Bidding battles to buy a Victorian classic

The sun shone brilliantly on 12 Mt Pleasant Grove in Armadale, setting a perfect scene for an electric auction called by Marshall White Group Sales Director, John Bongiorno.

Quoted between $4 million and $4.4 million, the anticipated sale immediately soared into high drama when the opening bid landed at a stunning $4.5 million, instantly placing the property on the market and igniting a fierce contest.

With neighbours, competing agents, and eager onlookers forming a captivated crowd, at least four to five determined bidders began thrashing it out, driving the price up in rapid increments.

The tension was palpable as the hammer hovered, signaling the end of a bidding war that ultimately saw the property secure an astounding $5.225 million.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town a crowd quietly gathered on the tree-lined court at 4 Nevis Court in Vermont South.

The campaign drew strong interest, with five registered bidders and 25 groups watching from the footpath as the five-bedroom family home drew early momentum with a confident opening bid of $1.4m.

Within minutes, the rhythm of the auction was set, the price leaping in clean $20k jumps before tightening to sharp, strategic $10k moves.

When the competition narrowed to two, the increments followed in $5k and then $1k additions, the tension breaking only when the hammer fell at $1.74m.

The victors, a family planting roots in the suburb, were quick to celebrate what agent Henry Qian of Mandy Lee Real Estate called "a quick and straightforward auction, just like we like it."

The number of capital city auctions fell by just over a third, -34 percent according to Cotality, compared with a week ago, driven by a 72 percent drop in Melbourne activity as the city paused for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

A total of 507 homes went to auction, slightly higher than the 474 held over the same Melbourne Cup Carnival weekend last year. Auction volumes are expected to climb sharply, with around 1,370 scheduled next week and more than 1,400 the following week.

Builder claims a classic as heritage meets hustle

A Victorian terrace with grit and grace drew a crowd of onlookers and four determined bidders to 34 St Johns Road, Glebe, where a tightly held slice of history changed hands in Sydney for $1.62m.

Opening right on the reserve at $1.5m, the auction rolled into a rhythm of sharp $10k, $20k and $5k bids, each volley adding to the intensity. The final stretch came down to two: a young builder with a vision and a first home buyer chasing a dream. When the hammer fell, the builder held firm, securing a piece of Glebe's character to restore and reimagine.

"It was a great auction and a good result for all," said Belle Property agent James Cahill, who described the sale as a win on every front.

The tri-level terrace, part of a storied row near the village heart, offered all the hallmarks of late Victorian architecture-fireplaces, high ceilings, and a deep courtyard with rear lane access. For renovators, its 128-square-metre footprint and potential for a self-contained addition promised scope and reward.

Sydney saw 1,106 homes go to auction this week, marking its busiest period since late September and the fourth highest weekly total of the year, according to Cotality. Auction activity is expected to intensify, with more than 1,300 homes set to go under the hammer over each of the next two weeks. The city's preliminary clearance rate lifted to 70.6 percent, up from 68.2 percent the week prior.