Auction involves publicly offering a property for sale to competitive bidders, with the highest bid securing the sale. As of December 2025, it remains a favoured method in Melbourne, particularly when strong buyer demand exists.
Currently in Melbourne, auctions generally perform best in a market with multiple interested parties. In 2026, we anticipate auctions will continue to be particularly effective for properties in high-demand areas like the Eastern Suburbs – Balwyn, Blackburn, and Doncaster – where competition for family homes near quality schools is consistently strong. The typical campaign duration leading to auction is 4-6 weeks. A key element is transparency; buyers understand the process and can participate openly. Preparing a property for auction in 2026 often involves costs between $2,000 – $8,000 for styling and $500 – $1,500 for professional photography, to maximise appeal. Fletchers’ experience shows that well-presented, light-filled homes with renovation potential consistently attract strong bidding. The auction process allows the market to determine the price, potentially exceeding expectations in a competitive environment. It’s important to realise that auction isn’t always suitable; properties with unique characteristics or limited buyer appeal may favour a private sale.
Auction is a powerful sales method when demand is high and multiple buyers are actively seeking property, allowing the market to establish a strong result.