The national auction market has recovered in recent months, with preliminary clearance rates rising from the year’s lows and an increase in auction activity throughout Australia’s combined cities. Although most of the focus has been on the major eastern markets (Sydney and Melbourne), which are driving volume, Perth has quietly seen improvements in both pricing and transactional momentum, which are bolstered by strong buyer demand and few listings. According to local WA data, although auction activity is less frequent, it is still significant for price discovery in more crowded districts. In the current market, cautious pricing, effective marketing, and selecting the best disposal strategy are highly rewarded for Perth sellers and investors. This is precisely where a seasoned local agency like Bargoti Real Estate can provide quantifiable value.

What “clearance rate” means — and why it matters

The percentage of properties put up for auction that eventually sell (either under the hammer or soon after) is known as the auction clearance rate. It is a market indicator of supply and demand that is almost real-time:

• A high clearing rate (>70%) typically indicates strong consumer demand and frequently justifies price increases.
• A low clearance rate (less than 60%) may indicate overstock at that particular moment or consumer concern.

Crucially, auction volume, property type, price cohort, and season all affect clearance rates (spring usually increases activity). Since clearance rates are only one piece of the picture, we combine them with listings and price patterns to make valid inferences.

The national picture: combined capitals improving

• After quieter periods, the combined-capitals auction market has experienced a resurgence of activity in recent months.
• In recent weeks, national research providers have reported improved preliminary clearing rates and increased auction volumes, with several weeks seeing the highest auction activity since late 2024.
• When interest rate policy began to loosen and the mood improved, buyers returned to the market in greater numbers, as evidenced by the rise in early clearance rates that accompanied those higher volumes.

Key national datapoints (latest surveys & releases)

• In recent weeks, major property data providers have reported a recovery in preliminary clearance rates and increased weekly auction volumes.
• As markets entered and proceeded through the spring selling season in 2025, this was the general pattern.  
• Perth is one of the better-performing cities nationwide, according to media and research opinion (Reuters, ABC, and Domain summary), which predicts little national price growth by September 2025.
• The combined capitals had 2,613 residences put up for auction last week, a 33.5% increase over the previous week when a long weekend affected auction activity in four of the eight states and territories (1,958).
• Last week, the combined capital city preliminary clearance rate reached its highest level in three weeks, at 73.0%. The preliminary clearance rate from the previous week was 71.9%; the final figures were revised down to 67.4%.
• With 1,254 residences put up for sale last week—up from 1,164 the week before—Melbourne was the busiest auction market. At 73.5%, the initial clearance rate was the highest in three weeks.

Capital City Auction Statistics (Preliminary)

1. Last week, Sydney hosted 1,003 auctions, up from 511 the week before (Labour Day long weekend). Up from 72.4% the week before, 73.9% of auctions have yielded a positive outcome thus far (revised lower to 68.3% once finished).

2. Brisbane held the most auctions among the smaller cities, with 133 residences up for sale last week, up from 148 the week before. The initial clearance rate was 68.5%, which was lower than the previous week’s 69.3% (final results were lowered to 65.5%).

3. Last week, 106 auctions took place around the ACT, up from 57 the week before. A successful outcome has been reported in 61.5% of auctions thus far, compared to 70.6% the week before (68.4% once concluded).

4. Last week, 96 homes in Adelaide were up for auction, compared to 65 the week before. After a week, the early clearance rate increased to 80.6% from 78.8%. After two weeks of dormancy, there were just three auctions staged in Tasmania last week, whereas there were eighteen in Perth, up from thirteen the week before.

Capital city home value changes

Capital city properties listed for sale — four week count

Listings — 12 month change (%)

Number of homes for sale, combined capital cities

Capital city properties listed for rent — four week count

Rental listings — 12 month change (%)

Perth in focus — why Perth matters now

As one of Australia’s better capital cities in terms of price growth and transactional activity, Perth is no longer an “also-ran” in 2025.  

