Canberra auctions: Market ignites in a fiery frenzy as demand heats up

Buyers were out in force this week with a number of renovated properties snapped up either prior to or at auction, driven by the resurgence of the fear of missing out.

Belle Property Canberra’s Steve Whitelock sold the charming three-bedroom cottage at 1 Farnell Place, Curtin, under the hammer on Saturday for $1.285 million.

“The property attracted four registered bidders, a good crowd and spirited bidding,” he said.

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac on an 872-square-metre block with cottage-style gardens, the timber house has a formal lounge room and a spacious family living area off the kitchen, plus three bedrooms with leafy garden vistas.

The integrated living areas flow outdoors to a wraparound deck and a secure backyard with side access for additional parking.

Curtin is a highly popular suburb for families due to its quality schooling options, a refurbished local shopping precinct, and access to arterial roads into Westfield Woden, Canberra Hospital and the city.

Over in the serene suburb of Melba, the three bedroom, two-bathroom house at 6 Henslowe Place sold prior to auction on Thursday for $850,000.

Jonny Warren from Jonny Warren Properties said the property was scheduled to go to auction on Friday and sold the night before to first-home buyers who had fallen in love with the house.

“The young couple saw it as the ideal place to start a family,’ he said.

Built in 1975 and last sold in December 2007, the split-level three-bedroom house provided a canvas for a complete makeover by the vendors, who sought a balance between work and family life.

The home received extensive renovations between 2012 and 2014, creating a residence that echoed the family’s personality and style.

They knocked down walls to create an open floor plan, blending the lounge and kitchen and providing sliding-door access to a spacious sunlit courtyard.

Each of the three bedrooms has new carpet and built-in wardrobes, and the sizeable main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite.

The property is within walking distance of local parks and Mount Rogers primary and community schools, and is a short commute from amenities such as the Melba shops, sporting ovals and Mount Rogers Reserve.