Latest news with #King'sBirthday
7NEWS
14-07-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
"Stop bidding, I want to live in it!" Theatrics seal the deal in dramatic finish
A peaceful Norwood street came alive on Friday when a property hit the auction block. A small crowd of 25 watched as two fiercely committed bidders battled it out, culminating in a heartfelt plea that stole the show. Across Australia, auction volumes dipped this week, marking the quietest stretch since the King's Birthday long weekend. A total of 1,458 homes went under the hammer across the capitals, down from 1,794 the week prior and slightly below the 1,512 held this time last year. Despite the softer volume, buyer momentum is holding. The preliminary clearance rate came in at 72.2 percent, easing from the year-to-date peak of 74.5 percent recorded three weeks ago. Still, it's the fifth consecutive week that early results have tracked above 70 percent. Melbourne led the action with 630 auctions, down from 767 a week ago. While activity aligned closely with last year, clearance dipped to 70.5 percent, its lowest level in 12 weeks. Yet that still makes it 11 straight months Melbourne's early rate has held above the 70 percent mark. Activity in Sydney dipped from last week's 685, with 578 homes taken to auction, edging above the 560 recorded this time last year. Buyer demand remained strong, lifting the clearance rate to 76.2 percent, equal to the year's peak set in mid-February. Brisbane's auction scene cooled this week, recording just 103 homes under the hammer, the lightest turnout in nearly three months. The early success rate dipped to 61.3 percent, the softest showing since early June, hinting at hesitancy in the winter market. Adelaide, on the other hand, delivered a standout result. Of 75 homes auctioned, 75.6 percent found buyers, rebounding sharply from last week's lull and clearing well above the city's 2024 average. Momentum there is building while other markets take a breath. Canberra hosted 61 auctions this week, with the preliminary clearance rate easing to 68 percent from 73.1 percent the week prior, as winter momentum slowed. Volumes are tipped to lift slightly in the week ahead, offering a clearer read on buyer appetite. "Stop bidding, I want to live in it!" Norwood cottage sparks showdown at $960k A quiet corner of Norwood turned theatrical on Friday as 21 Eastry Street went to auction before a quaint crowd of 25, drawing fire from two determined bidders and finishing with a dramatic cry from the heart. Bidding opened at $799,000 and moved fast, shooting past $850,000 and hitting $900,000 in a matter of minutes. From there, momentum slowed but didn't stall as the two buyers, an investor and an aspiring owner-occupier, went head to head in a tense rally. "The investor kept lifting his bids to block the other bidder out," said Harcourts agent Shane Boon. "Then, mid-auction, the other bidder just snapped, yelling, 'Stop bidding. I want to live in it. You're just looking for an investment!'" The plea won the day. The investor backed off, and the home sold soon after for $960,000. The seller, a woman who bought the sandstone-fronted home in the $600,000s back in 2017, was delighted with the outcome. With just two bedrooms, classic character and a location footsteps from The Parade, the home tapped into a pocket of the market that's still running hot. "There's a strong market for little homes," said Boon. "This one had charm, walkability and that inner-east lifestyle everyone wants. It might be small, but it packed a punch." Seventeen bidders, one dream home. Underwood family favourite soars to $1.13m It was standing room only in Underwood on Saturday as 45 people gathered at 2 Avondale Street, drawn by a five-bedroom family home that had been fully reimagined inside and out. What followed was a 40-minute auction rollercoaster that started fast, climbed hard and finished with a splash at $1.13 million. Seventeen bidders threw their hats in early, pushing the price up in bold $50,000 jumps until it hit $950,000. Then came the grind. Three bidders remained, trading $1000 and $500 blows with calculated precision. Ray White agent Syed Ali said the energy was high from the first bid. "There was serious interest. You could feel the intensity. By the end, the final three were laser focused. No one was letting go without a fight." The reserve was set at $980,000, but that was just the beginning. The eventual buyers, a young couple upsizing after selling their own home, outlasted the pack and walked away elated. The sellers, a middle-aged couple also looking to upsize, were just as happy with the result. "Both sides were over the moon," said Ali. "This home had wide appeal and huge interest. It was built for a result like this." Sitting on a generous corner block with dual access, lush gardens and plenty of scope to grow, the home offered a blend of lifestyle and flexibility that resonated with families and investors alike. Ding-dong bidding battle lands Kewdale corner block for $892k With the sun shining over Tomato Lake in WA and an 80-strong crowd lining the verge, 10 Wheatley Street was always going to stir up action. What followed was a six-way bidding brawl that ended with a phone bidder clinching victory for $892,000. "It was a ding-dong tussle," said Jones Ballard agent Kim Findlay. "The bids came in strong at first, then slowed right down to thousand-dollar blows. It was a good fight." The auction was fast and gritty, with six contenders stepping up to claim the rare 711-square metre corner block with R30 potential. While the home itself was sold in original condition, the value was in the land and location, just metres from the lake and loaded with development upside. The sellers, an older couple transitioning to aged care, watched on as their long-held family home changed hands. It was a moving moment at the end of a significant chapter. "There was real emotion in it," said Findlay. In the end, it was a young man watching remotely from Sydney who took the prize, snapping up the property after following the action from his phone and outlasting the locals. With its central location, zoning flexibility and walkable access to public transport, Wheatley Street offered bidders more than just bricks and mortar. Saturday's result proved that in a market hungry for land with promise, buyers are still willing to fight hard and dig deep to secure the right block.
