Stone walls to windfall: Corner classic turns 77% profit with $2.1m sale

The symmetry and charm of a 19th-century stone cottage captivated bidders at 23 Dunks Street, Parkside, before its bold modern addition sealed the sale. Built around 1870, Adelaide's inner southern home has been carefully reimagined, marrying heritage character with a striking open-plan extension that elevates family living.

Ouwenes Casserly listing agent Ben Poland said the campaign drew 40 groups eager to see the high-spec renovations completed earlier this year. "People adored the careful blend of old and new," he says. "The home feels both elegant and effortless."

Auction day drew three registered bidders, opening at $1.85 million. Quick-fire rises of $25,000 and cautious $5,000 increments lifted the price steadily, with Mother Nature holding off rain just long enough to keep proceedings flowing. The competition narrowed to the winning bidder: a mature local family eager to move into new digs. With the vendor relocating back to Victoria, the home changed hands for a final $2.11 million, representing a solid return on their $1.19 million purchase in 2021.

Poland reflects, "It was a strong campaign, and the house's transformation really impressed everyone. Heritage, contemporary flair, and clever design proved irresistible."

This Parkside gem demonstrates how thoughtful renovations can transform a corner classic into a fully modern, functional, and stylish family home, ready for its next chapter.

135 auctions were held in Adelaide, according to Cotality, a 38% rise in activity relative to the week prior. 85.5% of auctions have reported a successful result so far, the second highest preliminary clearance rate so far this year.

Stafford Heights renovator races to $1.475m sale

A post-war residence on a sprawling 1,174-square-metre block at 85 Pangeza Street, Stafford Heights, Queensland sold under the hammer for $1.475 million in an energetic auction that drew keen interest from buyers.

Set in an elevated, quiet pocket of one of Brisbane's most coveted suburbs, the property offered a rare opportunity to renovate, extend, or rebuild (STCA). Its generous landholding, leafy outlook and proximity to top schools, parklands and the city made it instantly appealing.

Ten registered bidders attended, with six actively competing on the day. "The auction opened at $1.2 million, with offers quickly moving in increments of $10,000 and $5,000," Place listing agent Jordan Peacock said. "The pace never slowed down," he continued, "Participants responded to each other bid for bid, which really kept the crowd interested."

The hammer ultimately fell to a family who immediately saw the potential to transform the home into a modern sanctuary, capitalising on the block's rare size and prime location. Vendors and buyers exchanged congratulations, marking a celebratory finish to the day.

With its blend of space, location, and renovation scope, 85 Pangeza Street demonstrated why rare parcels in blue-chip suburbs continue to attract determined, vision-driven buyers.

Brisbane led the smaller capitals with 174 homes taken to auction, marking the fifth-highest weekly volume of the year. The preliminary clearance rate eased to 65.6 percent, down from 76.5 percent the previous week.

Family oasis commands attention, sells under hammer

A rare combination of space, comfort and versatility drew a strong crowd to 33 Ospringe Street, Gosnells in WA with the home selling under the hammer to a local family.

Set on an 819sqm block, this 1973-built residence impressed with multiple living zones, a separate home office, and expansive outdoor entertaining areas. The light-filled living spaces flow seamlessly to a fully enclosed patio and huge alfresco area, while beautifully maintained gardens, a chook yard, vegetable plots, and a small fire pit created an inviting backdrop for everyday family life.

The master bedroom offers semi-ensuite access and ceiling fan comfort, while the additional bedrooms each feature ceiling fans and air conditioning. The kitchen, with modern appliances less than five years old, supports both casual family meals and larger gatherings. The property has been maintained with care, including a recently resealed roof and replaced guttering, offering long-term peace of mind.

Auction day saw strong local interest, reflecting a broader trend identified by Ray White WA CEO Mark Whiteman: Perth's ongoing shortage of stock. "In the metropolitan area, fewer than 3,000 properties are available, driving competition among buyers," he said in a statement, noting hopes for a spring uplift to bring more sellers to market.

At the fall of the hammer, the home was secured by a buyer for $777k, ready to move in and enjoy all the practical and lifestyle benefits of this versatile property. With its generous layout, low-maintenance gardens, and family-friendly spaces, 33 Ospringe Street is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-located, move-in-ready homes in the West.

Cotality reports only eleven homes that went to market in Perth last week.