Several factors support Perth’s strength:

• Considerable buyer interest and tight listings. In many areas, competitive tension is maintained by low stock availability (in relation to the buyer pool).
• In several Perth corridors, consistent transactions and increasing medians are reported by REIWA and other local sources.
• WA’s housing demand has been aided by interstate migration, mining sector cycles, and an expanding services base.
• According to some reports, Perth posted multi-month gains into the spring of 2025, and the city’s housing prices increased significantly between 2024 and 2025.

Perth auction-specific snapshot (latest available weekly figures):

• Depending on the dataset and whether the statistic was preliminary or final, WA/Perth auction clearance rates recorded on national portals during the most recent reporting week (week ending October 12–13, 2025) ranged from the mid-50s to the mid-60s.
• For example, according to 16 auction results for that reporting window, realestate.com.au’s WA clearance rate for the weekend was approximately 56%.
• The lesser sample size for Perth auctions compared to the eastern capitals is reflected in that number; therefore, proceed with caution when interpreting it and use it in conjunction with REIWA statistics and local private treaty outcomes.
• Why do Perth data portals appear to have a lower clearance rate? Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, Perth holds fewer weekly auctions; a few passed-in results can significantly alter weekly percentages. For this reason, rolling monthly/quarterly aggregates and local market intelligence (REIWA, agent networks) are more useful for decision-making in Perth than a single weekend’s clearing rate.

Why are clearance rates improving?

The improving clearance rates in the combined capitals and the revived momentum in Perth can be explained by several interrelated factors:

• In contrast to the higher-rate environment of 2024, the RBA eased policy in 2025; lower cash rates (and market expectations of additional cuts) improved buyer sentiment and borrowing capacity.  
• Increased bidding at auctions resulted from improved affordability at the margin.
• Historically, the busiest time of year for auctions has been spring. To maximise visibility and buyer competition, vendors and agents schedule significant advertising for this time frame.
• In comparison to previous years, several markets saw fewer new listings, which focused buyer attention on available stock and increased auction success in cases where product quality and price were appropriately aligned.  
• One factor contributing to the ongoing price increases in Perth has been the limited number of listings.
• Both local and interstate buyers looking for relative value are returning to active search in several suburbs after a pause in demand (some eastern-state buyers have found Perth to be appealing).
• Under the hammer, vendors who spend in focused marketing (staged opens, professional photography, and pre-auction interest-building) and set their prices appropriately for the expectations of today’s buyers are more successful.

What this means for Perth sellers (actionable guidance)

Here is a step-by-step guide for Perth vendors considering selling in the current market:

• For properties that benefit from competitive bidding, such as inner suburbs or family houses with high buyer appeal, auctions are still effective.  
• A private treaty with an aggressive campaign could be preferable for properties in specialty markets or when the vendor needs confidence. When you want to test the market price and build urgency, use an auction.
• Develop a well-defined marketing strategy that targets the optimal price range and consumer base. A clear, reliable price guide or target range draws in real bidders; overpricing stifles momentum.
• Consider local competition while aiming for the busiest selling windows (spring/early fall). Listing when there are fewer rival stock launches in the same suburb is preferable.
• Create offers and pre-auction enquiries. High pre-auction interest lowers the likelihood of pass-in and boosts the number of bidders at the auction.
• Invest in floor layouts, staging, and high-quality photographs. These factors significantly enhance buyer perception and bidding behaviour in competitive Perth markets.
• Please select an agent with a history of successful auctions in your suburb, as they will be better equipped to handle pricing, marketing, and bidders. (If you would like a local recommendation, get in touch for a market analysis.) Bargoti Real Estate provides customised auction strategies throughout Perth’s central suburbs.

What this means for Perth buyers (how to win)

Buyers should adapt to a still-competitive but changing landscape:

• Be finance-ready
• Attend opens & auctions
• Set clear budget lines
• Consider private treaty as a strategy
• Work with local buyer-agents

Have pre-approval in place; sellers respond to bidders who can transact quickly. In-person observation of buyer behaviour helps assess competition and the realistic clearing price. Know your walk-away price — auctions reward disciplined bidding under pressure. Sellers with urgency might accept strong private offers; make your interest known to agents early. Experienced buyer-agents know Perth submarket rhythms, recent clearance outcomes and how to structure offers that appeal to vendors.