7NEWS
14-07-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Price triples as St Ives property leaps from $1.4m to $4.5m in fifteen year hold
Sunshine lit the stage for a fierce auction in St Ives, where 3 Bimburra Avenue sold for $4.5 million, an eye-watering 206 percent jump from its 2010 sale price of $1.468 million. Auction volumes dipped this week, marking the quietest stretch since the King's Birthday long weekend. A total of 1,458 homes went under the hammer across the capitals, down from 1,794 the week prior and slightly below the 1,512 held this time last year. Despite the softer volume, buyer momentum is holding. The preliminary clearance rate came in at 72.2 percent, easing from the year-to-date peak of 74.5 percent recorded three weeks ago. Still, it's the fifth consecutive week that early results have tracked above 70 percent. Melbourne led the action with 630 auctions, down from 767 a week ago. While activity aligned closely with last year, clearance dipped to 70.5 percent, its lowest level in 12 weeks. Yet that still makes it 11 straight months Melbourne's early rate has held above the 70 percent mark. Activity in Sydney dipped from last week's 685, with 578 homes taken to auction, edging above the 560 recorded this time last year. Buyer demand remained strong, lifting the clearance rate to 76.2 percent, equal to the year's peak set in mid-February. Brisbane's auction scene cooled this week, recording just 103 homes under the hammer, the lightest turnout in nearly three months. The early success rate dipped to 61.3 percent, the softest showing since early June, hinting at hesitancy in the winter market. Adelaide, on the other hand, delivered a standout result. Of 75 homes auctioned, 75.6 percent found buyers, rebounding sharply from last week's lull and clearing well above the city's 2024 average. Momentum there is building while other markets take a breath. Canberra hosted 61 auctions this week, with the preliminary clearance rate easing to 68 percent from 73.1 percent the week prior, as winter momentum slowed. Volumes are tipped to lift slightly in the week ahead, offering a clearer read on buyer appetite. Smooth moves and family focus as Hope Court home hits $1.9m in 15-minute flurry Hope was in no short supply at 7 Hope Court, where three family bidders brought fast-paced energy to a polished Kew auction in Melbourne's East that wrapped in just 15 minutes with a final sale of $1.9 million. The crowd of 45 watched as bidding opened at $1.7 million and rose steadily, moving with calm precision toward a figure just over reserve. All three bidders were families chasing a move-in-ready home in one of the suburb's most established areas. "It was smooth, fast, and really genuine," said McGrath agent Cherie Sun. "The bidders were clear and focused, and the sellers were happy when the hammer finally fell. There was real celebration." Cheers erupted as the final bid landed, sealing the deal and sending one family into their next chapter with big smiles and a strong sense of arrival. The auction may have been short, but the emotional payoff was loud and lasting. Freshly renovated with modern finishes, the home appealed to buyers looking for both lifestyle and liveability without needing to lift a finger. Its location, tucked within the leafy Kew Gardens Estate, just metres from the Yarra River and moments from top private schools, made the decision easy for many. Fifteen-year hold pays off as St Ives home rockets from $1.4m to $4.5m A radiant winter's day set the tone for a scorching result in St Ives, where 3 Bimburra Avenue sold under the hammer for $4.5 million, a staggering 206 percent increase on its 2010 sale price of $1.468 million. Seven active bidders made quick work of the early rounds, punching past $4 million with barely a breath. Things briefly slowed near $4.2 million before momentum kicked back in, with the hammer falling at $4.5 million. The result landed a cool $600,000 above the $3.9 million reserve. The solid brick single-level home sits on a wide-fronted 1043-square-metre parcel in a whisper-quiet street, zoned LMR for redevelopment. It was this north-facing slice of potential that drew bidders in, with the eventual buyers set to knock down and build anew. "This was a textbook auction," said Ray White listing agent Coco Cui Roskam. "It was fast, clean bidding on a picture-perfect day. The energy was there from the first bid." The vendors had called this family haven home for 15 years, enjoying the sun-drenched living spaces, pool and lush garden surrounds. With strong local amenity, school proximity, and future flexibility, the result speaks to St Ives' quiet evolution, a suburb where lifestyle and land go hand in hand. At $3,452 per square metre, it's a price that proves north-facing potential still shines brightest when the block is big, the zoning is right and the bidders are hungry. Belmont's riverside charm draws fierce bidding as first-home buyer lands $710k win A crisp winter morning and a crowd of 60 set the scene for a spirited auction at 10 Victoria Terrace, where five determined bidders chased their chance to buy into one of Belmont's most coveted pockets. Opening at $580,000, bidding flew past the $630,000 reserve in minutes before slowing into a tense back-and-forth that ended with a final $710,000 knockdown. The winner, a young tradie, is taking his first leap into home ownership. "It was exactly the kind of auction we love," said Jellis Craig agent Ross Bywater. "Clean, competitive and full of energy. There was a real sense that people didn't want to miss out on this pocket." Over just three weeks, the home drew 50 buyer groups through the door with a strong mix of first-home buyers, downsizers and investors. But it was the location that set it apart: a leafy, walkable stretch near the Barwon River, Balyang Sanctuary and village shopping. The vendors, who bought the home as their first in 2011 for $370,000, saw a 92 percent increase in value over 13 years, proof that the area's lifestyle pull continues to pay long-term dividends. "With land in Belmont's riverside zone increasingly hard to come by, this sale showed how eager buyers are for quality homes in prized positions," said Bywater. "Especially when the sun's out and the crowd's ready."
West Australian
13-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
WA public holidays: Premier says additional days would be win for State despite industry's fears
Public holiday reform will give West Australians more of a break through more of the year according to Roger Cook, despite industry concern over an increase in days paying higher rates. The Premier confirmed a review on Sunday that would shake up the State's public holiday calendar, with changes likely to take effect from either 2027 or 2028 by moving days like Labour Day and the King's Birthday to marry up with Eastern States' celebrations. It will also look at permanently moving WA Day from June to November to avoid the winter weather and include Easter Saturday as a public holiday to create a four-day stretch of holidays. A new public holiday would also be established, likely in September, although the State Government says the exact date and reason will be shaped by the public through consultation now underway . The review is open for community consultation from both members of the public and businesses. Despite the touted benefits for West Australian workers, the business sector reaction was mixed. Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief economist Aaron Morey said the body supported some parts of the review but feared what impact more public holidays would have on businesses. 'We support alignment of public holidays, that (different holiday in different States) is a productivity drag,' he said. 'The King has far too many birthdays as it is so we do support the intent around aligning public holidays with the east coast. 'We don't support an additional public holiday. For small businesses that are doing it tough right now that just represents extra costs that they can ill afford at this time.' Moving Australia Day will not be considered during the process, nor will changing Christmas, Boxing or Anzac Day. The Premier said there was frustration around the current calendar. 'What I've often heard in the business community is that they're frustrated when our public holidays don't align with a lot of the public holidays in the east coast,' he said. 'I hear from a lot of people who say why do we celebrate WA which has got such amazing weather in the deepest, darkest parts of winter, and of course everyone says why are holidays so jammed in the first half of the year and not spread more evenly throughout the year?' The move to add two more public holidays was welcomed by United Workers Union WA State Secretary Carolyn Smith. 'Our members will welcome this review and the solutions that are being considered,' she said. 'It's a long-standing issue that the public holiday playing field has been tilted against West Australians, and it's great the WA Government is considering important changes to address that. 'West Australians work just as hard as workers in the eastern states, and are just as deserving of public holidays, and this review is a chance to demonstrate that.' Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive officer Bradley Woods warned added public holidays could lead to higher prices for consumers and some venues remaining closed.
