AUCTION CLEARANCE RATES ⬆️
- Oliver Burton
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
Sydney Auction Clearance Rates Hit 73.5%: What It Means for Buyers
Recent data from CoreLogic shows Sydney’s auction clearance rate surged to 73.5% for the week ending 22 June 2025, reinforcing a pronounced seller’s market where demand outstrips supply corelogic.com.au. By contrast, the broader NSW market recorded a more modest 58% clearance over the same period, underscoring Sydney’s uniquely tight conditions realestate.com.au. For prospective purchasers, these figures illustrate both the opportunity and challenge of buying in today’s market: while properties are selling swiftly, competition is fiercer than it’s been in over a year.
Understanding Clearance-Rate Benchmarks
Auction clearance rates serve as a vital barometer of market health. Industry-standard thresholds hold that:
Above 70%: Seller’s market, with strong bidding and rising prices
60–70%: Balanced conditions, moderate competition
Below 60%: Buyer’s market, with more room to negotiate
That said, the chilly weather should be taken in to account. With fewer new listings in the cooler months, those properties that do make it to auction could be those A grade properties most likely to attract strong competition, or more motivated owners wiling to meet the market.
The Critical Role of Buyers AgentsIn this competitive climate, buyers agents provide more than logistics; they offer strategic advantage. Their expertise spans:
Market Intelligence: Analysing suburb-level trends, upcoming infrastructure, and auction clearance histories
Auction Strategy: Crafting bidding plans, advising on pass-in prices, and preparing clients for conditional offers
Off-Market Access: Leveraging networks to uncover listings before they reach public channelsBy synthesising macro-data with on-the-ground insights, buyers agents help clients avoid overpaying in high-clearance scenarios and identify hidden opportunities.
Looking Ahead While Sydney’s auction clearance rates remain robust, fluctuations can occur with economic shifts or policy changes. Better than expected inflation figures have led to renewed thoughts of another interest rate cut. With new listings steadily arriving, the balance between buyer ambition and seller expectation will evolve. In such an environment, partnering with a knowledgeable buyers agent isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for navigating Sydney’s high-clearance auction landscape and achieving optimal outcomes.