The Haves & The Have Nots… Bidders That Is
Mal James
Buyer Advocate
0408 107 988
mal@james.net.au
I really thought this week we were going to see a turn…
And in real life, we did.
But on the scoreboard? Not quite.
The better-priced homes — the A-graders — are starting to feel like they’re taking off.
Why?
Price.
Or more specifically: when buyers see value in the price, they engage.
We’re seeing a return to strong PPPs — Position, Property, and Price — where all three are aligned. And buyers are once again clearly distinguishing A-graders from B/C-graders. Price still matters. It’s the deal-maker — or the deal-breaker.
What do I mean?
This week we covered 36 TOP END auctions as part of our 2025 May M2 – 100 Auction Test. Here’s what we found:
- Top 10 auctions: Volcanic — averaging 3.5 bidders per auction
- Bottom 10 (and more): Ducks — no bids
So is that volatility?
A market anomaly?
Yes but it was expected. So also not really.
To me, that’s the market speaking loud and clear.
Unlike last year, when everything just felt too hard, in 2025 buyers are saying:
“If it’s an A-grader and it’s priced well — I’ll compete.
If it’s poor, or especially if the P (Price) doesn’t stack up — I’ll pass. Or I’ll only consider it at a sharper number.”
This isn’t remotely a hot market.
It’s not a high tide where all boats float.
It’s not lava flowing across the board.
But it does feel like we’re edging toward something warmer — not unlike the first two weeks of February.
That said — winter’s coming.
Stock and activity will dip.
And who knows what curveballs the world might throw next?
But for now?
There’s selective energy.
There’s selective strength.
And there’s a selective but clear message:
Get your PPP right — especially price — and there’s a market if you are a seller and you will have to compete if you are a buyer..
Let’s break it down by area:
- Bayside:
Top 3 auctions attracted 13 bidders — each one a volcano.
That’s more bidders than the next 10 auctions combined.
- Boroondara:
Top 4 auctions had 14 bidders total, while the next 9 had fewer than 10 combined.
- Stonnington:
Last week: weak Bidderman at 1, but somehow a 71% clearance rate.
This week? Same Bidderman — still 1 — but clearance dropped to 40%.
Top 2 auctions had 6 bidders — two more than the next 8 auctions combined.
Why?
Again — price.
There is a market. In fact, it’s looking stronger than 2024 — or at least it could be, if sellers respond to real evidence of buyer disinterest at current pricing levels.
I don’t think any good or bad result this weekend surprised a competent agent or an informed seller.
Repeating myself – on today’s Top 10 auctions, we saw:
- 10 successful buyers, and
- 25 wounded underbidders still on the hunt — from fixer-uppers to move-in ready homes.
The 25 wounded underbidders are absolute prooof of market and one that is emerging from last year when we simply found volcanoes extinct across the board.
So today’s stats both do and don’t lie. Despite a clear election result, an interest rate cut, and a looming winter stock hiatus, the overall clearance rate and Bidderman was pathetic. But — there were patches of brilliance.
The problem? Why the dichotomy?
A lack of buyers? No!
A lack of bargains.
Yes buyers want a deal.
Sellers… many just want a price — and that’s OK. But it means many “sellers” right now are actually just owners, waiting for a number that may not reflect reality.
I know I looked a bit foolish back in early February, saying the market felt like it was taking off — only to be TRUMPED by events.
But I’ll say it again now:
The market is trying its hardest to lift.
The question is: Are sellers listening? The answer for many is no.
However if I were a buyer and the PPPs were right, I’d be thinking seriously about acting before the weather warms up again — because the ingredients are in place for a higher market.
Just like they were in February. But this time, we might get an uninterrupted Spring runway — if sellers are actually prepared to sell.
Below is my week, and the detail that supports this belief:
An improving market — disguised by the statistics of the haves (bidders) vs the have-nots (interest).
This Week: Four Deals Done, Two We Got the Boot
At James Buyer Advocates and James Buy Sell, this week’s been a mixed bag — four deals closed, and two we got the boot from. Sacked. Finito. Moved on. And I think it’s worth talking about, because it paints a pretty honest picture of where I think the market is really at.
Let’s start with the wins.
We closed over $15 million in transactions — buying and selling.
