Should You Make an Offer Before Auction? Here’s What You Need to Know:

Know 

If you’re pre-approved and eyeing a property heading to auction, you might wonder… Should you make an offer before auction day? The answer: it can work in your favour! 

Why It Can Be a Smart Move 

Auctions can be stressful, and bidding wars often push buyers over budget. Making a strong pre-auction offer can:
Secure the property at a fair price before competition heats up
Avoid the uncertainty of auction day—for both you and the seller
Give you more negotiating power if the seller wants a quick, certain sale 

It’s More Common Than You Think 

In Melbourne, 17-22% of properties are sold before auction. According to recent data:
22.8% of auction-listed homes sold before auction in a single week (REIV, March 2025)
17.8% of properties were secured pre-auction according to CoreLogic for the same period 

With nearly 1 in 5 homes selling before auction, buyers who ignore this strategy could be missing out! 

Sellers Feel FOMO Too! 

While buyers fear missing out (FOMO), sellers do too! If they’ve already bought elsewhere or are nervous about auction results, a serious pre-auction offer could be appealing. Less time on the market = less risk for them. 

How to Approach a Pre-Auction Offer 

Before making an offer, it’s crucial to sound out the agent about the seller’s expectations. A great question to ask is: 

“Where would my offer need to be to take the property off the market?” 

This can give you a strong starting point for negotiations and help you understand whether a pre-auction purchase is realistic. 

Timing & Strategy Matter 

If you want to make an offer before auction:
Do your research—know the property’s value and recent sales
Check the agent’s history—do they often sell before auction?
Act early—making an offer before buyer interest peaks can reduce competition
Understand the seller’s position—if they’re motivated, they may be open to a strong pre-auction offer 

Bottom Line? 

Making a pre-auction offer isn’t always the right move, but when done strategically, it can help you secure your dream home, without the stress of auction day. 

Thinking about making an offer? Let’s chat and make sure you’re in the best position to negotiate like a pro!