Auction round-up: Sydney and Melbourne volumes drop while Brisbane leads smaller capitals under the hammer

The long weekend was enough to relax the auctioneer’s hammer across the nation with figures showing the normally bustling bidding action was somewhat subdued in major market capitals Sydney and Melbourne as well as the smaller capitals.

Recently released figures from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) in the wake of the King’s Birthday long weekend revealed auction volumes dropping sharply in the NSW and Victorian capitals as vendors opted to hold back amid the disrupted trading week.

As expected, Sydney remained the busiest of the capital cities with 623 homes taken to auction.

While that marks a 41 per cent decline compared to the previous week’s surge, it still represents a 19 per cent increase year on year, indicating that confidence is holding steady despite the holiday pause.

Melbourne, on the other hand, saw a more dramatic shift. Just 461 properties were listed for auction, down 70 per cent from the week prior.

Compared to this time last year, the city posted a 6 per cent decline, suggesting some softness in vendor activity.

The pullback is seasonal rather than structural, with long weekends and public holidays typically disrupting campaign timelines.

However, the year-on-year trends in the two major capitals offer a more grounded view: Sydney’s higher volumes reflect growing momentum, while Melbourne’s dip could signal a more cautious approach as winter sets in.

Despite the lower numbers, strong demand continues to drive competitive bidding where properties are well-priced and well-located, keeping auction day energy alive, even with fewer listings on the table.

Meanwhile Brisbane led the charge among the smaller capitals, with 133 homes under the hammer over the weekend, that figure still reflects a drop in numbers on the previous week.

Adelaide followed with 87 scheduled auctions, a moderate dip that reflects the public holiday lull rather than any shift in market confidence.

Local agents continue to report strong attendance and well-contested campaigns, particularly for renovated homes close to the CBD.

In contrast, Perth saw just six homes head to auction this week, a reminder that private treaty sales remain the dominant method of sale in Western Australia.

Renovated bayside haven yields $1.19 million in 15 minutes

Overlooking the water and tucked into one of the Inner West’s most coveted pockets, 11/10 Bortfield Drive, Chiswick NSW is the kind of find buyers dream about.

Fully renovated after fifty years in original condition, the two-bedroom apartment now offers a calm, light-filled escape just moments from the CBD.

Set on a quiet street opposite Chiswick Wharf, the home attracted strong interest in the lead up to auction.

LJ Hooker listing agent Aaron Del Monte said more than 40 groups came through over the past few weeks.

“It’s a unique location in the Inner West,” Mr De Monte said.

“You are on a kind of peninsula with water views through the trees and the ferry stop just across the road. It is a rare find.

“It would really suit a first home buyer looking for lifestyle and liveability.”

Auction day brought the interest to a head.

Mr Del Monte said eight buyers registered, with seven actively bidding in front of a crowd of 50 that filled the sunlit garden setting.

“It was the perfect auction; highly competitive, no pauses, just strong, steady bidding,” he said.

“The hammer fell just fifteen minutes after the opening bid of $850,000, with the property selling for $1.19 million to a young couple and their young family.”

Crowds and emotion as burned-out Oakleigh South home sells for $150k over reserve

A fire-damaged home sitting vacant for five years has sold under the hammer for $850,000, smashing its $700,000 reserve and leaving its owners in tears of joy.

8 Barkers Street, Oakleigh South, once occupied by squatters and long considered an eyesore by neighbours, drew a crowd of more than 150 people despite pouring rain.

Ray White agent Daniel Paola said the atmosphere was unforgettable.

“It was absolutely bucketing down, but the street was packed,” Mr Paola said.

“The owners, a local family, were crying with happiness. It was an emotional result.”

Set on a 535 square metre block in one of Oakleigh South’s most tightly held streets, the property attracted strong interest throughout the campaign.

“There’s no doubt it’s a knock-down,” he said ahead of the auction.

“But for the right buyer, it’s a chance to get in at a good price. You’re in a premium pocket, surrounded by quality homes. That potential doesn’t come up often.”

All up, 45 groups came through over the campaign, with three registered bidders competing on auction day, including one streaming live from Japan.

“This was always going to be about vision,” he said.

“Now someone gets to start fresh.”

Bright extension, strong bidding. Belmont home hits the mark

Down in the Barwon South West region of Victoria, a modernised Geelong abode at 25 Davis Street, Belmont proved a powerful drawcard, with the turnkey residence attracting serious competition when it went under the hammer over the weekend.

Buxton listing agent Brad Verall said there had been plenty of attention in the lead-up to the auction, with around 30 buyers turning out on the day.

