Why 2026 Could Be the Year Agents Lean Into Auction
Recent data published on realestate.com.au predicts an evolving property market in 2026 that presents a golden opportunity for real estate agents in South East Queensland 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.
What makes auction the perfect method of sale for agents and sellers
Fast, structured sale timeline: Auction campaigns are typically short and sharp, often just 3 to 4 weeks from listing to sale. That means you, as the agent, can focus efforts efficiently, work to a clear timeline, and deliver results quickly without the drawn-out uncertainty that can come with private treaty sales that often have different conditions to be met over an extended period.
Clarity, transparency and competition: Auction brings all interested buyers together in one competitive, transparent environment. This open process encourages buyers to act decisively and often leads to bids beyond what a traditional private sale might achieve, yet in alignment with where the market actually sees value for the home.
Unconditional contracts - stability for sellers (and credibility for you): Once the hammer falls, the sale is unconditional. There’s no cooling-off period, no prolonged negotiation, and auction buyers are finance-ready. This reduces the risk of deals collapsing post-agreement.
Professional marketing and exposure: Auction campaigns typically involve high-intensity marketing, professional photos and videos, targeted advertising and broad exposure to motivated buyers, helping to generate strong interest in a short window, while boosting agent profile in the process.
What auction means for agents beyond just selling property
For you, the agent, working with Holmes & Co Auctions isn’t just about ticking a sale box, it’s about building your brand, reputation, and long-term business growth:
Pre-qualified, motivated buyers = fewer wasted inspections and more genuine interest: Auctions tend to attract buyers who are already serious and finance-ready, which means you spend time on the right leads, rather than casual lookers or people just starting to get a ‘feel’ for the market.
Carving a niche and differentiating your offering: Embracing auctions can help position you as a results-driven, proactive agent, one who offers a sharper, more structured approach compared with traditional sales. This can win you referrals, repeat business, and a unique market identity.
Faster listings → faster commissions → better cash flow: The speed and certainty of auction sales benefit not just your client, but you, as deals get locked in sooner, your commission cycle becomes more predictable.
Partnership with experts offering end-to-end support: Through Holmes & Co Auctions, you don’t go it alone. From auction preparation, marketing, buyer education and auction execution, you get support every step of the way. That reduces stress, minimises oversight risk, and helps ensure smooth, successful campaigns. We are not just your auctioneers, we are your partners.
Why it makes sense to lean into auction in 2026
As markets shift and buyer expectations evolve, auction strategies are becoming increasingly relevant. With stock pressure and demand fluctuations common in many Australian markets, the urgency and clarity offered by auctions can be exactly what clients are looking for.
For agents who adapt, this could be a chance to stand out, offering sellers a streamlined, professional, and effective route to market. Auctions can deliver a level of certainty and speed often hard to match with private sales.
Working with Holmes & Co Auctions, you tap into a proven track record, expert support, and the confidence that comes from years of successful campaigns, giving both you and your clients a solid foundation for 2026.
Putting It Into Practice: Tips for Agents Ready to Go All In
Position auction early: When listing a property, discuss auction as a primary option, highlight the speed, transparency and certainty as key benefits.
Prepare buyers thoroughly: Use Holmes & Co support to educate buyers about finance, due diligence, and the unconditional nature of auction contracts, this builds confidence and encourages strong bidding.
Run a strong marketing push: Leverage high-quality photography, copywriting and targeted outreach to make the property stand out and to reach as many motivated buyers as possible within the short campaign window.
Offer auction as part of your brand value: Use successful auction results to build your reputation. Share case studies, testimonials and clearance-rate stats to attract future sellers seeking a swift, reliable sale.
Trust the process and the experts: Partnering with a seasoned auction house like Holmes & Co gives you access to experience, professionalism and auction-day execution that helps you deliver top-tier outcomes for clients.
The predictions for the real estate market in 2026
According to realestate.com.au new market forecasts paint a strong outlook for 2026, Queensland is shaping up to be one of Australia’s top performers, and that’s welcome news for agents gearing up for the year ahead. Recent data from SQM Research shows predicted double-digit price growth across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and key regional hubs, driven by tight supply, strong population growth and renewed buyer confidence.
For real estate professionals, these conditions create an environment where urgency, competition and premium buyer activity are likely to intensify, making auction campaigns an even more powerful strategy. As values rise and buyers compete for limited stock, the transparency, speed and certainty of auction become essential tools for securing solid, unconditional contracts within a fixed timeline.
For 2026, SQM Research published on realestate.com.au expects dwelling values in Brisbane to rise 10-15% under the base-case scenario.
Other key Queensland markets predicted to see strong growth:
Sunshine Coast - also forecast +10-15%.
Gold Coast - forecast +7-11%.
Mackay / Airlie Beach region - forecast +7-12%.
By contrast, the national average price rise across all capital cities is expected to be 6-10% (if conditions remain roughly stable).
Other capital-city forecasts from the same report for 2026:
Perth and Darwin: +12-16% (i.e. among the highest in the nation).
Adelaide: +10–14%.
Sydney: +3–6%, and Melbourne: +4–7%, under this forecast - meaning Queensland and several smaller capitals are expected to outperform the big two.
Auction Isn’t Just Another Tool. It Could Be Your Gameplan for 2026
For agents ready to start the new year with momentum given the favourable market conditions predicted, auction represents more than a sale method, it’s a competitive advantage. By working with Holmes & Co Auctions, you can offer clients speed, certainty, transparency and strong results - while building your reputation as a forward-thinking, results-driven agent. If you’re looking to elevate your 2026 strategy, now may be the perfect time to lean into auction.
👉 If you’d like to partner with an award-winning auctioneer team we would love to hear from you.