Perth Now
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Huge changes to WA public holidays being considered
The Cook Government is proposing making Easter Saturday a public holiday as part of sweeping changes to the State's annual calendar. The Sunday Times can reveal the Government will invite feedback on the Easter Saturday proposal and canvass support for an additional weekday public holiday, in a four-week public consultation period. The changes would mean West Australians get 13 public holidays a calendar year, instead of 11, bringing the State into line with Victoria, the Northern Territory and the ACT. Other options the Government is presenting include permanently moving WA Day from June to November and changing the Labour Day and King's Birthday public holiday dates to align with those in the eastern states. Any changes to public holidays are proposed to come into effect in 2027 or 2028. But Premier Roger Cook promises no changes will be made without public input, announcing an on-line and stakeholder public consultation period, which begins today. 'Western Australia is the engine room of the national economy, and I want to keep it that way,' he said. 'What I've often heard from the business community is that better alignment between WA public holidays and the east coast public holidays would be good for productivity. 'And what I've often heard from members of our broader community is that they'd like to see more public holidays, and a broader spread.' Mr Cook said opening the consultation up to the public showed it was not a decision that would be taken lightly. 'This consultation will not only allow us to better understand what Western Australians want to see happen with public holidays going forward but also gather the information we need to make sure we get the balance right,' he said. WA is the only mainland State that does not observe Easter Saturday as a public holiday. Any changes to our public holiday calendar need to ensure Western Australians get an even spread throughout the year. Daniel Pastorelli WA Day — now marked in June — would be held annually in November, to coincide with the yearly West Test at Optus Stadium. The King's Birthday public holiday, now in late September as part of Royal Show week, would be shifted to June in line with all other States and Territories bar Queensland. And a new public holiday could be created in September. What that new public holiday would be called or what event it commemorates will be up for discussion, with the survey to ask West Australians for their verdict. Meanwhile, though Labour Day in the WA falls in the first week of March, Victoria and Tasmania observe it on the second Monday in March. National holidays such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day won't change. The State Government will also invite direct feedback from business and other groups, and the Premier's Parliamentary secretary Daniel Pastorelli will meet directly with other key groups — like the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Hotels Associaiton, unions and the Royal Agricultural Society of WA — to further discuss the potential changes. While many will rejoice in having extra public holidays, business owners who choose to open their doors on holidays will be faced with paying higher rates of pay to workers who agree to work on those days. Surcharges would also be likely be put on items like takeaway and dine in coffees. 'Any changes to our public holiday calendar need to ensure Western Australians get an even spread throughout the year,' Mr Pastorelli said. 'It's also important we get the balance right, so the workers get the break they deserve, and economic activity continues to thrive here in WA.' Feedback is invited until August 8. Have your say here.
West Australian
12-07-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Cook Government proposing making huge changes to public holidays in WA
The Cook Government is proposing making Easter Saturday a public holiday as part of sweeping changes to the State's annual calendar. The Sunday Times can reveal the Government will invite feedback on the Easter Saturday proposal and canvass support for an additional weekday public holiday, in a four-week public consultation period. The changes would mean West Australians get 13 public holidays a calendar year, instead of 11, bringing the State into line with Victoria, the Northern Territory and the ACT. Other options the Government is presenting include permanently moving WA Day from June to November and changing the Labour Day and King's Birthday public holiday dates to align with those in the eastern states. Any changes to public holidays are proposed to come into effect in 2027 or 2028. But Premier Roger Cook promises no changes will be made without public input, announcing an on-line and stakeholder public consultation period, which begins today. 'Western Australia is the engine room of the national economy, and I want to keep it that way,' he said. 'What I've often heard from the business community is that better alignment between WA public holidays and the east coast public holidays would be good for productivity. 'And what I've often heard from members of our broader community is that they'd like to see more public holidays, and a broader spread.' Mr Cook said opening the consultation up to the public showed it was not a decision that would be taken lightly. 'This consultation will not only allow us to better understand what Western Australians want to see happen with public holidays going forward but also gather the information we need to make sure we get the balance right,' he said. WA is the only mainland State that does not observe Easter Saturday as a public holiday. WA Day — now marked in June — would be held annually in November, to coincide with the yearly West Test at Optus Stadium. The King's Birthday public holiday, now in late September as part of Royal Show week, would be shifted to June in line with all other States and Territories bar Queensland. And a new public holiday could be created in September. What that new public holiday would be called or what event it commemorates will be up for discussion, with the survey to ask West Australians for their verdict. Meanwhile, though Labour Day in the WA falls in the first week of March, Victoria and Tasmania observe it on the second Monday in March. National holidays such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day won't change. The State Government will also invite direct feedback from business and other groups, and the Premier's Parliamentary secretary Daniel Pastorelli will meet directly with other key groups — like the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Hotels Associaiton, unions and the Royal Agricultural Society of WA — to further discuss the potential changes. While many will rejoice in having extra public holidays, business owners who choose to open their doors on holidays will be faced with paying higher rates of pay to workers who agree to work on those days. Surcharges would also be likely be put on items like takeaway and dine in coffees. 'Any changes to our public holiday calendar need to ensure Western Australians get an even spread throughout the year,' Mr Pastorelli said. 'It's also important we get the balance right, so the workers get the break they deserve, and economic activity continues to thrive here in WA.' Feedback is invited until August 8 at
