The Melbourne clearance rate for the week ending 11 April 2026 was 59.1%, the first result below 60% for the year. This is a decrease from 61.4% the previous week and 66.8% for the same week in 2025, indicating a shift toward a buyer’s market.
Melbourne’s clearance rate has dipped below the 60% mark, reflecting the pressure of RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026. With industry consensus placing a balanced market between 65% and 72%, current figures suggest a contraction in buyer competition.
Identifying the current market balance
A clearance rate of 59.1% for the week ending 11 April 2026 shows the market is currently operating below balanced levels. House clearance rates were lower at 57.2%, while units performed slightly better at 59.1%.
Comparing 2026 to 2025 levels
Clearance rates through January to March 2026 typically ran between 61% and 66%, which is generally lower than the 66–68% recorded during equivalent weeks in 2025. The result of 59.1% in April is significantly lower than the 66.8% recorded for the same week last year.
The influence of interest rates
RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026 have contributed to the appearance of these below-60% readings. This is mirrored in the median house auction price, which fell to $937,500 for the week ending 11 April 2026, down from $1,021,000 the previous week.
The Easter volume risk
Data for the week ending 11 April 2026 is based on 822 homes listed for auction, a significant drop from the 1,781 listed in the pre-Easter week. Lower auction volumes can create volatility in percentage data, meaning a few unsuccessful sales have a disproportionate impact on the total clearance rate.
| Metric (Week ending 11 April 2026) | Value |
|---|---|
| Melbourne Overall Clearance Rate | 59.1% |
| House Clearance Rate | 57.2% |
| Unit Clearance Rate | 59.1% |
| Median House Auction Price | $937,500 |
| Auction Volume | 822 |
Frequently asked questions
What does a 59.1% clearance rate mean for my home’s value?
A 59.1% clearance rate indicates a market leaning toward buyers, as it sits below the industry consensus of 65–72% for a balanced market. While not a price correction, it suggests fewer properties are meeting vendor expectations at auction, requiring more precise pricing to achieve a sale (Industry consensus).
How do eastern suburbs growth rates compare to the city average?
Some eastern regions continue to show resilience. As of January 2026, Whitehorse East recorded annual growth of +8.6% with a median of $1,239,067, and Knox saw +7.6% growth with a median of $965,300 (Cotality, January 2026). This shows growth varies significantly by specific suburb corridor.
Why are auction prices lower this week than last week?
The median auction price for houses dropped to $937,500 for the week ending 11 April 2026, down from $1,021,000 the previous week. This was influenced by a significantly lower volume of listings (822 compared to 1,781 pre-Easter), which can shift the median toward lower-priced properties.
How does Melbourne compare to other capital cities right now?
Melbourne is currently offered at a historically wide discount, with a median house price gap exceeding $600,000 compared to Sydney. Melbourne’s median has recently dipped below Perth’s and sits only marginally above Adelaide’s, which is historically unusual for Australia’s second-largest city.
Questions to ask your agent
- How has the volume of buyers at our recent open for inspections changed since the March RBA rate hikes?
- Given the current 59.1% clearance rate, what is the evidence that our property will attract a buyer above the 65–72% “balanced” threshold?
- How does the recent growth in Whitehorse East or Knox specifically impact the appraisal for my street?
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.