Sellers flee auctions as Australian property market softens and buyers gain
Sellers in major Australian cities are moving from auctions to private sales as the market softens and buyers gain power.
Data from Domain shows more sellers are converting listings from auction to private treaty in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra. The shift reflects a "buyer's market" where fewer buyers are competing.
Domain's chief economist said sellers are "testing the market and realising that there just isn't that buyer depth there anymore". National house prices have fallen 3.6 per cent since March.
The second quarter of 2026 was the first sustained decline since 2022. Property experts say auction sales may pick up once the market settles.
Sellers are retreating to private sales because they feel safer negotiating directly.
- 3.6 per cent since March
- National price decline
- 0.3 per cent or 34.1 billion dollars
- Q2 2026 decline
- since 2022
- First sustained decline
- Nicola Powell
- Chief economist
Why it mattersFewer auctions and lower prices mean buyers can negotiate better deals. Sellers who hold out for auctions may find they wait longer or accept lower offers than they expected.
AustraliaAustralian homebuyers now have more bargaining power across major cities, potentially saving thousands on purchases as the property boom ends.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 h ago
