Auction Watch: Garden cottages charm buyers to Canberra auctions

Canberra’s garden precincts charmed buyers and onlookers to auction on Saturday, with original Griffith, Narrabundah and Ainslie cottages among the weekend’s standout sales.

A 1940s cottage at 18 Bannister Gardens, Griffith, was the biggest sale of the day, selling under the hammer for $1.37 million.

The two-bedroom property had been in the same family for 70 years and Luton Properties Dickson agent Holly Komorowski said the home’s character, combined with its garden setting, had appealed to buyers.

It was designed by renowned architect Albert Henry Alfred Hanson and featured sash windows, terracotta roof tiles and quintessentially Canberran red bricks.

Ms Komorowski said the buyers will be making the most of the large 889 square metre block with a sympathetic extension.

Eight parties registered to bid for the home.

A three-bedroom cottage on an oak-lined street in Narrabundah also proved to be popular on auction day.

Number 27 Bundeela Street exceeded Harcourts Kingston/Manuka agent Rhys Summergreene’s expectations when it sold for $750,000.

The auction drew a strong crowd and 22 parties registered to bid for the home, which had been owned by the same family since 1961.

“It’s one of the garden city streets flanked by oak trees and it’s very pretty,” Mr Summergreene said.

The buyers of this property also have plans to renovate the home.

A renovation won’t be necessary for the new owners of 1/12 Cox Street in Ainslie. The heritage-listed home has already been updated for modern living, while retaining its storybook charm.

Maloney’s Property agent Ian Muir said the beautifully presented home attracted interest from young professionals and downsizers seeking a turnkey opportunity in the inner north.

Nine parties registered to bid for the property and a downsizing couple secured the property for $885,000.

Another character-filled Ainslie property is still available after passing in at auction, but auctioneer Richard Luton said he expects it will be snapped up quickly.

Two parties vied for 18 Winnecke Street, Ainslie, which passed in after Mr Luton placed a vendor bid of $950,000.

It has been placed back on the market for $1,075,000.

A total of 77 per cent of homes sold on Saturday, according to Domain Group – more than double last week’s election day clearance rate of 37 per cent.