Auction watch: Rapid bidding at Griffith home

Despite afternoon showers, pleasantly sunny morning weather helped to kick off the first big weekend of auctions in Canberra on Saturday with success under the hammer in the inner south at 97 La Perouse Street.

The four-bedroom spacious Griffith home sold for $1.3 million. The auction moved rapidly, finishing in a matter of minutes.

Situated on a 936 sq m block in one of the suburb’s hottest addresses, the home has been tastefully updated while still retaining a classic look.

Natural light streams through the house and there’s a seamless transition to the outdoor entertaining area that overlooks the charming garden.

At the core of the backyard lies a magnificent apple tree that would surely exile the owners from the Garden of Eden.

A large crowd gathered at the auction and after the PM’s XI on Friday night, three Canberrans were inspired to take a hit at the home with LJ Hooker’s signature mini cricket bats (used instead of paddles).

Stephen Thompson and Tyran Murphy, of LJ Hooker Manuka, were the selling agents on the property. Prior to Saturday, around 50 groups had been taken through the home.

Mr Thompson also acted as the auctioneer on the day and kicked off proceedings by boasting about the home’s location.

“It’s a large block in a family friendly location ready for you to move in and enjoy,” he said.

“First you’ve got to buy it.”

The registered bidders wasted no time in raising their cricket bats.

Bidding started at $1 million and swiftly moved to $1.3 million in just five bids.

Upon reaching the $1.3 million mark Mr Thompson told bidders he would accept a $10,000 bid but no one took up the offer. After consultations with the vendor the property was sold.

• Related: Wet weather did not deter Canberra bidders
• Related: Narrabundah cottage sells for $610k
• Related: Kingsway home records highest 2017 sale for Queanbeyan East

There were two more open homes on La Perouse during the time of the auction, signalling a strong year for the street.

However, it may prove difficult to beat the highest recorded sale on the street at 7 La Perouse Street which sold for $2.595 million in October 2016.

The Griffith suburb record was set in at 16 Durville Crescent in December 2017 by Thompson for $2.97 million.

Check out the rest of Canberra’s auction results.