imsold - For Sale vs. Auction
For Sale vs. Auction
Auction vs Private Treaty:
Choosing the right selling strategy in Queensland
There is no single “best” way to sell property — only the right strategy for the right property, in the right market.
Below is a clear comparison to help you understand how auction and private treaty differ under Queensland regulations, and when each method may be most effective.
Side-by-side comparison
| Auction | Private Treaty | |
| Pricing | No advertised price (Queensland auction rules) | Advertised price or price guide |
| How value is set | Determined by buyer competition on the day | Determined through negotiation |
| Buyer competition | Buyers compete openly at a set time | Buyers negotiate individually |
| Campaign structure | Fixed timeline with a defined end date | Flexible timeline |
| Contract conditions | Generally unconditional once sold under the hammer | Often conditional (finance, building & pest) |
| Cooling-off period | No cooling-off period applies | 5 business-day cooling-off period (0.25% penalty if terminated) |
| Certainty for sellers | High certainty once sold | Lower certainty until conditions are satisfied |
| Flexibility before sale | Property can be sold prior to auction | Negotiation occurs throughout campaign |
| Flexibility after sale attempt | Immediate negotiation if passed in | Ongoing negotiation |
| Best suited to | Strong demand, multiple buyers, urgency | Niche properties, price-sensitive buyers, due diligence required |
Understanding the key differences
In Queensland, both auction and private treaty sales operate under a mandatory seller disclosure regime, making preparation and accuracy critical regardless of the selling method.
Auction
Auction works best when competition can be created. By removing a quoted price and setting a clear deadline, auction allows the market to determine value transparently.
In Queensland, once the hammer falls, the contract is unconditional — offering a high level of certainty for sellers and significantly reducing the risk of contracts falling over.
Private Treaty
Private treaty provides structure and flexibility. Buyers can make conditional offers and negotiate terms over time, which can suit certain properties or market conditions.
When managed well, private treaty can still achieve excellent results through disciplined negotiation and informed pricing strategy.
Control and certainty — a common misconception
Auction does not mean loss of control.
As a seller, you retain the ability to:
- accept an offer prior to auction
- sell on auction day
- negotiate immediately after auction
Private treaty offers control in a different way — through pricing strategy, negotiation pace, and contract terms.
The key difference lies in buyer behaviour, not seller control.
Which strategy is right for you?
That depends on:
- buyer demand in your price range
- comparable sales
- buyer conditions
- your timing and risk tolerance
Auction is not always the answer.
Private treaty is not always safer.
The right choice is the one made with clear advice and local market insight.
Speak with us before you decide
Before choosing a selling strategy, speak directly with Andrew Johnson for clear, experienced advice based on the current Noosa market and your property.
Selling by Auction
Why Sell By Auction?
Selling your home via the auction method truly is the most complete and effective way of selling your home. As always and with any method, it is crucial to have a great agency like imsold property in your corner who has a proven track record of successful sales behind them.
Achieve The Highest Price
The beauty of the auction process is the ability to bring buyers together in a competitive arena where the highest price can often be achieved.
The Auction Process
The auction process, when correctly executed, really does provide the seller and the buyer with the ability to get great results without lengthy conditions. In order to generate a ‘best possible’ outcome, imsold property will spend the weeks in the lead up to the auction generating as much interest as possible. Utilising a comprehensive marketing strategy to reach and target as many potential buyers as possible, plus their unique personal and company databases too.
We often see properties that sit in an active market, achieving lack lustre results due to a private treaty marketing strategy. Homes that are sold via private treaty are often marketed with a specific price, giving the owner only one way to negotiate and unfortunately, that is usually down. Conversely, the auction method enables the effective agent to take the price off the property and enable buyers to determine the price based upon comparable sales in the local area and up to date market information.
Be In Control
So in summary, in partnering with a great agency, you are able to control the process. You have the option to sell prior to the auction if the buyers want to be ahead of the competition and remove the property from the market. You can sell on the day with a good crowd, a great auctioneer and ample interest; and lastly, if you don’t get the result under the hammer, you can sell soon after to a ready bank of interested parties.
Get SOLD
In this market place, if your property has been sitting still with no real buyer interest, then why not let imsold property boost its buyer appeal with a fresh approach and a dynamic marketing strategy to help you achieve a result too!