A Richmond EOI with 7 bidders
Two sale-managed auctions in Kew and Prahran — 3 bidders each
A Middle Park buy over $4 million — a certified volcano
Strong results. Solid outcomes. Happy clients.
Now the other side of the ledger.
Two deals, together asking over $9 million — and we’re now surplus to requirements.
One was polite.
Respectful.
“Mal, we wanted a strong number and you haven’t delivered. Time to say our goodbyes.”The other?
Let’s just say it was a robust discussion.
“Not happy, Jan.”
Not happy with what they felt I did — or didn’t — deliver. Fair enough. Over a year, there were four offers, including an unconditional one at auction — about 5% below what they wanted, and 10% below what I thought was possible early last year.
I didn’t make it happen.
And if you want the plaudits, then you’ve got to be ready for the brickbats too.
Both sellers had every right to move on.
That’s the market right now:
Get the price wrong or choose the wrong agent… and it’s just not going to sell.
The brutal truth?
You can work on a home for a year or more and still end up with nothing but a bruised ego and a goodbye text. And look — those clients have invested their time, money, and trust in you. It didn’t end in the result they wanted. In these two cases, I’m sorry and I apologise that I didn’t deliver and I accept and have taken/been given full responsibility for that.
Enough of the raw flesh wounds.
Let’s flip the table and see what a healthy buyer–seller relationship looks like when it’s cooked James-style.
This week’s 4 successful deals?
They attracted a total of 17 bidders — a volcanic average.
Richmond over $4m
I’d been working on this property for over a year.
We started with a commercial angle — targeting doctors at or near Epworth, quoting $5–$6 million. Over 100 letters, countless phone calls, and a coordinated off-market, multi-agent commercial campaign. Apart from one promising building inspection?
Crickets.
Not a single offer.
So earlier this year, we changed tack.
With the client’s agreement, we shifted to residential. We ran a fresh off-market campaign across multiple agents. The advice came back clear:
“You’ll need to reprice. Range should be $4m–$4.4m. And it’s time to go public to force a result.”
So that’s what we did.
The result?
7 offers at the close of the EOI
Top bid just over the quoted range
Then a mini-auction + best offer process
Final result: $4.7 million
Client’s response?
“You did a great job and we’re relieved to have it all sorted.”
Big thanks to Elliot Gill from Jellis Craig for a well-run campaign, and kudos to Jonathan McCormack from Gorman Commercial for his early commercial efforts.
Lesson: Sometimes it’s not just about selling — it’s about pivoting. And working with the right people to get there.
Kew Over $2m: Earlier this year, we took this one to auction aiming to catch what I believed might be an early uplift in the market.
Instead?
We got Trumped.
We quoted $2.4m–$2.6m, but a council issue emerged. In fairness to the agents, the matter needed time to resolve — and we couldn’t do that before auction. So we pulled it.
Fast forward a few months.
Council issue: sorted.
New quote: $2.1m–$2.3m
Back on the market — this time with a clearer runway.
At this week’s auction with Rob Le and James Tostevin, we saw:
An early “on-the-market” call
3 competitive bidders
A clean sale, under the hammer and within the range
Client feedback?
“Great work, MW and Mal team.”
Sometimes it’s not about forcing the timing — it’s about resetting with clarity, fixing the roadblocks, and letting an improving market do its thing.
This one started with some robust discussion.
Did you want to test the market… or actually sell?
It was strong. Direct. Necessary.
We walked through the quoting laws and ethics, and agreed to a range of $2.2m–$2.4m, on the condition the client maintained an open mind.
“Sure, we can quote to chase a dream number — but it won’t sell.”
To the client’s credit — and smarts — the lower range was agreed to.
We also agreed to review quoting again in the final week.
And we did.
If the reserve had been set higher, yes, we would have updated the quote.
But the client ultimately chose to go with $2.3m–$2.5m, saying that range would contain the reserve — though the final number hadn’t been locked in.
The auction saw 3 bidders, and the property sold post-auction for $2.475m.
A great result (look at the rest of Stonnington today) — especially considering it was a solid uplift from the 2020 purchase.
Part smart agent strategy.
Largely very smart seller.
Client’s words?
“Thanks to Sim, Carla (Fetter), Ash (Maikousis) and auctioneer David (Sciola). It was a good result for me.”
