Rainy Brisbane weather fails to dampen auction action

Despite the torrential downpour during the open home, about 35 people still showed up for the auction of 79 Harding Street, Hendra.

Eleven people registered to bid on the classic three-bedroom, one-bathroom Queenslander, set on a 407-square-metre block about eight kilometres from the CBD.

Onlookers and bidders crowded the living room for the auction, which was off to a rapid start with an opening bid of $690,000.

When bids slowed to $500, auctioneer Phil Parker quipped, “I’ll sell it a weatherboard at a time, no problem.”

But the property was soon announced to be on the market at $786,000, and sold shortly after for $810,500.

Buyers James Wastell and Paris Croaker said they were excited to be able to move in before Christmas.

“We just sold in Gordon Park and settlement is December 5, so it’s worked out well,” Mr Wastell said.

“We’re happy we can get a Christmas tree.”

Selling agent Leigh Kortlang said the property had attracted most interest from young couples who were looking for an entry level price into the area.

“It’s a family friendly area, there are a lot of cafes now and it has a village feel,” she said.

On the Sunshine Coast, a three-bedder in original condition at 12 Bareena Place, Warana, sold for $654,000 under the hammer. In a quiet cul de sac and on the market for the first time in nearly 40 years, the property attracted about 70 people and 16 registered bidders.

Auctioneer David Holmes of Metro Auctions said it was a “very fast-paced” auction. Bidding started at $500,000 and it was declared on the market before selling at $654,000.

Selling agent Gavin Duncan of Century 21 Coastal said the owners, now in their 80s, were “absolutely stoked” with the result.

“They live out at Ipswich, it’s been a weekender and holiday home for them for the last 40 years, but their family has all grown up and there’s no use for it any more,” he said.

Mr Duncan said the buyers, a local couple, planned to renovate the property and then use it as a holiday rental.