Auction insights
Bidder participation at auctions in March remained steady with registered bidders averaging 3.6 per property and active bidders holding at 2.5 per auction. These figures represent a continuation of the stable patterns established in recent months, following the more volatile activity seen through 2022 and 2023.
The consistency in bidder numbers throughout early 2025 suggests a market that has found equilibrium, with buyer interest maintaining steady levels despite increasing property availability. The ratio of active to registered bidders (approximately 70 per cent) indicates serious buyer intent, with most registered participants actively engaging in the bidding process.
Bidder participation at auctions in March remained steady with registered bidders averaging 3.6 per property and active bidders holding at 2.5 per auction. These figures represent a continuation of the stable patterns established in recent months, following the more volatile activity seen through 2022 and 2023.
The consistency in bidder numbers throughout early 2025 suggests a market that has found equilibrium, with buyer interest maintaining steady levels despite increasing property availability. The ratio of active to registered bidders (approximately 70 per cent) indicates serious buyer intent, with most registered participants actively engaging in the bidding process.
Auction clearance rates stabilised in March at 66.0 per cent, showing a moderate increase from February’s performance. While this represents an improvement over 2023 figures for the same period, it remains below the exceptionally strong levels seen in early 2024. The trend line indicates a consistent performance trajectory through the first quarter of 2025, with clearance rates sitting between those recorded in 2023 and the peak period of early 2024.
The recent interest rate reduction appears to have provided a floor for auction performance, preventing the seasonal decline often seen as autumn progresses. This stabilisation occurs despite increased property volumes coming to market, suggesting a balanced dynamic between buyer demand and seller activity. As we move further into 2025, the effect of lower financing costs may further strengthen clearance rates, particularly for properties in high-demand locations where competition remains robust.
Ray White Group’s sales performance strengthened in March, with unconditional sales reaching $8.3 billion. This demonstrates continued momentum following the seasonal recovery from January’s results, signalling robust market activity as the first quarter concludes.
The March figure represents a strong recovery from the seasonal lows experienced in January and aligns with typical market patterns that show strengthening conditions during the autumn selling season. This performance reflects both sustained price growth and increasing transaction volumes across most markets, particularly in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.
With interest rates now beginning their downward cycle, this momentum appears well-positioned to continue through the cooler months, traditionally a period of more moderate market activity. The substantial improvement since January highlights growing market confidence following the first interest rate reduction in over three years.
