There’s a lot of noise in the market right now. Conversations about timing, method, and whether now
is even the right moment to sell. We’d rather cut through it with something more useful: data.
In Q1, we listed 85 properties with an auction campaign. 66 of them sold; as part of a strong first
quarter that saw 96 sales across the business. That’s a clearance rate of more than 77%.
For context, the Sydney Metro auction clearance rate averaged 63% across Q1, according to one of
Sydney’s leading auction houses. Our results were well above that benchmark, and while the broader
market softened through February and March, our clearance rate held firm above 77%.
“Should I still go to auction?”
If you’re currently in an auction campaign and feeling uncertain, consider this: 38 of our 66 Q1 auction
sales happened before auction day. A further 18% sold on auction day itself, and nearly 25% sold in
the post-auction period. Every one of those results, whether prior, under the hammer, or
post-auction, was driven by the auction campaign.
And if you’re weighing up whether to sell at all, the fear of a bad result is understandable, but it’s worth
asking: bad compared to what? Our data suggests that a well-run auction campaign in the current
market still produces real competition and real outcomes. Sitting on the fence has its own cost.
The campaigns that perform in a tougher market aren’t the ones that pull back; they’re the ones that
commit. Buyers respect a vendor who’s serious, and auction signals that.
Results worth highlighting
142 Forest Road, Arncliffe · Nathan Ryland
An out-of-area auction where the professionalism of the listing agent and the team’s deep
understanding of the auction process drove competitive bidding from multiple parties, resulting in a
great outcome for the vendors.
4/3 Manning Road, Double Bay · Thomas Popple & Ashley Bierman
The auction got off to a slow start, as some of the best auctions do. Then two bidders locked horns,
active bidding took over, and a great price was achieved to the delight of the vendors.
5 Elvina Street, Dover Heights · Elliott Placks & Cindy Fu
A much-loved family home in a tightly held, highly sought-after location. Multiple parties registered
and participated in a very competitive auction, delivering a great result for vendors who trusted the
process.
2/12 Warners Avenue, Bondi · Dion Markovics & Thomas Condello
A sought-after beachside location, multiple registered bidders, and competitive bidding on the auction
floor, culminating in a sale under the hammer. Dion was one of our standout performers for the
quarter.
1-6/261-263 Penshurst Street, Willoughby North · Melanie Lahoud & Breanna Skewes
One of the best auctions of 2026 so far. Multiple bidders created a genuine bidding frenzy, delivering
an incredible result for the vendors just prior to Easter.
Some of the best auctions start slowly. Then suddenly, bidders get competitive, the room comes alive,
and suddenly you have a result that surprises everyone except the agent who ran the campaign
properly.
If you’re thinking about selling
Talk to your Ray White Double Bay agent. Bring your questions, share your hesitations. We’d rather
have that conversation now than watch you wait on the sidelines while the right buyers move on. The
data is on your side.
Insights from Elliott Placks, Managing Director & Principal, Ray White Double Bay Changes in policy always bring about new levels of uncertainty across the market. However, changes also make way for new opportunities; particularly for those who act strategically and not reactively. Last week’s federal budget introduced major changes to Negative Gearing benefits and Capital … […]
Following the recent Federal Budget announcements, we would like to provide a clear overview of what the proposed changes may mean for property owners, investors, owner occupiers, and renters moving forward. The 2026 Federal Budget introduced the most significant changes to property investment tax settings in decades. While the headlines have been dramatic, the reality is … […]