Auction strategy: seller and agent playbook (practical checklist)

• 4–6 weeks pre-listing: market research; local comparable sales; agent selection.
• 2–4 weeks pre-listing: professional photos, staging, building a campaign, and an open-house schedule.
• 1 week pre-auction: targeted buyer outreach, pre-auction offers window, vendor-set reserve strategy.
• Auction day: transparent bidding policy, active auctioneer, clear post-auction negotiation protocol.
• Post-auction: If an item is passed in, the agent is to follow up immediately with the highest bidders and negotiate.

Higher auction success rates in competitive Perth suburbs are based on those operational processes. Here, a competent local agent’s execution can make the difference between a failed weekend and a successful sale.

Investor view: Do clearance rates matter for buy-and-hold decisions?

Short-term weekly clearance rates are less important to investors who prioritise yield and long-term capital growth than:

• Strength of the rental market (vacancy, rent growth): Investor interest has been fuelled by Perth’s rental shortage.
• Analyse affordability trajectories and median price trends to ascertain potential long-term returns.
• Basics of local supply and demand: employment (mines and services), population trends, and new supply pipelines.

Although auctions can be helpful for signals and sometimes for spotting deals, investors should place a greater emphasis on yield and long-term fundamentals.

Forecasts & what to watch next (what will determine the next moves)

• RBA policy and interest rates: any additional easing would boost borrowing capacity, which would probably encourage higher prices and better auction clearance rates. On the other hand, unanticipated tightening or increased mortgage pressure would reduce activity.
• New listings: keep an eye on weekly listing trends; a persistent increase in supply would lower clearing rates.
• Local employment and migration: Resource-sector dynamics and migratory flows significantly influence Perth’s success.
• Investor appetite: Longer-term investor engagement will be influenced by tax policy, financial considerations, and rental yields.

Short-term scenario (next 3–6 months)

• Continuation of active spring momentum, with national clearance rates fluctuating by week as volumes rise and buyers chase quality stock.
• Perth should remain relatively stable, although auction-based clearance percentages will continue to fluctuate due to small sample sizes.

Practical recommendations for Bargoti Real Estate clients

If you are considering or collaborating with Bargoti Real Estate:

• Sellers: get a suburb- and property-type specific appraisal that blends auction and private-treaty strategies. Bargoti’s local market knowledge is critical to setting a competitive guide price and executing an APS (Auction Preparation & Sales) campaign.
• Buyers: register early, know your finance limit and treat Bargoti’s buyer communications as a means to convey serious interest ahead of auction days.
• Investors: ask Bargoti for recent rental vacancy rates, suburb median movements and a 12–24 month cash-flow forecast for target properties.

How did a well-run Perth auction lift the clearance outcome? Excessive pre-auction demand creation, realistic pricing, and a local market-savvy auctioneer all worked together to surpass vendor expectations. If you wish to sell at auction, Bargoti Real Estate uses this tried-and-true formula.

Limitations & how to interpret the data

• In Perth and other smaller auction markets, where 10 to 30 auctions per week can cause significant swings in percentages, weekly clearance rates can be noisy.  
• For more consistent insight, use monthly aggregates or 4-week rolling averages.
• Compare apples with apples since different suppliers employ different approaches (CoreLogic, Cotality, portals) (preliminary vs. final clearance rates; sample sizes noted).

Final thoughts — opportunity for Perth sellers & buyers

The rising auction clearing rates across the combined capitals indicate a stronger, more active market for both buyers and sellers. Perth is a market worth keeping an eye on because of its fundamentals, which include tight listings, strong rental dynamics, and a measured price rise. It is also a place where campaigns that are executed successfully yield tangible benefits.

Now is the ideal moment to speak with local experts who are knowledgeable about the ins and outs of Perth suburbs and auction mechanics if you’re considering buying, selling, or investing. Bargoti Real Estate can offer a customised market assessment, auction strategy, or buyer representation because of its practical knowledge in the Perth suburbs.

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