Auctions have long been one of the most popular methods of selling property throughout Melbourne and Victoria. While market conditions may change, auctions remain one of the most effective ways to create competition, establish urgency, and maximise a property’s sale price.
At Lewin Real Estate, auctions are more than just a sale day event. The success of an auction is built weeks before the auctioneer picks up the microphone.
How Does a House Auction Work in Victoria?
A property auction is a public sale conducted on a specified date, time, and location. Buyers compete through bidding, with the property typically selling to the highest bidder once the reserve price has been met. In Victoria, auction sales are generally unconditional, meaning there is no cooling-off period and buyers cannot make the purchase subject to finance or building inspections.
Leading up to the auction, buyers attend Open for Inspections, review the Contract of Sale, organise finance approvals, and conduct their due diligence.
On auction day:
- Buyers register to bid.
- The auctioneer explains the auction rules.
- Competitive bidding takes place.
- If the reserve price is reached, the property is declared “on the market”.
- The highest bidder secures the property when the hammer falls.
- Contracts are signed and the deposit is paid immediately.
For a full explanation of Victorian auction laws, visit:
Why Auctions Still Work in Today’s Market
Recent media reports have highlighted softer auction clearance rates across Melbourne, with buyers becoming more selective and taking longer to make purchasing decisions. However, quality properties continue to attract strong competition when marketed correctly.
The reality is simple: buyers are still purchasing homes, but they are being more selective about what they buy.
Properties that offer:
- Strong presentation
- Realistic pricing expectations
- Desirable locations
- Lifestyle appeal
- Professional marketing
continue to generate excellent results, even in a changing market.
How Lewin Real Estate Does Auctions Differently
At Lewin Real Estate, we believe the auction campaign begins long before auction day.
While many agencies focus heavily on the auction itself, our focus is on building buyer competition throughout the entire campaign.
Every Open for Inspection Matters
Unlike some agencies that delegate inspections to assistants or external staff, the agent you appoint is the agent conducting your Open for Inspections.
This allows us to:
- Build genuine relationships with buyers.
- Understand buyer motivations.
- Identify serious bidders early.
- Provide accurate feedback to our vendors.
Our team regularly speaks with hundreds of active buyers every month across Bayside and Kingston.
Strategic Buyer Follow-Up
Every enquiry matters.
Following each Open for Inspection, our team actively contacts buyers to discuss:
- Their level of interest.
- Comparable properties.
- Contract questions.
- Auction readiness.
By auction day, we already understand who is likely to bid and what factors may influence their decision.
Digital Marketing Beyond the Major Portals
While platforms such as:
remain critical, Lewin Real Estate also utilises targeted social media campaigns, video marketing, database marketing, and buyer matching strategies to maximise exposure.
Our goal is simple: create as many genuine buyers as possible before auction day.
What Has Sold Well Recently?
One of the biggest misconceptions in today’s market is that auctions no longer work.
The truth is that quality properties continue to perform exceptionally well.
22 Avenza Street, Mentone
This property generated significant buyer interest throughout the campaign due to its presentation, location, and family appeal.
Multiple buyers engaged throughout the campaign, creating strong competition and demonstrating that quality family homes continue to attract attention in the current market.
19 Harpley Street, Cheltenham
Located in one of Cheltenham’s most desirable pockets, this property appealed to buyers seeking lifestyle, convenience, and long-term value.
Strong attendance at Open for Inspections and consistent buyer engagement throughout the campaign resulted in a successful outcome.
8 Ivan Avenue, Edithvale
A recent standout result, this property attracted four active bidders and sold above reserve under the hammer.
This result perfectly illustrates what we’re currently seeing throughout the market: when the right property is combined with strategic marketing and strong buyer engagement, competition follows.
For more examples of recent Lewin Real Estate results:
Why Some Auctions Struggle
The current Victorian market is rewarding quality and preparation.
Properties are generally taking longer to sell when:
- Presentation is poor.
- Vendor expectations are unrealistic.
- Marketing exposure is limited.
- Buyer engagement is lacking.
Market conditions have become more selective, meaning successful auction campaigns require greater planning, stronger communication, and more targeted marketing than ever before.
Final Thoughts
Despite changing market conditions, auctions remain one of the most powerful methods of sale when executed correctly.
At Lewin Real Estate, we believe successful auctions are built through preparation, communication, buyer engagement, and local market expertise.
The market may have changed, but one thing hasn’t: buyers will always compete for quality properties when they are marketed professionally and positioned correctly.
If you’re considering selling and would like to understand whether an auction is the right strategy for your property, contact the Lewin Real Estate team for an obligation-free discussion.
Disclaimer: Lewin Real Estate and its representatives are licensed real estate agents and do not provide financial advice. Information provided is general in nature only. Please seek independent financial, legal, and taxation advice before making any investment or property-related decisions.
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