Auction walk-away price: how to set yours
Short answer: your walk-away price is the lower of two numbers. Your finance ceiling is the most your loan and deposit can pay once stamp duty and other buying costs are covered. Your property ceiling is what recent comparable sales say the home is worth to you. Decide it at home, write it down, and stop bidding when the auction passes it.
Step 1: work out your finance ceiling
Add your loan amount (use a pre-approval if you have one) to the deposit and savings you will put in. Stamp duty, conveyancing, inspections and registration fees come out of that same total, so the price you can bid is lower. Stamp duty also rises with the price, so the simplest way to find the ceiling is to let the calculator search for it.
The calculator opens on the walk-away price calculator page with your result. It uses NSW, VIC and QLD duty rates published by each state revenue office (checked 21 October 2026) and doesn’t save your figures.
Step 2: work out your property ceiling
Look at recent sales of similar homes nearby: same type, similar land size, condition and number of bedrooms. The price you would be comfortable paying for this home, based on that evidence, is your property ceiling. Price guides differ by state; in Queensland agents can’t quote a price for auctions. See our guide to clearance rates and comparable sales.
Step 3: take the lower number and keep a buffer
Your walk-away price is the lower of the two ceilings. Many buyers also keep some savings aside for moving costs and early repairs rather than spending every dollar at the hammer. There is no cooling-off period when you buy at auction, so finance, contract review and inspections need to be done before the day.
Step 4: stick to it on the day
Tell your partner or support person the number and agree that you stop there. If the bidding goes past it, let the property go. If it passes in below your number, the same limit applies when you negotiate.
General information only. BidAI does not provide credit advice or credit assistance and does not suggest any lender, loan or product. The calculator gives an estimate from the figures you enter and the stamp duty rates published by state revenue offices (checked 21 October 2026). It doesn’t assess what you can borrow, your eligibility for a concession, or whether a purchase suits you. Concessions, surcharges and costs not listed aren’t included. Confirm duty with the official state calculator and speak with a licensed credit representative, conveyancer or solicitor before you bid.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a walk-away price at auction?
It is the highest price you will bid, decided before auction day. Once bidding passes it, you stop and let the property go.
How do I work out my walk-away price?
Work out two ceilings and use the lower one. Your finance ceiling is the most your loan and deposit can cover after stamp duty and buying costs. Your property ceiling is what recent comparable sales say the home is worth to you.
Should my walk-away price include stamp duty?
Yes. Stamp duty and buying costs come out of the same money as the purchase price, so the price you can bid is lower than your loan plus deposit. The calculator subtracts them for you.
What if the property passes in below my walk-away price?
The highest bidder usually gets the first chance to negotiate with the vendor. Your walk-away price still applies in that negotiation.
Is a walk-away price the same as my borrowing power?
No. Use a loan figure you already have, such as a pre-approval. BidAI does not assess what you can borrow or give credit advice.