Brisbane auctions: Ashgrove home held by same family for almost 100 years sells for $1.43m

Selling a long-held home can be an emotional process, but for one Brisbane family it was particularly so at the weekend, with the auction of a property that had been in the family for almost a century.

Built in 1928, a five-bedroom, three-bathroom house on 607 square metres at 29 Gailey Street, Ashgrove, marked the first time it had been put to market in 92 years. The vendor bought it from her grandparents almost 30 years ago, and it still features VJ walls and ornate ceiling decorations.

More than 40 people gathered for half an hour to watch the auction, with three registered bidders attempting to walk away with the keys. Bidding opened at $1 million, and rose steadily.

After 15 bids, the auction stalled at $1,388,000, allowing the auctioneer to talk with the owners and buyers. Negotiations followed, and the house was eventually sold for $1.43 million.

Selling agent Brigette Righton, of Ray White Ashgrove, said more than 90 groups inspected the property over the four-week campaign. She said interest predominantly came from families impressed by the house’s location and amenities.

“It’s got walking tracks and parks that connect,” she said. “It’s a convenient position to get to the city, there’s a little rat run you can use to go up to Red Hill without getting a light. Just a nice family home, and a quiet street.”

The buyers recently moved from NSW and were interested in the area to have access to the local school catchments for their children.

Elsewhere, the threat of COVID-19 didn’t stop Brisbane buyers from flocking to auctions across the city this weekend. There were 74 properties that went to auction, with a reported clearance rate of 59 per cent.

Jo Langstaff, of Ray White Metro West, said she was yet to see any massive change in interest from buyers due to the coronavirus.

“I’ve had a few people who won’t shake my hand,” she said. “ People who are tyre-kickers are starting to ask if I’m seeing a change in the market, but in terms of buyers, I’ve got no shortage of them.”

Auction

9 Tamarix Street, Chapel Hill QLD 4069

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Mrs Langstaff was the selling agent on the split-level six-bedroom, three-bathroom house at 9 Tamarix Street, Chapel Hill, which sold at auction this weekend.

About 20 people watched as three registered bidders battled it out for 20 minutes to stake their claim on the property. Bidding opened at $700,000, and quickly rose to the sale price of $736,000.

Originally listed for private sale, the house was shifted to a quick two-week auction campaign that attracted almost 30 groups.

The buyers wanted to be closer to the city, and plan to live downstairs while renting the top half of the house. Meanwhile, the vendors were selling to help fund the next stage of their life.

“We’re all happy,” said Mrs Langstaff. “Happy sellers, happy buyers – happy agent.”

Auction

1 Asciano Place, Bridgeman Downs QLD 4035

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A five-bedroom, three-bathroom house on a generous 750-square-metre block at 1 Asciano Place, Bridgeman Downs, was also sold under the hammer, fetching $825,000 for its vendors. About 15 people watched two registered bidders square off for the modern entertainer.

Bidding opened at $700,000, jumped quickly to $750,000 and again to $775,000.

After a series of negotiations, the hammer was dropped and the house was sold.

Selling agent Matt Morgan, of Ray White Aspley, said 28 groups viewed the property over the four-week campaign, including a mix of larger families and some older families.

He said the home’s biggest drawcard was its three separate and spacious living areas, as well as its three bathrooms. The vendors had used the home as a rental property, but decided to sell due to a change in circumstances.