We were engaged just three weeks ago to act for our client on this Middle Park home — whether it meant buying before, at, or after auction.
Sold today on the market above the quoted range with four bidders.
Here’s what happened in the lead-up:
Due Diligence & Strategy
Three inspections conducted
Full home rating and valuation completed — our pricing call landed within $40,000 of the final sale (well above quote)
Brought in a builder at no cost, and outlined a three-phase renovation plan with specific advice on over vs under-capitalisation
Carried out council checks, pest & building inspections (which revealed material — but not deal-breaking — issues)
Legal review handled promptly
Delivered multi-agent sale pricing advice on the client’s existing home, in the event they proceeded with Middle Park
Provided staging, repairs and presentation quotes in advance
Advised on alternatives and risk management
Negotiation & Result
We advised early that this would be a volcano auction — and it was. We crafted a strong bidding strategy, complete with contingency planning if needed.
Our client was well-prepared:
Financials independently reviewed
Pricing expectation realigned to the market reality
Best settlement achieved, including a rent-back agreement
The campaign was run expertly by Warwick Gardiner — when the ingredients are there, he knows how to deliver (as seen also at 100 Wright St last week — $1m over quote!).
Price, Perception, Positioning
So how does this all relate to price?
Four buyers were ready to go hard. Why?
Good quality home
Prime location
Correct pricing
→ In our PPP language, this was an A-grader.
Three underbidders walked away wounded. They’ll be back — and likely even more aggressive next time. Clients glad they are not still in the market.
This was more than just a buy.
It was a Buy–Sell–Strategy–Secure play — and a team effort from start to finish. The client was brilliant in terms of processing a lot in little time, well done!
This Week: Lunches, Laughs & Whisky
While the deals were flying and the auctions buzzing — there was also life. And this week, it was full of great food, great company, and the occasional dram of whisky with past clients.
Tuesday was a gem.
Lunch at Stokehouse Upstairs with long-time client Sue.
Summer skies, ocean breeze, clean flavours — and just a beautiful conversation.
Not crowded. Not noisy. Just really good food and even better company.
Wednesday, I was up in Westgarth with Sim and stumbled into Ophelia.
Had the panko chicken thigh — layered with a light, tzatziki-style sauce and fresh herbs.
Stunning. So good, I drove 20 minutes out of my way to have it again the next day.
(Shh — don’t tell anyone. I was meant to be working.)
Friday, I found myself at Alimentari on Smith Street in Collingwood.
Grilled octopus, saganaki cheese with herbs, prosciutto with fermented figs, and a fresh Garden?Grapefruit salad.
Delicious, different — and under $100 for two.
Value and vibe, with a wonderful work-related lunch companion.
Saturday night
Off to a Sherried Whisky Tasting in Beaumaris with the Bayside Whisky Group.
Twenty people. Tasting notes. Good chat. A second go with client John — a top bloke.
Yes, we Uber. No, we don’t get legless.
Yes — life is good.
Also this week: What Prospective Buyers Want
I sat with three different families this week (all 100% real – all changed details). All professionals. All living full lives. All wrestling with that same quiet truth: This next move isn’t just about a transaction. It’s about making life’s big picture work.
“What you’re looking for isn’t just a house — it’s a haven.”
You’re looking for more flexibility, breathing space, a home that allows life to stretch a little — without it turning into a giant project.
This isn’t about “upgrading” in the traditional sense. It’s about shaping a more sustainable day-to-day.
These homes are rare. Especially in Brighton. So, we’ll need to dig — quietly. A few phone calls. Letters. Door knocks. Not flashy. Just effective.
The timing may lean toward securing the next home first — and if that happens, your current place (with its exquisite period charm and thoughtful reno) becomes a strategic asset. Whether sold quietly or publicly, we’d work a method that suits your story.
But for now? It’s just about micro-steps. Trust. Clarity. Calm.
“This is a values decision, not just a location one.”
You’ve earned this next step — and you’re thinking it through. You’re not chasing trends, you’re planning your family’s future. Whether it’s Glen Iris or somewhere nearby, the focus is on making one smart move, not multiple costly ones.
We talked about building — and yes, it works for some. But for many, right now, the time, cost and stress outweigh the upside.
