![Silhouette of soldier paying tribute against the sunset](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Anzac Day is used to show the nation’s deep respect for the sacrifices of Australia’s soldiers, which is partly why it is illegal to host an auction before 1pm on the day.
A slew of Melbourne real estate agents have hastily rescheduled sales after belatedly realising they were risking breaching an Anzac Day auction ban next week.
One agent had four homes slated to go under the hammer before 1pm on the sombre occasion, but confirmed he would alter his plans for the day.
Victorian legislation prohibits most forms of retail before 1pm on Anzac Day, as Australia commemorates its military servicemen and women — particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
RELATED: Melb home seller adds $280k to price with bulldozer
‘Completely naked’: Vic auction’s $390k surprise
Aus’ tallest building axed in $2.7bn collapse
It’s rare the day falls on a Saturday, when the city is normally the nation’s auction capital, with the last time being 11 years ago.
Most of the state’s real estate firms planned around the event, with this week slated for a bumper run of more than 1250 auctions according to PropTrack data — but just 254 anticipated across the following seven days as most agents step back from selling homes for the occasion.
However, on Wednesday this week the Herald Sun spotted 15 auctions planned before 1pm on Anzac Day, about 6 per cent of the total for the week.
Several were in Melbourne’s south east around Dandenong, but others were in South Yarra, Altona North, Burwood, Tullamarine, Tarneit and Preston.
![Agents planning 14 Victorian auctions for Anzac Day have had to revise their plans after belatedly realising they clashed with an auction ban - for herald sun real estate](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1048 388"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Sales across Melbourne had to be rescheduled after agents became aware of the clash.
![Agents planning 14 Victorian auctions for Anzac Day have had to revise their plans after belatedly realising they clashed with an auction ban - for herald sun real estate](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1043 388"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Dandenong had one of the highest concentrations of auctions slated before 1pm.
There was even one slated for Tripoli Court in Hallam, regional Victoria, a street that shares a name with a Libyan city that was the centre of fierce fighting between British and German soldiers in World War II — and also the Lebanese region where Australian troops were deployed between 1941 and 1942.
One agency changed their plans before being contacted by the newspaper, while agents for most of the others indicated they would push their sales back or were intending to sell ahead of the planned auction.
Some agents said they had misunderstood the ban as ending at 11am — a reflection of the minutes silence for Remembrance Day on November 11.
Two could not be reached and it is not known if they intend to proceed.
Breaches were spotted across Melbourne, including in its western suburbs.
Homes in the city’s eastern suburbs were also among those caught out.
However, they would be doing so against the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996, the preferences of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and the wishes of the Returned and Services League.
An RSL Victoria spokesman said the date had been set aside to give “all Victorians the opportunity to stop and reflect”.
“RSL Victoria encourages all Victorians to remember the service and sacrifice of all of our service men and women this Anzac Day.”
The REIV said this week that they had sent “a few reminders” to their members about the importance of Anzac Day, and indicated they were planning further missives.
“This year Anzac Day falls on a Saturday,” their correspondence said.
“Please remember that no trading is permitted before 1pm on Anzac Day. This applies to all business activity including inspections, auctions or any other office business.”
Homes of a varierty of types were caught up in the calendar clash.
One agent in Melbourne’s south east had four auctions scheduled for the day, but said all would be retimed.
In NSW there were 28 auctions slated for before 1pm on Anzac Day as of mid this week, the Herald Sun is unaware they intend to change their plans.
Chemists, petrol stations, restaurants, cafes and takeaway venues are allowed to trade before 1pm on Anzac Day.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: AFL great’s plan to help mate sell $1.5m Melb home