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# Most homes fail to sell at auction for another week
- URL: https://www.bushletter.com/share-of-homes-selling-at-auction-falls-below-50-per-cent/
- Published: 2026-10-11T21:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T08:46:26.000Z
- Description: Spring auction volumes are running 31 per cent below last year's pace, the quietest start since 2020, giving buyers more room to negotiate.
- Author: Bushletter Newsroom
- Tags: Property, Australia, Cotality

TLDR

Australia's national auction clearance rate came in at 48.8 per cent across 1,781 auctions on the weekend of 10-11 October 2026, the second consecutive week below 50 per cent. Spring listing volumes are running 31 per cent below last year's pace, the softest early-season schedule since 2020.

## Second week below 50 per cent

The preliminary national auction clearance rate came in at 48.8 per cent from 1,781 auctions on the weekend of 10-11 October 2026, according to Cotality data, marking the second consecutive week the share of homes finding a buyer at auction has fallen short of the halfway mark.[\[1\]](https://www.cotality.com/au/our-data/auction-results?ref=bushletter.com) The final combined-capitals rate for the week ending 4 October 2026 was 45.4 per cent.[\[2\]](https://www.cotality.com/au/press-releases/final-clearance-rates-week-ending-4-october-2026?ref=bushletter.com)

City results diverged sharply. Sydney recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 52.9 per cent and Melbourne 54.8 per cent, while Brisbane cleared just 21.4 per cent and Perth 28.6 per cent.[\[1\]](https://www.cotality.com/au/our-data/auction-results?ref=bushletter.com) Canberra came in at 36.4 per cent.[\[1\]](https://www.cotality.com/au/our-data/auction-results?ref=bushletter.com)

## Quiet spring on the listing front

Auction volumes across the first six weeks of spring were running 31 per cent below last year's pace, the softest early-season schedule since 2020, Cotality said.[\[3\]](https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/tax-changes-crack-the-nut-on-housing-affordability?ref=bushletter.com) Spring is traditionally the busiest auction season in Australia, though subdued buyer confidence has trimmed both listing volumes and vendor enthusiasm this year.

Tim Lawless, Research Director at Cotality, said inventory levels had risen sharply because the rate of sale had fallen even faster.[\[5\]](https://www.yourfinanceguide.com.au/news/cotality-september-2026-home-values-sixth-fall?ref=bushletter.com) That dynamic places sellers in an increasingly difficult position, with pass-in outcomes rising as buyers hold back.

## What the numbers mean for buyers and sellers

Sydney prices have fallen almost 9 per cent from their February peak, Bloomberg reported.[\[4\]](https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/australia-home-auction-clearance-rate-stuck-below-50-second-week?ref=bushletter.com) That decline, combined with a clearance rate holding below 50 per cent, shifts negotiating power toward buyers in the nation's largest property market.

With rates at current levels, buyers may find room to negotiate below guide price or place pre-auction offers ahead of the scheduled sale date.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

01The preliminary national clearance rate of 48.8 per cent follows a final rate of 45.4 per cent the previous week.

02Brisbane cleared just 21.4 per cent of auctions; Perth managed 28.6 per cent across the same weekend.

03Auction volumes in the first six weeks of spring sat 31 per cent below a year ago, the lowest since 2020.

04Sydney prices have fallen almost 9 per cent from their February peak.

05Falling clearance rates give buyers leverage to negotiate below guide price or make pre-auction offers.

This article contains analysis and commentary on market conditions. It does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consult a qualified adviser before making financial decisions.

SOURCES & CITATIONS

1. [Cotality Auction Results, week ending 11 October 2026](https://www.cotality.com/au/our-data/auction-results?ref=bushletter.com)
2. [Cotality Final Clearance Rates, week ending 4 October 2026](https://www.cotality.com/au/press-releases/final-clearance-rates-week-ending-4-october-2026?ref=bushletter.com)
3. [Tax changes crack the nut on housing affordability, AAP](https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/tax-changes-crack-the-nut-on-housing-affordability?ref=bushletter.com)
4. [Australia home auction clearance rate stuck below 50 per cent for second week, Business Times (Bloomberg)](https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/australia-home-auction-clearance-rate-stuck-below-50-second-week?ref=bushletter.com)
5. [Cotality September 2026 home values: sixth consecutive fall](https://www.yourfinanceguide.com.au/news/cotality-september-2026-home-values-sixth-fall?ref=bushletter.com)
6. [Brisbane auction clearance rates, winter 2026](https://www.proptalk.com.au/articles/brisbane-auction-clearance-winter-2026?ref=bushletter.com)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does an auction clearance rate below 50 per cent mean for sellers?

A clearance rate below 50 per cent means fewer than half the homes taken to auction found a buyer at or above reserve on the day. Vendors face a higher risk of a pass-in outcome and may need to adjust their reserve price or consider a private treaty sale instead.

Which cities recorded the weakest clearance rates on 10-11 October 2026?

Brisbane recorded the lowest preliminary clearance rate at 21.4 per cent, followed by Perth at 28.6 per cent and Canberra at 36.4 per cent, according to Cotality data.

Why are spring auction volumes so low in 2026?

Cotality data shows volumes across the first six weeks of spring were 31 per cent below the same period a year earlier, the softest start to the spring auction season since 2020\. Subdued buyer confidence and rising inventory levels have discouraged many vendors from listing.