Fewer properties but consistent clearance rates point to a busy weekend
There’s plenty of activity for motivated buyers on the Australian east coast
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The number of auctions scheduled across Australia has fallen week-on-week, new figures show.
Data from CoreLogic shows that the number of properties across the combined capitals is down -7.7 percent for the first weekend in August, with a total of 1,821 expected to go under the hammer. However, figures are still a significant improvement on last year, up 23.8 percent on the same week in 2022 when 1,471 auctions took place and the clearance rate was just 56.6 percent.
Melbourne has experienced the biggest fall, with a -9.0 percent decrease on last week. However, the eastern capital will still see the most properties go to market, with 792 homes scheduled compared with 748 homes in Sydney. The difference is that Sydney figures have remained steady, with just one less home up for sale this week compared with the previous week. Auction figures in both cities are considerably higher than this time last year with data showing an increase of more than 25 percent.
In the smaller capitals, it’s a mixed bag. Brisbane is experiencing its quietest week since Easter with 86 homes scheduled, a significant drop from the previous week when 173 homes went to auction while Adelaide has 105 homes set to go to market (nine less than last week). However, the nation’s capital is set for a busy weekend, with 81 homes scheduled in Canberra – the highest number of homes in nine weeks.
Figures in Perth are typically lower, with just seven auctions scheduled. It’s a similar story in tightly held Tasmania, with just two properties going to market this weekend.
Clearance rates from last week continue to show a steady winter auction market, the 64.9 percent of properties put to market resulting in a sale. This time last year, the clearance rate was just 54 percent.
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Strong rental fundamentals and tight supply have driven more than $155 million in Sydney apartment block and residential investment sales over the past year.
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Sydney’s residential investment market has recorded $155 million in apartment block and townhouse sales over 2025, underscoring continued investor confidence in rental-led assets despite broader economic uncertainty.
The transactions were completed by Knight Frank’s Investment Sales agents James Masselos and Adam Droubi, who negotiated 19 sales across Sydney during the year.
Residential investments accounted for 75 per cent of their total sales activity, supported by more than 4,200 active purchaser enquiries.
Co-living deal sets national benchmark
Among the standout transactions was the off-market sale of 142 Carillon Avenue in Newtown, a 37-studio co-living apartment block located close to the University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
The property sold for $21.5 million, setting a new benchmark for the living sectors market nationally.
The deal achieved approximately $581,000 per bedroom, believed to be one of the highest per-bedroom results recorded for a co-living asset in Australia.
Inner-city assets trade in one line
Other notable sales included a group of 12 townhouses at 108 Illawarra Road in Marrickville, sold in one line for $14 million, and a block of 20 studio apartments at 171 Rowntree Street in Birchgrove, which changed hands for $6.7 million.
Both transactions reflected strong buyer competition for well-located residential assets with established income streams.
Supply constraints underpin momentum
Mr Masselos said Sydney’s apartment block market continued to benefit from tight supply and strong rental conditions.
“Apartment blocks and broader residential investments remain a robust asset class, underpinned by strong rental growth, record low vacancy levels and scarcity of stock,” he said.
He added that more than $25 million worth of residential investment opportunities are expected to come to market in 2026, with buyer enquiry remaining elevated.
Mr Droubi said competitive sales campaigns had become a feature of the market as investors sought secure income and long-term value.
“Supply constraints and ongoing population growth underpin market strength,” he said. “New approvals and completions lag demand, keeping stock tight and boosting both rents and prices.”
Vacancy rates keep pressure on rents
According to Knight Frank, rental demand across Sydney remains intense, with vacancy rates well below typical “healthy” levels.
Many middle and outer-ring suburbs are recording vacancies of around 1.5 per cent or lower, maintaining upward pressure on rents and reinforcing the appeal of residential investment assets.
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