Crowd of 100+ watches on as families fight at auction for the keys

Bidders braved steady rain in Newtown as a tightly held family home drew fierce competition, pushing the price to $1.75 million under the hammer.

Cloudy skies and light rain did little to dampen the energy at 87 Fairview Avenue, Newtown VIC, where a crowd of 100 gathered to watch the auction unfold. The four-bedroom home with pool and spa, set in one of Geelong's most prestigious enclaves, promised lifestyle and location in equal measure.

Bidding opened at $1.65 million and climbed swiftly, reaching $1.7 million within minutes. From there, the pace slowed as the competition narrowed, with $10,000 moves inching the figure higher. It came down to two determined contenders trading bids until a young local family claimed the keys with a final $2,500 nudge, securing the property for $1.75 million.

Listing agent John Moran of Whitford Property said the home's mix of style and practicality struck a chord with buyers. "It was a textbook auction," Moran said. "Even with the drizzle, the turnout showed how much demand there is for homes of this calibre."

Vendors who had enjoyed the property's spacious design and entertaining credentials are now downsizing, opening the door for the next chapter at this blue-chip address. With polished timber floors, a modern kitchen at its heart, and seamless connection to the backyard's pool and spa, the home blends comfort and function for family living. Its proximity to top schools, Pakington Street, and the Barwon River further sealed its appeal.

Sun, style and high-stakes bidding lift Toorak apartment to $1.43m

A light-filled Toorak apartment, held since 2011, drew spirited bidding as young couples competed before it sold for $1.43 million.

The leafy calm of 10/758 Orrong Road was briefly interrupted on Saturday as 25 onlookers gathered outside a north-facing Melbourne apartment in a boutique block of eleven. Though intimate in scale, the auction delivered strong competition as three young couples traded bids in a spirited contest.

Opening at $1.2 million, the offers flowed in varied increments of twenty, ten and five thousand before the pace tightened near the finish. In the end, one lucky couple secured the keys at $1.43 million.

Vendors, who bought the home for $833,000 in 2011 before moving into a larger property, were pleased with the result. Kay & Burton agent Alex Hamer-Taylor said the apartment's light and layout proved irresistible. "It's beautifully proportioned and has a warmth about it. Buyers loved the leafy setting, the natural light and the sense of privacy that comes with a boutique block," he said.

The two-bedroom residence makes the most of its northern aspect, with a sunlit sitting room, wide bay windows and a balcony overlooking the treetops. Bosch appliances and a meals area enhance the separate kitchen, while the generous master suite offers a walk-in robe and ensuite. Additional comforts include ducted heating and cooling, a secure entry and a double lock-up garage.

Melbourne recorded 1,273 auctions this week, according to Cotality, marking a third consecutive week above the 1,000-home threshold. Auction activity lifted 9.4 percent compared with the same week last year, while the preliminary clearance rate bucked the broader trend, climbing to 75.2 percent from 73.2 percent the previous week.

First time sold in 42 years, Newtown terrace fetches $2.52 million

After four decades in the same family, a classic Newtown terrace drew strong interest, with a first-time sale securing the keys for a young couple.

A substantial three-bedroom terrace at 26 Bucknell Street captivated buyers with its generous proportions and inner-city lifestyle potential. Set across two light-filled levels in Sydney's inner west, the home balances classic Newtown character with flexibility for modern living. Timber floors, air-conditioned living spaces, and private balconies to two bedrooms set the scene, while front and rear courtyards promise morning coffee, relaxed entertaining or starry evenings.

The property had been in the family for over four decades, inherited by vendors from relatives who had held it since its construction. During the four-week campaign, 90 groups inspected, drawn by the combination of classic charm, city-edge convenience and the rare chance to secure a long-held home.

At auction, seven registered bidders stepped up, five actively competing. Opening at $2.1 million, bidding rose quickly in $50,000 increments to $2.25 million before slowing to measured $25,000 and $10,000 raises. Fifteen minutes after the first paddle went up, the hammer fell at $2.52 million, securing a first-home buyer couple eager to start their family in Newtown.

Adam Freitas from Raine & Horne reflected, "It was a good finish and a happy birthday to the wife, which made the moment even more special.

Sydney saw 837 homes go to auction this week, the busiest week since early June, though 4.0 percent below last year's volume. Cotality reports that the preliminary clearance rate slipped to 74.8 percent, marking the lowest in five weeks after peaking at 80.3 percent in late August.