“There was a lot of interest, particularly from families wanting to get into that north-of-the-highway pocket close to the river,” Mr Verall said.

“It’s a great location and the home’s clean, bright extension made it especially appealing.”

Two buyers ultimately went head-to-head for the keys, with the winner closing at the final bid of $1.19 million.

The original weatherboard home has been reimagined with a refined sense of space and style.

A grand hallway leads to a contemporary open-plan living zone, with bifold doors opening to a spacious enclosed alfresco area.

The home also features a striking stone kitchen, four generous bedrooms and a family-friendly layout with outdoor space to match.

Set on a 728 square metre block, walking distance to schools, shops and green open spaces, the property ticked a lot of boxes for modern family living.

Mr Verall said the result reflected growing buyer appetite for high-quality turnkey homes in established, lifestyle-driven areas.

Rain doesn’t dampen spirits in SA as family favourite sells at $200k above reserve

As auction activity slowed across Sydney and Melbourne due to the King’s Birthday long weekend, one Adelaide property, 128 Jetty Rd. Largs Bay defied the quieter pace, delivering a standout result under pouring skies.

The long-time rental in a popular inner suburb sold for $1.5 million, after five serious bidders braved the rain to compete for the keys.

Ouwens Casserly agent Samantha Hirniak said the crowd crammed under the carport as the skies opened, but spirits remained high.

“There was full rain, but everyone was happy, even laughing,” Ms Hirniak said.

“We ended with two young families going head-to-head. The winners were thrilled. They were already talking about building an extension.”

Ahead of the sale, Ms Hirniak said interest was strong thanks to the home’s character and location.

“Everyone wants to get into this suburb,” she said.

“It’s a great area, and the house has that charm people love. It was a really nice entry-level option for young families.

“It was an awesome result.

“A great home, a great suburb and a family who can make it their own. That’s the kind of outcome you love to see.”

Coastal vision makes waves in Quinns Rocks WA

Set high above the Indian Ocean with nothing but blue water on the horizon, 43 Hazel Avenue offered bidders a rare chance to secure a landmark home in one of Perth’s most quietly held coastal pockets.

Designed and built by the current owner, the three-storey residence stands apart for its sheer scale, versatility and bold architectural ambition.

From its private gates and soaring living spaces to a top-floor master retreat with sweeping views and a spa-inspired bathroom, every level has been carefully curated.

Belle Property Acton listing agent Thomas Whitford said the home had drawn consistent attention from a broad range of buyers looking to live, work and entertain in one extraordinary place.

“We had 19 groups through during the campaign and expected between three and five bidders on the day,” Mr Whitford said.

“It’s a very unique home for a suburb like Quinns Rocks. The beachfront here is the most affordable in Perth, so it’s a huge opportunity.”

Originally envisioned in the spirit of Old Quinns design, the home has evolved into a true modern entertainer.

Glass-wrapped living zones flow onto sun-drenched terraces, a heated pool anchors the resort-style backyard, and flexible indoor spaces include a home theatre, gym, boardroom and games room.

“There’s a real work-from-home opportunity here,” he said.

“The boardroom and professional spaces could suit consultants or creatives. It’s not just a family home, it’s a base for how you want to live and work.”

Auction results are yet to be released, as two separate conditional buyers are in private negotiations.

Buzzing bayside beauty as Wynnum auction delights locals

Held by the same family for three decades, the home at 91 Constellation Way, Wynnum QLD made its long-awaited debut at auction, and the locals turned out in force.

A master-built residence backing directly onto parkland, the property drew a lively neighbourhood crowd and plenty of last-minute buyer interest.

McGrath listing agent Gaby McEwan said the campaign was short but eventful, with 22 groups through the door and multiple buyers booking second inspections.

“There was strong early interest but a few weren’t quite ready to make the leap,” Ms McEwan said.

“Then the night before the auction, I got a voicemail from a couple who had never considered the area before but saw the house and fell instantly in love.”

Auction day delivered its own drama, with a local buyer arriving onsite and immediately kicking off proceedings at $1.35 million.

After some slower bids that landed on $1.4 million, Ms McEwan paused to confer with the owner, after which bidding continued.

The hammer finally fell, the late-entry couple winning the keys with a bid of $1.405 million.

The sellers, now downsizing, were thrilled to see the home passed to another family ready to love it just as deeply.

Bidding was further elevated by the upbeat setting thanks to the presence of a Mr. Barista coffee van that Ms McEwan organised to treat attendees and the neighbourhood at large.

“There was a real community vibe,” she said. “It was great to see the street come alive. It felt like everyone wanted to be a part of it.”