Buying well, once, is often the better path.
You asked a fair question: What if we find something ourselves? And the honest answer? If we’re working together, we’re a team.
There’s no “us vs. you” — we align, stay flexible, and aim for the best outcome, always.
You’re exactly the type of family we love working with — and helping quietly explore in winter sets us up for clarity come spring.
“What if less really does give you more?”
Thanks for the warm welcome (and the cheese, and the beer). You’re in a strong position — clear goals, smart investments, and a love for your land.
But building big? It’s high-risk, high-maintenance, and possibly low-return. And it might trap you in stress when you’re really aiming for freedom. It’s not really what you say you are after!
What about a potentially smarter move?
Sell the other home, invest $200–$300k in a quality, lifestyle-aligned tiny house on your acreage.
That gives you flexibility, freedom to travel, and the chance to test this dream of yours, to scratch your itch if you like — without locking yourself into a full-time job or financial pressure that will go with such a huge build.
This is the kind of move that suits both of you — Herman’s eye for quality and Jessie’s craving for lifestyle.
It’s not the final move — it’s a great first step. This feels as much about the journey as the destination, with the journey being an important next decade.
The Common Thread?
In every one of these conversations, the same shift is clear:
They’re people aligning life and values. Asking:
- What gives us peace, not just space?
- What can serve us for 10+ years, not just this auction cycle?
- Can we do this once, not twice?
- And if we don’t overpay — could we actually upgrade our lifestyle, not just our floorplan?
So, What’s a Smart Play in 2025?
If you’re thinking about a better home — not just a bigger one — here’s what’s working:
1. Buy before you sell (if possible)
Make one good move, not two awkward ones.
2. Use a layered search
Don’t just wait for portals. We combine off-market, multi-agent, direct-owner and community intel to find what fits.
3. Maximise your sale
If you do sell, do it with a market-tuned, aligned agent approach. Auction isn’t always best — but neither is off-market by default.
A Quiet Suggestion for Buyers
Most haven’t used a buyer advocate before — that’s fine. But if you’re thoughtful, time-poor, and want clarity without pressure, having someone in your corner changes the game. Especially with renos, school zones, price trade-offs and emotional decisions involved.
A Quiet Suggestion for Sellers
There is a market.
Get your price aligned with buyer expectations — and you’ll find it.
Plenty of people are ready to act if the home fits their values and the numbers make sense. Not everyone wants to buy at any price or the highest level the banks will lend at, more and more people want to live better with slightly less.
That’s an opportunity.
Curious to Explore?
Whether it’s just a coffee to talk through your plans, or a full strategy to help you buy and/or sell — we’re here to walk quietly beside you.
No pressure. Just clarity.
'Round the TOP END Auction Grounds
Stonnington – Week 2
10 auctions
Clearance: 40%
Bidderman: 1
Stonnington – Week 1 and 2
17 auctions
Clearance: 53%
Bidderman: 1
TOORAK, 4 Theodore Court
Agent: Jeremy Fox – RT Edgar
SOI: $3,200,000 – $3,520,000
Crowd: 8
Opening Bid: $3,000,000 VB
Passed in: $3,000,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
Auctioneer Jeremy Fox opened the bidding with a with a vendor bid of $3,000,000. No further bids were placed and the property was passed in.
PRAHRAN, 59 Wrights Terrace
Agent: David Sciola – Jellis Craig
SOI: $2,100,000 – $2,300,000
Crowd: 50
Opening Bid: $2,100,000 VB
Passed in: $2,100,000
Bidderman: 1
Auctioneer David Sciola opened the bidding placing a vendor bid of $2,100,000. A sole bidder matched the bid and the property was passed in for $2,100,000.
SOUTH YARRA, 48 Surrey Road
Agent: Simon Dale – Biggin & Scott
SOI: $2,100,000 – $2,300,000
Crowd: 25
Opening Bid: $2,100,000 VB
Passed in: $2,200,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
Dale opened the bidding with a vendor bid of $2,100,000. After no bids were placed the property was passed in on a second vendor bid of $2,200,000.
