In the world of property marketing, one campaign quietly waits. The other creates momentum, energy, and results, turning a listing into an event, a property into a story, and buyers into active participants.

Property auctions are one of the most distinctive features of the Australian real estate market, so much so that international visitors often find the spectacle of public bidding surprising and uniquely Aussie. But how did auctions become such a central way to sell property here? Let’s explore the fascinating story of how auctions evolved in Australia, from early land sales to today’s competitive market.

Selling at auction isn’t about chance — it’s about strategy.
When executed correctly, an auction campaign creates momentum, transparency and competition, all within a defined timeframe. Rather than waiting for the market to come to you, auction brings the market together — allowing genuine buyer demand to set the pace and the price. Below are five reasons why auction remains one of the most effective methods of sale in today’s market.

Early indicators show that the auction market is not slowing down, instead it’s evolving and savvy agents are embracing the opportunity to the lead the narrative in the new year. Data from industry sources shows that auction activity in Australia’s biggest markets has kicked off with strength. From the outset in January we have seen listings surge by almost 25% year-on-year at major onsite auction events, signalling that both buyers and sellers are increasingly comfortable with the dynamism and transparency auctions bring.

As the year draws to a close, the team at Holmes & Co would like to wish all our clients, partners, industry affiliates and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

2025 has been a remarkable year of growth and achievement. Our team has expanded, welcoming new talent and strengthening our capacity to deliver the award-winning auctioneering services that agents, agencies, and brands across the region trust and rely on. It has been incredibly rewarding to see an ever-increasing number of professionals choosing to auction with Holmes & Co, recognising our commitment to excellence, integrity, and results.

By the time the auctioneer is standing in the driveway, the agent, vendor and auctioneer are already working in sync. There’s no scrambling. No guesswork. No stress-driven decisions.

Just a clear, shared plan, executed with confidence.

A passed-in auction isn’t a failure. It’s a gateway.

A gateway to clarity, leverage, and a faster path to sold.

If your auction didn’t land on the day, don’t step back… step in with strategy.

At Holmes & Co Auctions, we show you how to turn post-auction knowledge into powerful outcomes for you and your sellers.

As the property market evolves, 2026 presents a golden opportunity for real estate agents to rethink strategy and to harness the power of auction through Holmes & Co Auctions. With the right approach, auction isn’t just a method for vendors, but a powerful tool for agents to deliver results for clients fast, transparently and with contractual certainty.

At Holmes & Co Auctions, we’re seeing first-hand how technological advances are changing the landscape of property sales and auctions, and how forward-thinking agents can harness AI to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

The agents who start January with clarity and intent are the ones who gain momentum earlier, secure more listings and build stronger client relationships before others have even opened their diaries.

As David Holmes of Holmes & Co points out, even the best auctioneer can’t manufacture competition where demand doesn’t exist. The key is always in understanding your market, positioning correctly, and creating competition through accessibility.

When you run an auction and only one buyer shows up, you might think that means a weak result – but actually, a one-bid auction can work brilliantly for everyone involved: the seller, the buyer, and the agent.

In today’s competitive market, it’s not always the most experienced buyer that wins - it’s the smartest one. And when it comes to first-home buyers, smart strategy starts with the guidance they receive from the selling agent.

When it comes to selling property, choosing the right method can make all the difference. At Holmes & Co Auctions, we’ve seen time and again how in-room auctions deliver stronger When the auctioneer calls the first bid, the pressure can be intense. For buyers, auctions can feel fast-paced and overwhelming and that’s exactly where mistakes happen. As agents, guiding your buyers through the process not only builds trust, it also ensures stronger participation on auction day.

When it comes to selling property, choosing the right method can make all the difference. At Holmes & Co Auctions, we’ve seen time and again how in-room auctions deliver stronger results, faster sales, and a premium experience for both sellers and buyers.

With Brisbane’s Olympic transformation accelerating, now is the time for agents to act. Aligning with a high-performance auction team ensures your sellers achieve the best possible results in a rapidly evolving market.

From 1 October, all first-home buyers will be eligible to purchase a property with just a 5% deposit. The Federal Government will act as guarantor on lenders’ mortgage insurance, saving buyers tens of thousands of dollars and allowing them to enter the market years earlier than if they had to save a 20% deposit.

The countdown is on - there are only 17 weeks until Christmas, and for real estate agents across South East Queensland and beyond, now is the perfect time to wrap up your auction campaigns so you can lock those sales in prior to the break. The window of opportunity is open but it is closing fast, which is why auction is the obvious sales choice method to secure settlements this side of the new year.

On 19 August 2025, this rare trophy property sold via an online auction at 4 pm, showcasing how digital formats now bring buyers - no matter where they are - into real-time bidding wars.

From the first campaign meeting to the moment the winning bid is called and the hammer falls, every role is critical in creating the energy, momentum, and precision that delivers exceptional results for sellers and buyers alike.