Auction vs Private Treaty: Which Strategy Suits You?

This is one of the most common questions we get from sellers:
“Should I go to Auction or list with a price?”

The honest answer? It depends on your situation – but I’ll be upfront. In our market, Auctions consistently deliver the best outcomes when they’re done properly.

Here’s why.

Auctions Create Competition

An Auction puts all your buyers in the same place, at the same time, competing for your property.

That competition is where the magic happens.

With a private treaty, buyers negotiate one-on-one. With an Auction, they see each other. Emotion comes into play. Urgency increases. Prices often go beyond what buyers initially intended to pay.

No Price Ceiling

When you list with a price, you’re setting a ceiling – whether you realise it or not.

Buyers will anchor to that number.

At Auction, there’s no ceiling. The market decides what your property is worth, not a guess upfront.

Timeframe Creates Urgency

Auctions run on a deadline.

That means buyers have a limited window to do their due diligence and act. It removes the “we’ll wait and see” mindset that often slows down private treaty campaigns.

More urgency = more action.

Transparency for Sellers

At Auction, you can see exactly where the market sits in real time.

You’re not guessing. You’re watching buyers put their money on the table.

That level of transparency gives you control and clarity when making decisions.

When Private Treaty Might Work

There are situations where private treaty can be suitable – particularly in slower markets or with very niche properties where buyer depth is limited.

But even then, the question is: are you maximising competition?

Because at the end of the day, that’s what drives price.

My Advice

If your goal is to achieve the best possible result, create competition and put your property in a position where buyers have to act.

That’s exactly what a well-run Auction campaign does.