Straight answers · Checked 20 October 2026
What is the new 7-day auction reserve rule in Victoria?
Short answer
For auctions and fixed-date sales held from 16 October 2026, the seller’s reserve must be published as a single dollar figure at least seven days before the sale. If it is not, the auction cannot go ahead. Sale prices must also stay published for 18 months.
What changed
The rules are part of Victoria’s crackdown on underquoting. From 1 October 2026 the Statement of Information became the Property Price Statement, and from 16 October the reserve must be public a week out.
What it means for sellers
You need to settle on your reserve earlier and with better evidence. Your agent should show you the comparable sales behind it in writing. Underquoting penalties for agents now exceed $50,000.
What it means for buyers
You can see the seller’s floor before you commit time, building reports and finance to an auction.