ARMADALE, 10-12 Kooyong Road
Agent: Richard Nowak- Kay & Burton
SOI: $3,000,000 – $3,300,000
Crowd: 9
Opening Bid: $2,950,000 VB
Passed in: $2,950,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
No one in this small, quiet crowd was tempted to raise their hand today. The property was passed in on a single vendor bid.
GLEN IRIS (Stonnington), 44 Aintree Road
Agent: David Volpato – Marshall White
SOI: $4,850,000 – $5,300,000
Crowd: 35
Opening Bid: $4,850,000 VB
Passed in: $4,850,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
The gathered crowd observed, but did not participate in today’s auction. It opened and closed on a single vendor bid.
PRAHRAN, 43 Chatsworth Road
Agent: Carla Fetter – Jellis Craig
SOI: $2,200,000 – $2,400,000
Crowd: 70
Opening Bid: $2,300,000
Passed in: $2,450,000
Sold After: $2,475,000
Bidderman: 3
MALVERN, 62 Claremont Avenue
Agent: Nicky Rowe – Kay & Burton
SOI: $2,450,000 – $2,550,000
Crowd: 45
Opening Bid: $2,550,000 VB
Passed in: $2,555,000
Sold After: $undisc
Bidderman: 1
On a sunny day, after a halftime break, a single $5,000 bid was placed and the property was passed in to that bidder.
MALVERN EAST, 47 Brunel Street
Agent: Kevin O’Brien – Jellis Craig
SOI: $2,600,000 – $2,750,000
Crowd: 40
Opening Bid: $2,600,000 VB
Passed in: $2,690,000
Sold After: $undisc
Bidderman: 2
After a very silent start and two vendor bids, the auctioneer approached two interested parties individually, eventually wrangling a bid from one – sparking a small bidding war between the pair in $10,000 increments. The property passed into the original bidders a short time later.
GLEN IRIS (Stonnington), 1 Vincent Street
Agent: Fiona Ansell-Jones – Marshall White
SOI: $3,500,000 – $3,850,000
Crowd: 40
Opening Bid: $3,750,000
On the Market: $3,950,000
Under the Hammer: $4,060,000
Bidderman: 3
The auction kicked off with a confident, no-nonsense bid from a woman who declared she wasn’t there to mess around, and after a half-time break, a spirited bidding war between three contenders ended with the property selling under the hammer to the original bidder.
GLEN IRIS (Stonnington), 154 Burke Road
Agent: Daniel Wheeler – Marshall White
SOI: $2,000,000 – $2,200,000
Crowd: 25
Opening Bid: $2,000,000 VB
Passed in: $2,000,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
Bayside – Week 2
13 auctions
Clearance: 62%
Bidderman: 1.5
Bayside – Week 1 and 2
26 auctions
Clearance: 58%
Bidderman: 1.4
ST KILDA, 66 Blessington Street
Agent: Warwick Gardiner – Jellis Craig
SOI: $2,500,000 – $2,700,000
Result: Bought before
Bidderman: 1
BRIGHTON, 9 Huntingfield Road
Agent: Ben Vieth – Marshall White
SOI: $4,400,000
Result: Bought before
Bidderman: 1
BRIGHTON, 17 Hall Street
Agent: Sam Paynter – Woodards
SOI: $3,400,000 – $3,600,000
Result: Bought before
Bidderman: 1
SANDRINGHAM, 19 Mclauchlin Avenue
Agent: Campbell Butterss – Marshall White
SOI: $3,500,000 – $3,700,000
Crowd: 20
Opening Bid: $3,200,000 VB
Passed in: $3,200,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
A quiet day in Sandringham today with a group of about 20 people gathering to see the auction, which opens and closes with a vendor bid of $3,200.000.
HAMPTON, 39 Retreat Road
Agent: Jenny Dwyer – Belle
SOI: $2,750,000 – $2,900,000
Crowd: 60
Opening Bid: $2,800,000 VB
Passed in: $2,800,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
The sun is quite lovely as the crowd gathers for the auction and dogs and kids are having a great time oblivious to the proceedings. In any event, the house is passed in with just a vendor bid of $2,800,000.
