The auction market in Boroondara today was a bit like taking your first steps into the ocean – measured and tentative. While the clearance rate turned out to be quite impressive with the auctions we visited – 83% is strong in any language – the bidders were few and far between. In total 7 bidders at 9 auctions – that puts Bidderman at 0.77, almost half of Melbourne’s average today of 1.5. The quality of offering today was generally fair, and that was reflected in the numbers of hands in the air.

The first auction I visited was that of 3 Christowel in Camberwell. Walking up the street about 5 minutes before the start, there really was a feeling of anticipation in the air and the crowd was strong.  What was going to happen? Well, as it happened, not much at this auction, but numbers have been fairly good at ‘opens’ and the vibe generally quite positive. There are some good offerings coming up in the next couple of weeks and it will be interesting to see how they go.

Despite the lack of auction flurry, it was great to be back. Had my first ‘auction day’ coffee at the ever-reliable Liar Liar. I also checked out the snazzy renovation/extension to Porgie and Mr Jones and the warehouse-like Axil on Burwood Rd, not yet a year old, continues to fire.

Will be keen to see how 84 Kinkora Road Hawthorn goes next week. This is listed by Richard Winneke of Jellis Craig and is quoted around the $2.25m mark. One of the prettiest single-storey facades/gardens I have seen in Grace Park. Although very liveable, what a great opportunity awaits the buyer here – do they extend up or simply modify things at the rear on a single level? I think the latter would be the best way to go, particularly as the façade is so strong (would not want to detract from the street presence here) and the southern rear aspect will make the challenge of getting light into the backyard even harder.

Design Smart

Architect Adam

James Private Client Briefings contain far greater and more client-specific detail than what you see below and are available for full service James Search and Negotiate clients throughout MelbContact us: For a private, confidential and no obligation discussion on what is really happening in your street, precinct and suburb from a buyer’s perspective, contact Architect Adam on 0413 318 079 or Gina on (+613) 9804 3133 or 0457 835 255 or Mal on 0408 107 988 from James Buyer Advocates.

Alternatively if you see us at an open for inspection or an auction please feel free to come over and say hello – perhaps we could send you a buyer rating, a result or simply open diaries and work out a time to sit down and talk about the market, values, negotiation, alternative homes or your needs from a buyer’s perspective.

For the record each of us is involved in 2 to 3 homes, around 20 inspections and attending/assisting/bidding on up to 4 auctions on a weekly basis – all in that specialist $M+ price range.

A sample of testimonials from satisfied clients http://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/testimonials.php