Beyond Sydney and Melbourne, smaller capitals also see a softer week for auction volumes

Canberra Times

09-06-2025

WATCH: What you need to know about auctions
By Tim McDonald
Brisbane led the charge with 133 homes under the hammer over the weekend, maintaining its position as the busiest of the smaller capitals.
Though numbers were down from the previous week, the River City continued to show solid demand across family-friendly suburbs, with buyers seeking lifestyle, space and relative affordability.
SOLD: 128 Jetty Road, Largs Bay, SA 5016 Pic: Supplied
Adelaide followed with 87 scheduled auctions, a moderate dip that reflects the public holiday lull rather than any shift in market confidence.
Local agents continue to report strong attendance and well-contested campaigns, particularly for renovated homes close to the CBD.
In contrast, Perth saw just six homes head to auction this week, a reminder that private treaty sales remain the dominant method of sale in Western Australia.
Rain doesn't dampen spirits in SA as family favourite sells at $200k above reserve
As auction activity slowed across Sydney and Melbourne due to the King's Birthday long weekend, one Adelaide property, 128 Jetty Rd. Largs Bay defied the quieter pace, delivering a standout result under pouring skies.
SOLD: 128 Jetty Road, Largs Bay, SA 5016 Pic: Supplied
The long-time rental in a popular inner suburb sold for $1.5 million, after five serious bidders braved the rain to compete for the keys.
Ouwens Casserly agent Samantha Hirniak said the crowd crammed under the carport as the skies opened, but spirits remained high.
"There was full rain, but everyone was happy, even laughing," Ms Hirniak said.
"We ended with two young families going head-to-head. The winners were thrilled. They were already talking about building an extension."
SOLD: 128 Jetty Road, Largs Bay, SA 5016 Pic: Supplied
Ahead of the sale, Ms Hirniak said interest was strong thanks to the home's character and location.
"Everyone wants to get into this suburb," she said.
"It's a great area, and the house has that charm people love. It was a really nice entry-level option for young families.
"It was an awesome result.
"A great home, a great suburb and a family who can make it their own. That's the kind of outcome you love to see."
Coastal vision makes waves in Quinns Rocks WA
Set high above the Indian Ocean with nothing but blue water on the horizon, 43 Hazel Avenue offered bidders a rare chance to secure a landmark home in one of Perth's most quietly held coastal pockets.
SOLD: 43 Hazel Avenue, Quinns Rocks, WA 6030 Pic Supplied
Designed and built by the current owner, the three-storey residence stands apart for its sheer scale, versatility and bold architectural ambition.
From its private gates and soaring living spaces to a top-floor master retreat with sweeping views and a spa-inspired bathroom, every level has been carefully curated.
Belle Property Acton listing agent Thomas Whitford said the home had drawn consistent attention from a broad range of buyers looking to live, work and entertain in one extraordinary place.
SOLD: 43 Hazel Avenue, Quinns Rocks, WA 6030 Pic Supplied
"We had 19 groups through during the campaign and expected between three and five bidders on the day," Mr Whitford said.
"It's a very unique home for a suburb like Quinns Rocks. The beachfront here is the most affordable in Perth, so it's a huge opportunity."
Originally envisioned in the spirit of Old Quinns design, the home has evolved into a true modern entertainer.
Glass-wrapped living zones flow onto sun-drenched terraces, a heated pool anchors the resort-style backyard, and flexible indoor spaces include a home theatre, gym, boardroom and games room.
SOLD: 43 Hazel Avenue, Quinns Rocks, WA 6030 Pic Supplied
"There's a real work-from-home opportunity here," he said.
"The boardroom and professional spaces could suit consultants or creatives. It's not just a family home, it's a base for how you want to live and work."
Auction results are yet to be released, as two separate conditional buyers are in private negotiations.
Buzzing bayside beauty as Wynnum auction delights locals
Held by the same family for three decades, the home at 91 Constellation Way, Wynnum QLD made its long-awaited debut at auction, and the locals turned out in force.
A master-built residence backing directly onto parkland, the property drew a lively neighbourhood crowd and plenty of last-minute buyer interest.
SOLD: 91 Constellation Way, Wynnum, QLD 4178 Pic: Supplied
McGrath listing agent Gaby McEwan said the campaign was short but eventful, with 22 groups through the door and multiple buyers booking second inspections.
"There was strong early interest but a few weren't quite ready to make the leap," Ms McEwan said.
"Then the night before the auction, I got a voicemail from a couple who had never considered the area before but saw the house and fell instantly in love."
SOLD: 91 Constellation Way, Wynnum, QLD 4178 Pic: Supplied
Auction day delivered its own drama, with a local buyer arriving onsite and immediately kicking off proceedings at $1.35 million.
After some slower bids that landed on $1.4 million, Ms McEwan paused to confer with the owner, after which bidding continued.
The hammer finally fell, the late-entry couple winning the keys with a bid of $1.405 million.
The sellers, now downsizing, were thrilled to see the home passed to another family ready to love it just as deeply.
SOLD: 91 Constellation Way, Wynnum, QLD 4178 Pic: Supplied
Bidding was further elevated by the upbeat setting thanks to the presence of a Mr. Barista coffee van that Ms McEwan organised to treat attendees and the neighbourhood at large.
"There was a real community vibe," she said. "It was great to see the street come alive. It felt like everyone wanted to be a part of it."