What auctioneers want you to know about buying this spring

This spring is set to sizzle, according to Melbourne's top auctioneers.

The combination of interest rate drops and changes to the first home buyer scheme are the key features that will likely contribute to a busy selling season.

A boom for the market

Independent auctioneer Alisha Hobart said she has already seen a lot more "spark" in the market compared to six months ago and predicts the trend will continue.

"The first of October is going to be really interesting," said Ms Hobart

Changes to the first home buyer scheme come into effect on October 1st this year, which real estate insiders are predicting will mean an influx of first home buyers into the market.

"I don't know whether it's going to work in their favour, but any time there's more competition, more hands in the air and more people there, that pushes prices up," said Ms Hobart.

Whitefox Northside advisor and auctioneer, Melissa Privitelli, is hearing much talk about the renewed scheme from buyers, with many holding out until the changes come into effect.

"I do think as soon as October 1 hits there's going to be a massive boom for the first home buyer market," said Ms Privitelli. "Especially now they've got confidence interest rates are going to be lower."

And it's not just the first home buyer market leading the charge, many real estate professionals are seeing an increase across all sectors of the market.

"Every spring is the peak selling season, but I think this one is going to be different and I think auctions are going to really heat up," said Ray White Mernda auctioneer Chloe Topouzis.

Marshall White director and auctioneer, Chelsey Gibson, concurs with the sentiment around an uptick in the market.

"I think with interest rates decreasing, it's created more confidence in the market and we're seeing more foot traffic at open for inspections, which has obviously transacted into more sales," Ms Gibson said.

Popular properties

While freestanding houses have always been at the top of the popularity pack, many industry experts are seeing buyers look towards townhouses as the next best option.

"Dual occupancies are really picking up," said Ms Privitelli. "Since COVID especially, a lot of people are wanting that low maintenance aspect, but they still want street frontage."

Ms Topouzis concurs with the rise in popularity of townhouses.

"At the moment, we are selling a lot of townhouses," she said. "Even a lot off market at the moment.

"And anything under the $650,000 mark is just falling off the shelf."

The first bidder buys the property

When it comes to tips for buyers getting ready to bid at auction, all four auctioneers were in agreement that confidence was the best strategy to adopt.

"Strong, confident bidding, and be the first to bid," said Ms Privitelli. "The first bidder, a lot of the time, is the one who buys the property because they're strong and they're bold.

"If you are being strong and consistent and confident, people will back off because they think you're not going to stop."

Having seen every trick and technique in the book, Ms Hobart says it comes down to the basics if you want to stand out from the crowd.

"Having your game plan in place, standing strong and calling out your bids out with confidence and authority - it can scare the competition," she said.

Ms Topouzis reiterated the sentiment that the first buyer is typically the one who buys the property.

"Definitely be the first one and be strong, is always my recommendation."

For couples attending auctions, she advises making sure you've had a clear conversation beforehand.

"Have your budget written in stone so you're not showing any weakness during the auction," she said.

"Go in with a solid plan, and stick to it. And don't wait until the third call."

While there are many tips and tricks out there, as well as complicated strategies, for Ms Gibson it's very simple.

"Bid with confidence and do your due diligence. This is the time to buy."