"Everyone was fighting for it." Long held top-floor apartment doubles profit in bidding war

Rain could not dampen the energy at 12/15-17 Denham Street on Saturday, with umbrellas dotting the crowd before the auction moved indoors. Bidding began at a confident pace, with McGrath listing agent James Ledgerwood saying "everyone was fighting for it" as offers mounted quickly.

Over 27 bids, competition tightened to $1,000 increments, heightening the atmosphere inside the building. In the end, the gavel fell at $1.03 million to a local developer intent on transforming the apartment into a modern coastal retreat.

Owned by the same vendor since 2003, when it was purchased for $509,000, the property offered both an enviable position and clear scope to renovate. Sunlit interiors, timber floors, two balconies and ocean glimpses set the stage for a lifestyle just moments from Bondi Road's cafés and the beach.

Sydney hosted 559 auctions this week, a 2.1% dip from the previous week. So far, 74.3% have sold successfully, slightly below last week's 74.9%, according to Cotality (formerly corelogic), marking the ninth straight week the early clearance rate has held above 70%.

In keeping with those numbers, Ledgerwood said the auction brought out a strong showing of local buyers, with the vendor feeling it was the right time to sell after more than two decades of ownership. "Everyone was really happy," he said. "It was a nice outcome all around."

"Going once, going twice..." last second bid raises stakes as Victorian changes hands for $1.25m

A picture-perfect Melbourne address drew a lively crowd and a burst of friendly competition on Saturday as 68 Abinger Street, a rare triple-frontage Victorian, sold under the hammer for $1.25 million.

With Reeves Crescent curling around to reveal secure carport parking and a faade brimming with character, the home's appeal was immediate. More than 100 groups came through inspections in the lead-up, many taken by its location just steps from Bridge Road's buzz, Dame Nellie Melba dog park and local cafés. The property had been in the same family for decades before being handed down to the current owner, who carried out tasteful renovations that gave it a fresh, easy-care edge.

On auction day, the sunshine matched the upbeat mood. Around 60 onlookers gathered as bidding opened at $1 million. Four contenders traded offers in steady increments, with the price building to $1.1 million before an overbidder looked set to clinch it. In the split second between "going twice" and the fall of the gavel, a fresh bidder entered, lifting the figure to $1.15 million.

The drama continued as the original overbidder stepped back in, sealing victory at $1.25 million. Jellis Craig listing agent Jody McCarthy described it as "all very friendly competition, lighthearted," with the final exchange a bittersweet handshake between vendor and buyer.

Melbourne hosted 742 auctions this week, according to Cotality (formerly corelogic), up from 730 the week prior. The preliminary clearance rate came in at 70.9%, the fifteenth consecutive week where the early success rate has held above 70%, but the lowest in four weeks.

Renters turned buyers on same East Geelong street as Edwardian shines in close auction battle

A beautifully restored Edwardian character home at 21 Thorne Street, East Geelong sparked competitive bidding on Saturday before settling at $1.08 million following a negotiated sale.

Located in East Geelong's coveted Golden Triangle, the three-bedroom timber home blends heritage charm with modern comforts. Its double-fronted faade boasts tessellated tiles, bullnosed verandah and period details, while a contemporary extension fills the interior with light and space.

Inside, two bedrooms feature built-in robes, while a third centres around a steel-grate fireplace set into an exposed brick chimney. Polished timber floors, ornate cornices and plantation shutters bring a refined warmth to the living areas. The recently installed Shaker-style kitchen showcases a farmhouse sink, English tapware and American oak benchtops, providing a stylish hub with views over the landscaped gardens.

Jellis Craig agent Marcus Falconer said the auction attracted around 35 spectators and featured a tense back-and-forth duel between two active bidders. "It was like a tennis match," he said, as bids volleyed steadily until negotiations secured the final deal.

With a north-facing deck stretching across the rear and immaculately maintained gardens, the property offers a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle just moments from East Geelong's amenities, Botanic Gardens and waterfront.

The winning bidders, a local couple renting just down the street, are preparing for overseas adventures before returning to settle into their new home, while the vendors celebrate a satisfying sale, paving the way for a peaceful next chapter in Daylesford.