Auction insights
Bidder participation at Ray White auctions maintained steady levels in May, with registered bidders averaging 4.1 per property and active bidders at 2.8 per auction. These figures represent consistent engagement patterns established through early 2025, following the more volatile activity seen during 2022 and 2023. The ratio of active to registered bidders continues indicating serious buyer intent, with approximately 68 per cent of registered participants actively competing. While slightly below the pandemic-era peaks, current participation levels reflect a market where genuine buyers are competing for available stock, supporting ongoing price growth. The stability in bidder numbers, despite increasing auction volumes, suggests buyers are adapting to current market pricing while maintaining competitive pressure at individual sales.
Bidder participation at Ray White auctions maintained steady levels in May, with registered bidders averaging 4.1 per property and active bidders at 2.8 per auction. These figures represent consistent engagement patterns established through early 2025, following the more volatile activity seen during 2022 and 2023. The ratio of active to registered bidders continues indicating serious buyer intent, with approximately 68 per cent of registered participants actively competing. While slightly below the pandemic-era peaks, current participation levels reflect a market where genuine buyers are competing for available stock, supporting ongoing price growth. The stability in bidder numbers, despite increasing auction volumes, suggests buyers are adapting to current market pricing while maintaining competitive pressure at individual sales.
Ray White auction clearance rates strengthened in May, achieving 69.7 per cent compared to April’s 65.7 per cent, marking a solid 4.0 percentage point monthly improvement. This performance represents a significant 5.7 percentage point increase compared to May 2024’s 66.0 per cent, indicating strengthening market conditions year-on-year. The May result positions 2025 performance above both 2023 and 2024 levels for the corresponding period, reflecting sustained buyer demand despite increased property volumes. The improvement in clearance rates coincides with the recent interest rate cuts, which appear to be supporting purchaser confidence and competitive tension at auctions. This strengthening trend suggests the auction market is responding positively to improved financing conditions, with buyers demonstrating increased commitment to securing properties amid ongoing supply constraints.
Ray White Group’s sales performance in May reached $7.9 billion, demonstrating the sustained strength of market conditions despite seasonal moderation from peak autumn levels. This result reflects both continued price appreciation and steady transaction volumes across most markets, particularly in the high-growth cities of Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane. The May figure aligns with typical seasonal patterns while maintaining the elevated baseline established through 2025’s strong opening months. With interest rates now in their cutting cycle and further reductions anticipated, this momentum appears well-positioned to continue through the traditionally quieter winter period ahead.
Ray White listing authorities provide valuable forward-looking insight into market supply, representing properties signed for sale but not yet marketed. May data shows 7,570 authorities, reflecting a 4.4 per cent monthly decrease from April’s 7,240 level, which aligns with typical seasonal patterns as the market enters the historically quieter winter months. However, the annual comparison reveals a concerning 4.2 per cent decline compared to May 2024’s 7,899 authorities, with 2025 tracking well below both 2023 and 2024 levels throughout the year. This sustained reduction in listing authorities suggests continued tight supply conditions ahead, particularly as vendors may be holding back in anticipation of further interest rate cuts potentially driving even stronger market conditions. The shortage of upcoming stock provides fundamental support for the current price acceleration trajectory.
