'Good property always sells': Behind Canberra's auction clearance rates

Canberra’s February home auctions have seen clearance rates as high as 90 per cent, suggesting strong competition among buyers and pointing strongly to a seller’s market.

Rowan Glanville of Hayman Partners says the reasons can be debated but there’s one truism.

“Good property always sells,’’ he says.

“I don’t necessarily subscribe to the notion that supply is markedly down – just that there are more active buyers because the market is continuing to pick up from last year.”

Glanville has tips to help give buyers the edge in a competitive environment.

“Be very clear about your priorities and what you need. This will help you better target your interest,” he said.

“And be prepared to bid strongly. You’ll always remember the property you missed because you didn’t go the extra distance.”

Amy Wilson of Belle Property Kingston feels the summer fires are still having an impact on the local market.

“Many Canberra holidaymakers were forced to return home early,” she says.

“I think that caused a number of them to bring forward their house-hunting plans.”

Wilson says that may be contributing to the buyer pool that is seeing strong competition to acquire.

“At the same time, the damaging hailstorm has caused many home owners to put back bringing their homes to market as they undergo repairs to windows, skylights, pergolas, gardens and more,” she says.

“We’re likely seeing the impact of those two events in strong sales prices and they may be with us until sentiment returns to normal.”

• Finance. Seek pre-approval from your lender. It significantly improves your position in a negotiation, either through private treaty or at auction. Know your budget – and add a contingency, just in case.
• Clarity. What you are looking for in your home purchase? Where do you want to live? What do you absolutely need? Are you willing to compromise? Know the answers to these and more.
• Research. Due diligence is the key. Learn everything you can about the area you want to live in. Is it close to schools, shops and public transport? Ask about the local sales history.

Looking to buy in Woden Valley? You could adopt these tips when this Garran house goes to auction:

There’s a feeling from the kerb that this Garran home is going to be something special – and it doesn’t disappoint.

This two-storey, four-bedroom residence scores a kind of cubism-inspired silhouette into the skyline with a facade highlighted by a considered palette of textures.

These include Colorbond cladding, honed-face concrete bricks, timber-inspired battens and Wee Jasper stone.

The appeal is enhanced by manicured gardens with established plantings and automatic soft night lighting.

The “wow” factor continues inside with a spectacular six-metre void and engineered oak flooring in a herringbone pattern that leads to a light-filled open plan kitchen, dining and living area.

The designer kitchen features luxurious stone, a large walk-in pantry, custom joinery and quality appliances including a 900-millimetre pyrolytic oven and induction cooktop.

The ground floor living area enjoys a northerly aspect, high ceilings and expansive double glazing that seamlessly connects to a spacious outdoor entertaining area.

Downsizers will appreciate the generous main bedroom on this lower level. The suite features a hungry walk-in wardrobe and a “his and hers” en suite including soft feature lighting and under-tile heating. A further three bedrooms with built-in robes are upstairs along with a study offering views over the leafy surrounds.

Other features include square set ceilings throughout, ducted heating and cooling downstairs, separate heating and cooling systems upstairs, and a multi-zone security system.

There’s a double garage with polyurethane flooring and internal access.

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