How to set a fair reserve price and auction duration

Setting a reserve price and auction duration helps you get a fair price and enough time for good bids. Here's how to choose them.

What is the reserve price?

The reserve is the minimum amount you're willing to accept for the bond clean. Cleaners place bids; you see them and choose the best offer. The winning bid must meet or exceed your reserve.

Setting a fair reserve

• Research local rates — Bond cleans vary by size and location. A 2-bed unit might be $250–400; a 4-bed house $400–700+ depending on suburb and condition.
• Consider scope — More bedrooms, bathrooms, carpets, or add-ons (e.g. oven, windows) usually mean higher bids. Set a reserve that reflects the work.
• Avoid a reserve that's too low — You may get many low bids and feel you're undercutting quality. Avoid one that's too high — Fewer bids and the listing may not convert.
• Tip: If you're unsure, set a reserve in the middle of typical local rates and use the Buy Now option at a higher amount for cleaners who want to lock in the job.

Auction duration

• 3–5 days — Good for urgent move-outs; you'll get bids quickly but fewer bidders.
• 5–7 days — Balances urgency and giving more cleaners time to see and bid on your listing.
• 7+ days — Use when your move-out date is further away and you want maximum visibility.

Best practice: Match the duration to your move-out date. End the auction so the winning cleaner has enough time to schedule the clean before your handover.

Buy Now (optional)

If you set a Buy Now price, a cleaner can secure the job immediately at that price without waiting for the auction to end. Set Buy Now at or above your reserve so you're always happy with the minimum you receive.