Auction activity across Australia's capital cities dropped significantly over the Easter long weekend, with just 652 homes going under the hammer - a stark fall from the 3,066 auctions recorded the week prior, according to data from CoreLogic.
This year’s Easter auction numbers were also notably weaker compared to 2024, when 901 homes were listed during the same holiday period.
While a decline in auction activity is typical during Easter, the subdued figures highlight a slower property market this year.
The preliminary clearance rate across the combined capitals fell to 64.7%, the lowest recorded so far in 2025, excluding January’s traditionally volatile figures.
This marks a slight dip from the previous week’s 64.8%, which was later revised down to 59.9%.
Sydney led in terms of auction volume, with 358 properties listed, down from 414 at the same time last year.
The city’s preliminary clearance rate rose modestly to 67.9%, up from 65.5% the previous week, although it remained below 70% for the fifth consecutive week.
In Melbourne, 153 homes went to auction, compared to 283 during Easter 2024. The city’s clearance rate fell sharply to 61.1%, marking its weakest preliminary result since September 2024.
Among the smaller capitals, Brisbane hosted 60 auctions with a 55.0% clearance rate, while Adelaide recorded a stronger performance with 51 auctions and a 68.6% clearance rate.
The ACT saw 28 homes auctioned with a preliminary success rate of 55.6%. Only two auctions took place in Perth, with one successful sale reported, and Tasmania recorded no auction activity.
Looking ahead, auction volumes are expected to rebound to around 1,060 this week and reach approximately 1,480 the following week.