HAMPTON, 23 Margarita Street
Agent: Richard Slade – Buxton
SOI: $2,800,000 – $3,000,000
Crowd: 55
Opening Bid: $2,900,000
On the Market: $3,100,000
Under the Hammer: $3,705,000
Bidderman: 4
It’s a real battle for the keys today as four bidders leap in to start the auction at $2,900,000 and zoom past the reserve of $3,100,000. Past that two bidders hammer it out, and momentum shifts between them until finally the paper slaps the hand at $3,705,000.
BRIGHTON, 17 Willansby Avenue
Agent: Justin Follett – Follett & Co
SOI: $3,650,000 – $3,800,000
Crowd: 45
Opening Bid: $3,600,000 VB
Passed in: $3,650,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
There’s a long line of people along the fence but no bidders for the home today, which closes with a vendor bid of $3,600,000 and closes shortly afterward with a second vendor bid of $3,650,000.
ELWOOD, 3 Spray Street
Agent: Campbell Butterss – Marshall White
SOI: $2,600,000 – $2,750,000
Crowd: 50
Opening Bid: $2,700,000
Passed in: $2,850,000
Sold After: $undisc
Bidderman: 2
Just moments after he finished addressing the crowd an opening bid was placed for $2,700,000. A second bidder joined the race and the property was eventually passed in for $2,850,000 to the first bidder.
MIDDLE PARK, 105 Hambleton Street
Agent: Warwick Gardiner – Jellis Craig
SOI: $3,700,000 – $3,900,000
Crowd: 50
Opening Bid: $4,000,000
On the Market: $4,100,000
Under the Hammer: Undisclosed
Bidderman: 4
ST KILDA, 21 Fawkner Street
Agent: Sarah Wood -Marshall White
SOI: $2,700,000 – $2,900,000
Crowd: 45
Opening Bid: $3,600,000 VB
On the Market: $3,010,000
Under the Hammer: $3,010,000
Bidderman: 2
In a twist of fate, both groups of bidders stood side by side by the verandah as the auctioneer quipped, “One of you will walk away with keys in your pocket and the other just a brochure,” and after a drawn-out back-and-forth, the property was knocked down to the successful bidder.
BLACK ROCK, 39 Red Bluff Street
Agent: Rod Richardson – Belle
SOI: $2,050,000 – $2,150,000
Crowd: 65
Opening Bid: $2,150,000
On the Market: $2,210,000
Under the Hammer: $2,405,000
Bidderman: 5
A crowd of over 60 gathered to watch 5 interested parties battle it out to buy this original home. The property sold under the hammer for $2,405,000
BRIGHTON EAST, 2 Milliara Grove
Agent: Michael Hingston – Jellis Craig
SOI: $3,700,000 – $4,000,000
Crowd: 100
Passed In
BRIGHTON, 6 Byron Street
Agent: Stephen Smith – Marshall White
SOI: $3,600,000 – $3,900,000
Crowd: 45
Opening Bid: $3,800,000 VB
Passed in: $3,800,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
Not a single bid could be elicited from the crowd prior to the property being passed in on a single vendor bid of $3,800,000.
Boroondara – Week 2
13 auctions
Clearance: 54%
Bidderman: 1.8
Boroondara – Week 1 and 2
26 auctions
Clearance: 58%
Bidderman: 1.7
HAWTHORN, 9 Riversdale Court
Agent: James Tostevin – Marshall White
SOI: $4,500,000 – $4,900,000
Result: Bought before
Bidderman: 1
ASHBURTON, 35 Yuile Street
Agent: Todd Braggins – Shelter
SOI: $2,600,000 – $2,800,000
Result: Bought before
Bidderman: 1
CAMBERWELL, 8 Amy Street
Agent: Spring Chen – Fletchers
SOI: $3,600,000 – $3,950,000
Crowd: 43
Opening Bid: $3,300,000 VB
Passed in: $3,300,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
After a vendor bid of 3,300,000 to start off and a period of assessment the crowd remained silent as the property was passed in.
CAMBERWELL, 14 Kalang Road
Agent: Annabelle Feng – RT Edgar
SOI: $2,950,000 – $3,245,000
Crowd: 39
Opening Bid: $2,900,000
Passed in: $3,200,000 VB
Bidderman: 1
The backyard auction started right off the cusp with a bid of $2,900,000. Adamant of its worth the auctioneer put in 4 vendor bids bringing it up to $3,200,000 which eventually it was passed in at.
