Auction drama as locked loo mishap nearly derails sale

Tensions rose when a broken door handle left one hapless pre-auction visitor locked in the bathroom, nearly shutting down an Adelaide auction.

Nationally, activity eased last week, with 1,786 homes taken to auction across the country, the lowest number since the King's Birthday long weekend four weeks ago. While volumes were down, this figure remained slightly above the same time last year, when 1,776 homes were brought to market.

Despite the dip in activity, the preliminary clearance rate held firm at 73.1 percent, slightly down from 74.5 percent the week prior. That earlier figure was later revised to 67.9 percent, which still marked the highest final clearance rate recorded since March. Encouragingly, the preliminary clearance rate has remained above the 70 percent mark for four consecutive weeks and in eight of the past ten.

Melbourne led the nation in volume, with 756 homes going under the hammer, a significant drop from 962 auctions the week before. So far, 75.5 percent of reported Melbourne auctions have been successful, edging up from 75.2 percent the previous week, which was later revised to 68.2 percent. The city has now maintained a preliminary clearance rate above 75 percent for three straight weeks.

Sydney followed with 691 auctions, down from 771 the previous week. Its preliminary clearance rate slipped to 72.5 percent, one percentage point below the week prior, with final figures likely to be revised similarly to previous weeks.

Among the smaller capitals, Brisbane led with 155 auctions and a 70.8 percent preliminary clearance rate. Adelaide recorded 102 auctions with a success rate of 65.7 percent, while the ACT saw 69 auctions and a strong 73.1 percent success rate, the territory's best result since mid-March.

Auction volumes are expected to decline further, with around 1,445 homes currently scheduled for next week and approximately 1,500 the week after.

Pre-auction loo rescue as young family wins Salisbury East home

There was no shortage of drama or heart at 20 Piccadilly Road, where a crowd of 40 turned out for an auction that very nearly didn't happen. Just moments before proceedings kicked off, a last-minute inspection took an unexpected turn when a visitor got stuck inside the bathroom after the door handle broke off. With just minutes to spare, onlookers rallied to get him out, setting the tone for what would become a spirited and memorable auction.

LJ Hooker agent Ryan Graham said interest had been strong throughout the campaign, with many buyers drawn to the home's versatility and bonus retreat space out the back.

"People could really see the potential. That separate retreat gave it that little bit extra," Graham said. "It spoke to families wanting room to grow or even multi-generational living. There's a lot of future-proofing in this home."

Fifteen registered bidders stepped up on the day, kicking off with confident $10,000 and $20,000 jumps before it narrowed to two determined buyers. The final stretch was a steady back-and-forth in $5,000 and $1,000 bids before the hammer came down at $805,000, with the keys going to a young family excited to start their next chapter.

The home had been in the same family for many years, and the sale marked the end of an era. "It was one of those auctions that had everything," said Graham. "A long-held home, a bit of pre-auction chaos and a great result. You couldn't have scripted it better."

Bidding heat and bittersweet farewell as Coorparoo cottage smashes $1.82m sale

A beautifully transformed workers cottage in one of Coorparoo's most elevated pockets has sold under the hammer for $1.82 million, with four active bidders driving the price in a fast-paced auction finale.

The five-bedroom home at 10 Dowar Street had been in the same hands for more than 30 years, originally purchased as a humble cottage by a now retiring couple who went on to renovate and extend the home into a spectacular family haven over the decades.

Listing agent Grant Boman said the campaign drew strong local interest, with 80 groups coming through inspections and 10 registering to bid on the day.

"There was a mix of families and young couples, all drawn to the character, space and that incredible position," Boman said. "It started as a four-way battle, then narrowed to three and finally two who really pushed each other to the end."

While the result was a win for the vendors, Boman said the sale was tinged with emotion. "It was a bittersweet moment for the owners. This home has been their life's project," he said. "They poured so much love into it over the years."

With panoramic suburban views, expansive decks, multiple living zones and proximity to schools and cafes, the home offered lifestyle and charm in equal measure.

"Buyers are chasing turnkey homes with soul and functionality," Boman added. "Dowar ticked every box. It had warmth, quality and a true sense of place."

Boundary Road buzz as light-filled Mosman Park home stuns with $770k sale

A light-filled Mosman Park home has exceeded expectations at auction, selling under the hammer for $770,000 in front of a crowd of 100 at 9/9 Boundary Road.

Ray White agent Claire O'Meara said the renovated two-bedroom property attracted more than 200 inspections during the campaign, culminating in 15 active bidders and a rapid-fire 33 bids on auction day.

"It was one of those auctions where you could feel the excitement from the start," O'Meara said. "There was strong competition and a real buzz in the crowd."

Marketed at a price point appealing to first-home buyers, the property was ultimately secured by a young couple eager to put down roots in the beachside suburb. The final result pushed well above expectations.

"The price shocked even us," said O'Meara. "We knew it would be popular, but it really showed how hungry buyers are for lifestyle and liveability."

Owned by three siblings and lovingly maintained, the home was presented without styling, just real furniture and a welcoming feel.

"We wanted people to experience it as a home, not a showroom," said O'Meara. "And I think that genuine warmth made a huge impact."

The home featured a renovated kitchen, open-plan living, two spacious bedrooms and a generous outdoor patio, all set moments from shops, cafes and the coast.

"The owners were absolutely ecstatic," O'Meara said. "It was a perfect storm of presentation, location and competition."