NRL Raiders player Josh Papalii’s Ngunnawal home sells for $591,000 at auction

First-home buyers nabbed Canberra Raiders star Josh Papalii’s former Ngunnawal residence on Saturday after a fierce and fast bidding war pushed the price to $591,000.

The three-bedroom property at 7 Bunima Crescent brought in more than 50 spectators, including nine registered bidders, socially distanced in the front yard.

Selling agent and auctioneer Jonny Warren of White Rhino Property said while there were a handful of onlookers keen to get a peek at the rugby players’ former abode, the majority were “genuinely interested in the house, or looking to make a purchase”.

Bidding for the home kicked off at $500,000, which was quickly followed by a $10,000 raise. 

The price continued to increase by $10,000 bids until it reached $560,000 and Mr Warren started accepting $1000 bids.

From here, the price rose in varying increments of $5000 and $1000 with the odd $500 offer. After 38 bids, the hammer eventually fell at $591,000 — $31,000 above the reserve price.

The new purchasers were first-home buyers who tried their hand at bidding for the first time that morning, Mr Warren said.

“They were absolute pros and smashed it. You wouldn’t think it was their first time bidding,” he said.

“They entered the bidding war very early on and fought hard for the house. We had multiple conversations with them leading up to the sale and they were just pleased they were able to buy something and not go to another auction.”

The house had more than 60 groups through and 32 contracts were sent out over the course of a three-week auction campaign.

“At the moment, we don’t need to do four-week campaigns because there are buyers out there who are ready to go,” Mr Warren said.

“Sellers need to take advantage of the market while it’s still hot.”

Further south, a four-bedroom home in Weston sold for $960,000 under the hammer.

Selling agent Ryan Stavaruk of Blackshaw City & Inner North said the property at 76 McInnes Street attracted three registered bidders.

“An opening bid of $850,000 started the proceedings and increased in $20,000 and $25,000 increments. Towards the end, bidders were making $5000 bids,” Mr Savaruk said.

“There were only about eight bids for the home but [they were] strong offers and enough for the hammer to fall at $960,000.”

The house was tastefully renovated in recent years, a drawcard for the eventual buyers, Mr Savaruk said.

He noted the first weekend of open home inspections brought in more than 80 groups with 50 contracts sent out over the course of the campaign.

“Obviously, there’s a huge amount of activity in the market and I think that is driven by the fact that there are very few properties on the market at the moment,” he said.

“I don’t know whether that is because people are concerned about COVID-19 and having people through their houses but the market is really busy right now.”