It is certainly illuminating to see the high volume of auction activity scheduled for Sydney and Melbourne, particularly given the broader context of Australia’s property market momentum. The period leading up to the week ending November 16, 2025, sees both major cities scheduling a substantial number of homes to go under the hammer.
This week is marked by significant auction volume across the combined capitals, with 3,245 homes scheduled in total, representing the busiest auction week since the lead-up to Easter last year. This volume is up 5.8% from the previous week (3,068 auctions) and 12.0% higher than the same time last year (2,898 auctions).
Auction Volume Highlights for Sydney and Melbourne
Both Sydney and Melbourne are scheduled to host more than 1,300 auctions each.
Sydney is anticipating its busiest auction week of the year. There are currently 1,332 homes scheduled to go under the hammer. This volume marks a rise from the 1,186 auctions held last week and the 1,098 auctions recorded this time last year. Last week (ending November 9, 2025), Sydney’s volume of 1,186 homes represented the second-busiest auction week of the year thus far.
Melbourne is set to host the slightly higher volume of 1,381 auctions this week. This volume is comparable to the 1,388 auctions held the previous week and 1,340 held this time last year. For Melbourne, this scheduled activity is significant, as it will likely be the seventh time so far this year that the city’s weekly auction volume has surpassed 1,300. The city had a notable rebound last week (1,388 auctions) following the prior week’s dip to 502 homes due to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Recent Market Performance and Drivers
Despite the high volumes of stock, the market is showing resilience, supported by improving market sentiment and easing financial conditions.
In the week prior (ending November 9, 2025), Sydney’s final clearance rate came in at 64.5%. Notably, this rate represented Sydney’s lowest level in 22 weeks. Melbourne’s final clearance rate for the same week was 65.9%, up from 61.2% the week before. The combined capital cities’ final clearance rate was 65.9% last week.
The underlying strength driving momentum in markets like Sydney and Melbourne is attributed to several key factors:
1. Interest Rate Cuts: The Reserve Bank’s interest rate cuts in February, May, and August have underpinned price growth and improved confidence.
2. Low Stock Levels (Comparative Demand): Although volumes are high, demand remains robust, especially for family homes.
3. Improved Confidence: Consumer sentiment is higher now than it was 12 months ago, which tends to positively influence the housing market.
This building momentum suggests the housing market has shifted into a “higher gear”. If the strong growth seen in the September quarter repeats, Sydney, already Australia’s priciest housing market with a median house value of $1,751,728, is poised to hit a $2 million median before the end of 2026.
The high number of scheduled auctions in Sydney and Melbourne confirms that the spring market has hit its stride. When many properties are taken to auction, like ships launching for the high season, it signals not only the confidence of sellers but also the deep buyer demand necessary to absorb such a substantial increase in available stock.