Last weekend was full of great news for Melbourne property investors. Melbourne had its biggest weekend for auctions in two months, with 188 homes going to auction.

And of course, the Victorian Premier announced further easing of restrictions, one of which is allowing up to ten people to attend an auction. This is the first time Melburnians have been able to attend a public auction since August.

President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, Leah Calnan, called the result a success, and also added the REIV is sending out information to agents to inform them of how to organise auctions while remaining compliant with other COVID-restrictions.

CEO of Barry Plant, Mike McCarthy, said the expansion of auction capacity would “make all the difference.” Some buyers and vendors have put their faith in online alternatives, but many have been holding back, waiting for the return of traditional auctions.

There has been an increase in listings since private inspections were allowed to resume in September, and this step will only continue this momentum.