More properties for auction and higher clearance rates as confidence returns to the Australian market

Australian auction rates have picked up the pace as summer winds down, with homes scheduled to go under the hammer above 2,000 for the first time this year, CoreLogic reports.

A total of 2,459 homes in the country’s capital cities are listed for auction this week, up 33.2 percent on the previous week. While it’s a substantial rise in one week, numbers are still -27.4 percent down on this time last year.

Melbourne has the most homes set to go under the hammer, with 1,142 homes scheduled, representing a 40.3 percent increase on last week. This is followed by Sydney, with 907 homes. It’s a quieter week in the smaller capitals, with 144 homes scheduled for Brisbane, followed by Canberra with 136 and Adelaide with 121. In Perth, six homes are scheduled for auction, while there are just three homes going to market across Tasmania.

In further signs that confidence is returning to the market, CoreLogic data reveals clearance rates are also on the rise. In Sydney, the clearance rate for the last week of February now stands at 71.9 percent, with the inner west the strongest performer at 85.7 percent.

In Melbourne, where last week’s clearance rate was 65.6 percent, the outer east recorded the highest clearance rate of 83.3 percent, according to CoreLogic.

Adelaide had the highest clearance rate of the capitals however, with 72.6 percent, while Perth’s clearance rate was just 28.6 percent.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

More properties for auction and higher clearance rates as confidence returns to the Australian market

While some markets are showing signs of recovery, others continue to languish

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.