This Month
Investor pays $1.3m for a property he owned 23 years ago
The tale of one house – two purchases and the two decades in between – sums up the state of Australia’s current housing market.
This home was a tough sell. And not because of the $8.9m price
A former test cricketer and a Wallabies captain had lived in this Sydney property. But a different part of history was a hurdle for buyers this year.
Investor cleans up on first home buyer surge in $700,000 sale
The federal government’s boost to the home guarantee scheme for such purchasers is a big win – for vendors, as this apartment in Brisbane shows.
72-hour time limit creates slo-mo auction for $817,000 property
A ticking clock gave a fixed window for first home buyers and their rivals chasing a popular lifestyle block. Spoiler: It went to the one offering the most.
October
Buyers secure $1.45m off-market Coogee unit (with sea views) in a week
In a low-listings market, good properties are still available – for those who know how to look. This had a glimpse of the ocean and a footpath to the beach.
The $3.8m sale that shows investors are back
After a period of questioning the merits of holding real estate, appetite for Sydney property is strong again. This harbourside unit sold in just five hours.
Buyer spends $5m on property he wasn’t planning to buy
A bidder lost out in the race for a Sydney home. He immediately bid on the larger neighbouring house and got it – for $1 million more than its neighbour.
An unexpected inheritance and ‘life-changing’ $2.25m sale
The “worst house on the best street” came up for sale after the long-term owner died and left it to a surprise recipient – his cleaner.
September
Grand final fever cramps auction numbers
With Victorians enjoying the AFL grand final, national auction volume fell a third last week, but Sydney led the charge with some significant results.
Final townhouse sale puts $18m ‘ghost estate’ to rest after 21 years
A complex built in 2004 by a developer that then went into liquidation left an asset stranded for two decades – until someone saw the opportunity.
$9m apartment sells in area that was full of beach shacks 10 years ago
This purchase of a luxury, top-floor unit by a buyer who was not even looking for a new home shows how one seaside town has been transformed.
August
Sydney investor beats Melburnians on home ground to $875,000 property
Value varies for different buyers. A Sydneysider bought this 625-square-metre title that Sunshine North locals rejected. So, how did they price it?
Bargain hunters turn emotional buyers, pay $1m for entry-level house
Falling interest rates are worrying first home purchasers, as they try to secure properties for record prices before competition increases even more.
The $7.4m sale that shows wealthy buyers are stirring again
The agent did not expect to sell this luxury site only a year after long-term owner the Kirby family sold it. But purchaser interest was strong.
Why this house got $25,000 more than the one next door
Three similar properties in a row went up for sale in the same week. That created a challenge, and an opportunity, for one owner.
July
Vendor sells two homes in one $5m sale as top-end market shrinks
Early last year, there were many buyers at this level. But with fewer around now, an upmarket offering needed a fresh strategy. Luckily, the owner had options.
‘There’s definitely profit’ for buyer of $2.4m home
Lower borrowing costs and expectations that purchasers will pay more are spurring developers into action once again. They’re chasing areas with opportunity.
A picture tells a $500k price difference
First impressions count. So for the second attempt to sell this house, that meant cutting back a tree that clouded the front “hero” photograph. And it paid off.
Rate cut drives $1.8m sale in a ‘great-ish’ area
A developer bought this site with good potential. But they were chased up the price range by an eager owner-occupier.
June
First home buyers push prices up $200k in three months
Many first home buyers expect prices to pick up when borrowing costs are cut again, so they are moving quickly. But they are not just throwing money around.