Private sales may take over from auctions as sellers look for higher prices during Spring selling season

Private sales may increase during the traditionally strong Spring selling season as auction clearance rates fall and house price discounting grows, property experts say.

The prediction, which comes just one week out from the beginning of the Spring selling season, comes as many in the property industry believes prices will remain flat during the next few months as listings increase.

David Airey, president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, says some buyers will choose private sales to guarantee a higher selling price.

"I think it's going to be a trend towards private sales over auctions. In a market that's somewhat slower, or where there is a lot of supply and little demand, people will take the private sale option and put the property on sale at a set price."

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