Auction clearance rate slumps to 57% nationwide as interest rate hikes prompt Australians to sell

<p>Homebuyers lose confidence amid higher rates and Iran war-linked price rises across the economy, buyers agent says</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/mar/26/australia-politics-live-penny-wong-iran-united-nations-war-fuel-crisis-cost-of-living-parliament-question-time-anthony-albanese-angus-taylor-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Surging numbers of homes are being passed in at auction as higher interest rates weigh on demand and the number of properties for sale hits highs not seen since 2021.</p><p>The national auction clearance rate last week was just under 57%, the lowest this year, with Sydney’s at 55%, Cotality data shows. The remainder includes both houses that did not sell at auction and houses withdrawn before auction.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/26/australia-house-auction-clearance-rate-falls-interest-rates">Continue reading...</a>