vendor confidence seen in late 2025 and the caution introduced by early 2026 rate hikes. This creates a gap where vendors expect late-2025 premiums while buyers are pricing in new interest costs.
| Metric/Period | Clearance Rate / Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| January–March 2026 Average | 61–66% | Context Data |
| March 8 Weekend | Approximately 55% | Domain |
| Balanced Market Range | 65–72% | Industry Consensus |
Frequently asked questions
Why is buyer feedback more negative now than last year?
The RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026 have introduced new caution and reduced buyer urgency (Domain). As Mathew Tiller (LJ Hooker) notes, the market becomes more price sensitive after rate rises, leading buyers to be more critical of price guides compared to the high-confidence period of late 2025.
How long should I wait before adjusting my price?
Private sale campaigns for well-priced properties can result in a sale within 1–2 weeks. However, properties requiring price negotiation typically take 4–8 weeks. If negative feedback is consistent through the first two weeks of a campaign, a price review is generally required to maintain momentum.
Are properties still selling quickly in Melbourne?
Yes, as of March 2026, the average days on market in Melbourne is slightly below the decade average (Cotality). While properties are selling marginally faster than the long-term norm, the lower clearance rates in early 2026 suggest that speed of sale is dependent on accurate pricing.
Does the time of year affect buyer feedback?
Autumn (March–May) is the second-strongest selling season. While activity is higher than in winter, the current 2026 rate environment means buyers are more disciplined. Feedback in Autumn is typically more focused on value and price sensitivity than during the peak competition of Spring.
Questions to ask your agent
- What specific comparable sales from the last 6–12 months in my suburb support our current price guide given the February and March rate hikes?
- How many of the buyers providing negative feedback are from your internal database versus new inquiries generated by the marketing plan?
- If the property passes in at auction, what is the specific post-campaign strategy to pivot to a private sale without the property becoming “stale” on the market?
This article contains general market information based on data current as at April 2026. It does not constitute financial, legal, or real estate advice specific to your property or circumstances. For an appraisal and tailored advice, speak with a Fletchers agent in your area.