Rochester Auction Clearance Rates Drop as Prices Stabilize Citywide

Rochester auction clearance rates dropped to 67 percent in the second quarter of 2026, down from 81 percent in the same period last year, according to records from the Monroe County Clerk’s office.

The decline comes as mortgage rates hover near 6.4 percent and buyers weigh local inventory levels that have risen 14 percent since April. Clearance rates track the share of listed properties that sell on auction day, giving sellers and agents an early read on demand before full monthly sales data arrives.

Properties along Park Avenue in the East Avenue neighborhood cleared at 59 percent, while homes near Highland Park in the South Wedge posted a 72 percent rate. The Rochester Area Association of Realtors reported 48 residential auctions scheduled through the county clerk between April and June, with 32 completing at or above the published reserve.

Price Movements by Street

Median auction prices on Culver Road reached $289,000, a 3 percent increase from the prior quarter, while lots on University Avenue averaged $341,000 after three failed to meet reserve. These figures come from the same county records and cover 22 closed sales between May 12 and June 28.

Buyers who secured properties paid an average 4.2 percent below the listed reserve price, the widest gap recorded since the first quarter of 2025. Agents tracking the same data noted that three-bedroom homes with garages cleared more reliably than two-bedroom units without off-street parking.

Next Steps for Sellers and Buyers

Sellers planning August auctions should review recent reserves on comparable blocks before setting expectations, while buyers can attend the next scheduled Monroe County auction preview on July 22 at the county office building on West Main Street. Checking the clerk’s online docket each Friday provides the most current list of upcoming lots and starting bids.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.