Canberra auctions: Buyers hold off on frosty weekend

Several quality homes across Canberra failed to meet reserve at auction over the weekend, as buyers held firm despite strong interest and solid attendance.

Renovated and architect-designed homes in Florey, Braddon and Torrens were among those passed in, though agents report ongoing negotiations.

In Florey, the renovated four-bedroom house at 25 Ratcliffe Crescent was passed in on Saturday through Luton Properties’ Nick Paine and Peter White.

White said the property remained for sale and was expected to sell for between $950,000 and $1 million.

Set on a 736-square-metre site and located just moments from shops, Belconnen Town Centre, schools and transport, the spacious house has been thoughtfully updated. It offers two separate living and dining areas, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, new timber flooring, ducted heating and cooling, and a carport.

In Braddon, the beautifully presented and character-filled house at 45 Lowanna Street was also passed in despite having five registered bidders at the auction, said Belle Property’s Stu Hamill. It had been quoted at $1.1 million-plus.

Situated within a short walk of Braddon’s vibrant restaurants, cafes and bars, the striking three-bedroom house features a new designer kitchen, study, powder room, hand-crafted cabinetry and stunning finishes throughout, plus a double garage.

Carter and Co’s Frances Junakovic passed in the stunning architect-designed residence at 1 Hawker Street, Torrens. The property is now for sale with a price in the high-$1 million range.

Built in 2021, the impressive house delivers a spacious, sun-filled floor plan with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a bespoke kitchen, expansive formal and casual living spaces, soaring ceilings, herringbone oak floors, and a double garage with internal access.

The property is close to Torrens shops, the Mawson shopping centre, tennis club and school, and is about 20 minutes from Canberra Centre.

There were fewer midweek auctions this week, but demand for units has returned.

The expansive one-bedroom-plus-study apartment at 31/71 Giles Street, Kingston, sold for $605,500 through Blackshaw Manuka’s Campbell Jones.

In Lawson, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom house at 5 Dawn Crescent was passed in through Bastion Property Group.

Clearance rates remain stable, with last weekend’s figure of 66 per cent up slightly from 60 per cent a year ago.