Butter chicken and a bidding war

The energy was infectious 23 Waterbrook Court, where the bidding was brisk and the gratitude genuine. After seventeen years in their much-loved SA Mawson Lakes home, vendors Kavita and Joby watched as nine registered bidders turned their quiet cul de sac into a stage of spirited competition.

With five active bidders in play, auctioneer John Morris guided proceedings that opened confidently and surged to a final price of $1.05 million under the hammer. Ray White agent

Stefan Siciliano said the campaign drew strong local interest from buyers drawn to the home's position and quality presentation. "The atmosphere was electric," he said. "Everyone could feel the excitement in the air."

For Kavita and Joby, this first-time sale was as emotional as it was rewarding. Having moved closer to their children's school, they were ready to pass the home on but found the process daunting at first. "Stefan reassured us every step of the way," Kavita said. "He's been in touch with us for over ten years, always respectful and reliable. We trusted him completely."

Their gratitude extended to auctioneer John Morris, whose charisma and energy carried the day. So much so that Kavita has promised a home-cooked thank you: "I told him I'm making him a curry for dinner, probably butter chicken or masala dosa. He deserves it."

67 auctions were held in Adelaide, according to Cotality, down 14 percent from the week prior. 78.8 percent of auctions have reported a successful result so far.

Seven bidders, one dream home

In Brisbane's inner north, 93 Nelson Street, Kalinga ignited fierce competition as seven registered bidders converged on one of Brisbane's most sought-after streets. The modern family home, with its north-facing rear and poolside alfresco, drew eager buyers across varied demographics, from young professionals to downsizers, families and interstate relocators all determined to secure a slice of Kalinga's prestige.

Bidding opened at the $2.1 million reserve, surging quickly in early increments of $10,000 and $20,000 rises. But as the contest narrowed to three determined buyers, the auction slowed to $1,000 increments. With the crowd on the edge of their seats, offers flew for over fifty bids before a couple in their 50s claimed victory at $2.34 million - a staggering $240,000 above reserve.

Place Ascot agent Drew Davies described it as "the definition of a bidding war," noting the electric energy that rippled through the audience. "The competition was fierce from the first call, and to see it come down to $1,000 increments shows just how determined buyers are to get into suburbs like Kalinga," he said.

Paul Curtain, Head of Place Auctions, highlighted the broader market implications: "With seven registered bidders, it's a clear sign of strong demand. Buyer activity is increasing across Brisbane this Spring, and properties in premium pockets like this continue to attract intense interest."

Brisbane hosted the most auctions across the country's smaller capitals, according to Colality, with 147 homes going under the hammer and a preliminary clearance rate of 69.3 percent, the highest in three weeks.

Rain stops, bids pour in for 80 year old heritage home

Even the weather played its part in a gripping auction at 24 Park Road, Mount Lawley, where 150 onlookers and 17 registered bidders gathered in one of Perth's most tightly held pockets. The rain miraculously ceased with the first bid, prompting Ray White agent Emma Milner to joke that "Mother Nature paused specifically so someone could own this house."

Built in 1945 on a sprawling 1,012-square-metre block, the three-bedroom cottage was marketed as "the worst house on the best street," and that tagline proved irresistible. Ninety-four groups inspected the property during the campaign, with interest ranging from first-home buyers eyeing an entry point to developers dreaming of a grand-scale project.

Bidding opened at $1.5 million and leapt quickly in $100,000 increments before tapering to $25,000, then $5,000 strides as two contenders faced off. Cheers erupted when the hammer fell at $2.26 million, $310,000 above the opening bid, to a local buyer with ambitious renovation plans.

"It was one of those auctions that captures everything about the market right now," said Milner. "The crowd was buzzing, the bidding was fast and everyone could see the incredible potential in front of them."

Despite its worn edges and dated interiors, the character home's position and size stole the spotlight as one of just 13 auctions held in Perth according to Cotality. On a street framed by leafy canopies and period facades, this represented more than a sale. It was a passing of the torch for one of Mount Lawley's grand old blocks, ready for its next chapter to begin.