Canberra auctions: Pre-spring surge as upsizers and professionals drive auction success

The anticipation of spring has drawn buyers out in force this weekend, leading to a flurry of auction activity dominated by young professionals and families upsizing.

On Saturday, Hayman Partners’ Brett Hayman sold the substantial five-bedroom house at 1 Reibey Place, Curtin, under the hammer for $1.68 million.

Hayman said the property attracted three registered buyers and an opening bid of $1 million.

Set on a 961-square-metre block, the property boasts views of Black Mountain and features an in-ground pool, dual driveway access and an oversized carport.

VERV Property’s Jason Roses sold the updated four-bedroom house at 34 Gundara Street, Aranda, for $1.24 million.

On a generous 758-square-metre site, the property is in a premium location with leafy streets and convenient access to local amenities. The house has recently been updated with fresh paint, floating floorboards, and blinds.

The striking mid-century residence at 1 Adams Place, Watson, was passed in through Blackshaw Manuka’s Zac Cunningham and is in negotiation with three potential buyers.

Cunningham said they had one registered bidder and another awaiting finance approval but expected a sale in the coming week.

“There was strong interest in the property with indicators suggesting a sale in the $1.3 million to $1.4 million price range.”

The renovated house features all the hallmarks of its era, such as cathedral ceilings, exposed beams and a retro swimming pool.

On Thursday, The Property Collective’s Ben Wilson sold the stylish two-bedroom apartment at 112/4 Anzac Park, Campbell, at auction for $747,500.

Wilson said the quality apartment received a lower offer before the auction but, on the day, drew three registered bidders before it sold.

Located near vibrant cafes and restaurants, this north-east-facing apartment offers a spacious floor plan with two bathrooms, a study nook, a chef’s kitchen, two secure car spaces, and storage.

Wilson said the price was a strong result and indicative of the current market.

Wilson sold a ground-floor apartment in the same building a year ago for $796,000. However, the apartment features a north-westerly orientation and high ceilings, which adds to its value.

Solid results were achieved during the week. Ray White sold the five-bedroom house at 22 Myles Connell Crescent, Gordon, for $950,000, while the two-bedroom property at 13 Wirilda Street, Rivett, was sold through Luton Properties.

Clearance rates dipped to 59 per cent last weekend, down six percentage points from this time last year.