Bidding paddles punched the sky as a new suburb benchmark was set

Nationally, momentum lifted across the country this week, with 1,774 homes taken to market, a near 14 percent increase in volume compared to the previous week. It marked a standout moment for clearance rates too, with the preliminary national figure reaching 74.7 percent, the strongest early result since July last year.

Melbourne led the charge. With 837 auctions across the city, activity jumped 25 percent week-on-week. Clearance rates remained solid, holding close to last week's two-year high. At 76.3 percent, the result was just a shade below the previous 76.7, marking the fifth time in six weeks Melbourne has hovered above 75 percent and the thirteenth consecutive month clearing more than 70 percent.

Sydney's auction volumes held steady, nudging up 2.7 percent to 601 homes. The city's preliminary clearance rate came in at 73.8 percent, slightly softer than the previous week's 74.8, but still maintaining a consistent run. It was the seventh straight month Sydney has posted early clearance rates above 70 percent.

In Brisbane, the market stepped up a gear. Auction volume rose to 190, its busiest week since late May, with a preliminary clearance rate of 74.5 percent, the second highest this year behind the 76.1 percent recorded in June.

Adelaide's auction scene remained steady, with 86 homes going to auction, mirroring last week's total. However, clearance rates dipped slightly, coming in at 69.1 percent after two weeks above the 70 percent threshold.

Canberra saw just 49 homes taken to auction, the city's quietest week since April, but results were strong. With a preliminary clearance rate of 73.7 percent, it was the ACT's highest early result since early March.

Looking ahead, volumes are expected to ease, with around 1,600 homes currently scheduled to go under the hammer next week.

High fives and hugs as Fitzroy apartment sparks fierce bidding

A north-facing apartment perched above the treetops drew a charged crowd and five fierce bidders to 51/40 King William Street Fitzroy on Saturday, with a flurry of action lifting the result well past expectations.

The first offer landed right on the $800,000 reserve, but momentum kicked in instantly, pushing the price into competitive territory as bidding accelerated between locals and one determined buyer dialing in from Western Australia.

In the end, a local family triumphed, purchasing the turnkey two-bedroom pad for their daughter. The win sparked emotional scenes, with hugs, high-fives and pure joy among the crowd as the gavel fell on $855,000.

"The buyers were after the convenience of life, everything Fitzroy has to offer, and walking distance to the city," said Jellis Craig agent David Sanguinedo. "It was hotly contested and highly emotional. One of those sales you really feel."

Despite a sky threatening rain, the weather held firm long enough for the spirited auction to unfold, with strong interest underscoring the enduring appeal of low-maintenance living right on the cusp of Carlton Gardens and the Brunswick Street precinct.

Greystanes stunner sets suburb record in high-octane sale at $2.95m

Crowds gathered, bidding paddles punched the sky, and a new suburb benchmark was set as 103 Ringrose Avenue roared to a $2.95 million sale on Saturday, smashing records for Greystanes, NSW in a tightly fought auction.

Dubbed 'The Royale on Ringrose', the five-bedroom showpiece pulled in eight eager bidders, opening at $2.4 million and surging forward in bold $100,000 leaps before tightening into fifties and twenties. The final result locked in a street spectacle and a proud moment for the vendor-builder, who had poured heart and detail into the family-sized residence.

LJ Hooker agent Karen Beebar said the winning buyers, a family from Pymble, were won over by the home's high-end finish and its lifestyle drawcard. "It's a real standout," she said. "There was huge energy on the day and a real buzz from the crowd."

From the gourmet kitchen and poolside alfresco to its digital controls and hidden ensuite, the home offered both polish and practicality. The prestige price reflected its rare blend of location, layout and luxury.

$600k opening blow knocks out buyers in wild-weather auction

A crowd of more than 60 braved rain and heavy winds for the auction of 6 Cecile Court, Ballarat East where a bold $600,000 opening bid set the pace for a dramatic sale.

"We had 105 groups through in three weeks. It was a hugely popular property," said Ray White listing agent Cameron Webb. "But that first bid knocked out a lot of potential buyers straight away. There was a bit of emotion in the air. Good for the vendor, tough for the buyers."

The tightly held Ballarat East pocket and the home's oversized block drew wide interest from first-home buyers, families and downsizers alike. On auction day, bidding stalled briefly at $650,000 before picking up again between two phone bidders. Looking to elude the open skies, the crowd overflowed onto the covered rear deck and into the home, seeking shelter as the auctioneer pushed toward the finish.

Positioned in a quiet court and surrounded by established gardens, the four-bedroom home impressed with its polished concrete floors, walk-in pantry and expansive alfresco with spa gazebo. For caravan owners, tradies or tinkerers, the rear 6x9m shed offered an added drawcard.

"It had everything. The land size, the shed, the entertaining zone. A great all-rounder," said Webb.

As the hammer fell, the weather broke, but the vendors were all smiles. "It's one of those properties that just speaks to lifestyle," Webb said. "Rain or shine, it was always going to sell well."