Canberra auctions: First-home buyers, downsizers and investors drive momentum

First-home buyers, downsizers and investors were out in force, snapping up properties across the capital this weekend.

Marq Property’s Sam Taylor said two downsizers fought it out for the generous four-bedroom property at 16 Maranunga Crescent, Crace, which sold at auction on Saturday for $1.228 million.

Set on a low-maintenance site of 453 square metres and adjoining parkland, the property had been advertised at $1.125 million-plus.

Nestled in a quiet street, the versatile house features a spacious open-plan living area with a prized northerly aspect, spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage.

In Hughes, the stylish entry-level duplex at 20 Carroll Street attracted three registered bidders before selling for $915,000.

Cream Residential’s Chris Wilson said the property drew strong interest as it presented a quality property at an entry-level opportunity in the sought-after Canberra suburb.

Just steps from the Hughes Shopping Centre and local schools, the modernised property features three bedrooms, a study, separate living and dining rooms, plus a family bathroom and powder room.

Set on a 352-square-metre site, the renovated duplex provides a stylish interior with hybrid timber floors, a carport and a storage shed.

Also on Saturday, Verv Property’s Jason Roses sold the five-bedroom residence at 24 Lutana Street, Lyons, for $1.2 million.

Roses said they had four registered buyers at the auction, with the winning bid going to an investor.

Situated on a generous 1182-square-metre site with RZ2 zoning, the substantial property offers multiple living spaces, three bathrooms and a carport.

The property is within walking distance of Lyon’s local shops and moments from the Woden Village shopping precinct, transport and key arterial roads. The adjoining block has been redeveloped into a three-townhouse project.

In Wanniassa, the well-presented three-bedroom brick house at 72 Sternberg Crescent was sold through Mark McCann of McCann Properties for $850,000.

McCann said they had one registered contender with an opening bid of $780,000 before the property sold to a first-home buyer.

Set on a meticulously maintained 673-square-metre block near schools, shops and the bus stop, the single-storey house has a well-proportioned floor plan and glimpses of the Brindabellas.

Last weekend saw clearance rates hold steady at 62 per cent, which was up from the 38 per cent recorded a year ago. Of the 89 scheduled auctions, 86 were reported; 20 were passed in, and 53 were sold.