Auction watch: Crowds brave a hot start to the busy autumn season

The first big day of auctions for the busy autumn period took place on an unseasonably warm Saturday.

Crowds braved the heat to watch 51 homes go under the hammer throughout the Canberra region.

Forrest had the highest sale of the day when a four-bedroom home sold under the hammer for $2,585,000. The owners, who have been living at 17 Tennyson Crescent since 1952, were thrilled with the result.

“It was a fair price for all concerned,” Peter Blackshaw agent Mario Sanfrancesco​ said.

“The owners are delighted with the outcome and the buyers were also very happy.”

Nine parties registered to bid for the home that was largely in original condition. Mr Sanfrancesco said it was reflection of the demand for premium properties in the inner south.

“Buyers are prepared to pay a strong premium for top-end properties because at the moment there are not enough quality home for sale,” Mr Sanfrancesco said.

He said the character of the Tennyson Street home was very attractive to buyers. They were also drawn to its elevated position and the 2000 square metre parcel of land.

In Queanbeyan, a magnificent resort-style property is back on the market after being passed in at $1.8 million.

More than 60 people attended the auction at 100 Atkinson Street, There were four registered bidders and the final bid was made after One Agency auctioneer Michael Potter issued a vendor bid of $1,795,000.

The result comes after a strong marketing campaign, which saw the home attract more than 8000 hits on the Allhomes website and 110 groups inspect the home.

Mr Potter said the five-bedroom home with a swimming pool and vast entertaining areas is back on the market for $1,950,000.

Meanwhile in Jerrabomberra, Ian McNamee & Partners Jerrabomberra director Darren Bennett and agent Lou Baldan​ sold a property at 16 Woodhill Link under the hammer for $1,275,000.

Mr Bennett said he has seen more buyers looking for prestige properties in the region, with a few sales topping $1 million in recent weeks.

The auction clearance rate on Saturday was 63.8 per cent, according to Australian Property Monitors.

“All in all it’s been a very strong day for auctions – a fantastic start to the autumn season,” Mr Sanfrancesco said.