Gil King

There were 2,404 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities this week, increasing from 1,983 over the previous week.

The combined capital cities saw an increase in the number of homes taken to auction this week with a total of 1,985 auctions held, up from the week prior when 1,916 auctions took place.

This week saw auction volumes increase across the combined capital cities, with 1,907 homes taken to market returning a preliminary clearance rate of 59.1 per cent.  

While clearance rates across the country have recorded a decline over the weekend, the increase in housing stock coming to the market is positive news for buyers.

While lending constraints hindered many buyers in Sydney over the weekend, clearance rates don't paint the full picture. 

The Economist has rated Melbourne as the world's most liveable city for an incredible seventh year in a row - while Sydney remains in 11th position.

We take a look at last week's auction markets in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.

New stamp duty concessions in New South Wales and Victoria added some heat to otherwise wintry auction market conditions on the weekend.