The Gold Coast auction market is off to a promising start in 2025, with clearance rates gradually rising alongside consistent buyer engagement and a stable number of auctions. Recent trends indicate that buyer confidence is increasing as the market adapts to changing conditions.

Auction clearance rates on the Gold Coast have shown modest growth since the beginning of the year. CoreLogic data for early March reported a clearance rate of 58.3 per cent, which dipped in the past week to sit closer to 56 per cent. Earlier in the year, clearance rates ranged between 55 per cent and 57 per cent, showing steady buyer activity despite some fluctuations.

While clearance rates have varied slightly in recent weeks, buyer confidence remains steady and well-positioned properties continue to attract competition. Paul Harrison, a Kollosche auctioneer and agent, observes that the Gold Coast auction market continues to create competition and deliver results that exceed expectations.

“The auction market is still doing its job – it’s creating competition on the right homes and delivering results that often exceed what vendors initially expect,” he says. Paul also notes that buyers right now are hesitant to take on major renovations or uncertain projects, with well-presented, turn-key homes performing better at auction than properties that require work or those that present with compromises.

Auction Volumes and Engagement

Auction volumes are another key indicator of auction market health. The start of the year saw an increase in auction volumes as sellers sought to capitalise on renewed buyer activity. This growth has since levelled out, while vendors continue to show confidence in the process as a strategic way to achieve desired results.

Buyer engagement has also remained steady, with weekly reports from leading auction house Apollo Auctions showing an average of 2.8 to 3.5 registered bidders per auction. Active participation levels have ranged between 58 per cent and 70 per cent, showing that serious buyers are still actively competing.

According to Apollo, auction attendance peaked at 30 onlookers per auction in early February before settling around 24 onlookers most recently. While the recent interest rate cut has provided a modicum of relief, some buyers are still taking a measured approach. Those actively in the market are still bidding and competing for quality properties.

“The reality is, buyers might tell you they won’t pay above a certain amount, but the competitive environment of an auction can push them well beyond that figure – and that’s where vendors stand to benefit,” Paul says.

8 Southern Cross Drive, Cronin Island sold for $18,500,000 at auction in February

For many sellers, auctions continue to offer an advantage, particularly in the prestige market, where pricing can be more difficult to determine. The competitive bidding process can help drive up the final sale price, while the transparency of an auction provides real-time market feedback.

An auction campaign also sets a clear timeframe for selling, which can be beneficial for vendors seeking certainty. Auctions provide multiple opportunities to secure a sale – not only under the hammer but also through pre-auction offers and post-auction negotiations if a property is passed in. The auction process also provides valuable market feedback, allowing vendors to confidently set a price for their property should they choose to sell through private treaty afterwards.

Paul highlights another key advantage of auctions: the certainty of an unconditional sale. “Nothing beats having your property tied up with a bow on auction day,” he says. “Private treaty sales can involve conditions like subject-to-sale clauses, extended finance approvals, and drawn-out negotiations. An auction removes that uncertainty and puts the seller in control of the process.”

153 Stanhill Drive, Chevron Island sold at auction for $3,600,000 in February

What’s Next for the Auction Market?

The Gold Coast auction market in 2025 has so far demonstrated resilience and steady buyer engagement, despite broader economic shifts. Clearance rates have edged higher, auction volumes remain stable, and buyer competition is keeping the market active. Auctions are expected to continue delivering strong results for vendors who present their properties well and engage the right agent to manage the process.

At Kollosche, regular training and development with leading industry experts ensures every agent is highly skilled in the auction process. Collaboration between agents also gives vendors a major advantage – Kollosche agents are encouraged to introduce qualified buyers to one another’s listings, creating a competitive sales environment that is essential for auction success. This unique approach ensures that sellers benefit from maximum exposure and buyer competition, key factors in driving exceptional auction outcomes.

Paul emphasises that a well-run auction campaign is not just about what happens on the day but the work done in the lead-up.

“The success of an auction is determined well before the auctioneer takes the stage. It’s the preparation – engaging buyers early, setting expectations, and building momentum – that ultimately drives competition and delivers strong results,” he explains.

For expert guidance on the best sales approach for your property, reach out to the Kollosche team today.