MONT ALBERT, 7 Carlyle Crescent
Agent: Tori McGregor – Marshall White
SOI: $3,300,000 – $3,500,000
Crowd: 47
Opening Bid: $3,300,000 VB
Passed in: $3,300,000 VB
Bidderman: 0
A vendor bid was made and after a vendor discussion was called, the auctioneer attempted to sell which fell flat and was passed in at $3,300,000.
HAWTHORN, 4 Grove Road
Agent: Steve Burke – Belle
SOI: $2,600,000 – $2,860,000
Crowd: 30
Opening Bid: $2,600,000 VB
Passed in: $2,740,000
Bidderman: 1
A $2,600,000 vendor bid opened this auction, followed by a second vendor bid; the lone bidder’s offers failed to encourage further activity or meet the reserve, therefore the property was passed in.
KEW, 14 Holroyd Street
Agent: Sam Wilkinson – Kay & Burton
SOI: $3,850,000 – $4,200,000
Crowd: 40
Opening Bid: $3,900,000
On the Market: $4,300,000
Under the Hammer: $4,510,000
Bidderman: 3
A rapid-fire bidding war here, with bidder 1 opened with an offer of $3,900,000, followed by bidder 2, and the late arrival of a third bidder, resulting in a sale price of $4,510,000.
KEW, 20 Carson Street
Agent: Sophie Su – Kay & Burton
SOI: $3,600,000 – $3,960,000
Crowd: 40
Opening Bid: $3,600,000
On the Market: $4,200,000
Under the Hammer: $4,200,000
Bidderman: 3
From the opening bid of $3,600,000, four bidders were competing for the keys to this property; it was declared ‘on the market’ at $4,200,000, at which price the hammer fell soon after.
CAMBERWELL, 3 Hartwell Hill Road
Agent: Julian Papas – Marshall White
SOI: $2,200,000 – $2,400,000
Crowd: 90
Opening Bid: $2,300,000
On the Market: $2,500,000
Under the Hammer: $2,762,000
Bidderman: 5
Five buyers, within a large crowd, vied for the keys today. Bidding initially climbed rapidly with $10,000 bids. However it later slowed to what Auctioneer James Tostevin referred to as the “torture method”, with small increments of $2000 for the last 30 or so bids. There were tears and applause when the hammer fell to the successful bidder.
HAWTHORN EAST, 22 Anderson Road
Agent: James Tostevin – Marshall White
SOI: $5,000,000 – $5,500,000
Crowd: 42
Opening Bid: $5,000,000 VB
On the Market: $5,250,000
Under the Hammer: $5,410,000
Bidderman: 3
A slower than average auction process had James Tostevin remarking that when he comes back he wants to be a dentist. Pulling teeth it may have felt like, however the numbers show an auction supported by bidders who battled to an on market price and beyond.
CANTERBURY, 15 Margaret Street
Agent: Desiree Wakim – Marshall White
SOI: $3,900,000 – $4,200,00
Crowd: 35
Opening Bid: $4,000,000 VB
Passed in: $4,100,000
Bidderman: 1
Opening on a vendor bid and seeking a rise of $100,000, auctioneer Doug McLauchlan receives one. When no further bids are forthcoming, a vendor referral is made and the property is passed in for negotiation.
HAWTHORN EAST, 9 Harts Parade
Agent: Chris Barrett – Marshall White
SOI: $3,400,000 – $3,700,000
Crowd: 45
Opening Bid: $3,500,000
Passed in: $3,600,000
Bidderman: 2
Bidder 1 opened swiftly at $3,500,000. A second bidder joined in with a couple of $25,000 rises, but soon pulled out as the price rounded up to $3,600,000.
GLEN IRIS, 43 Dillion Grove
Agent: Michael Millington – Shelter
SOI: $2,000,000 – $2,200,000
Crowd: 80
Opening Bid: $2,000,000
On the Market: $2,300,000
Under the Hammer: $2,551,000
Bidderman: 2
A good sized crowd saw a battle between 2 bidders, quickly on the market and soon sold.
Life Is Good — But What about the Have Nots?
Please reconsider Mr Trump, Mr Musk & Americans
This week’s been filled with food, property, people, and whisky but ……..
If America or we in Australia as a country decide to shut our borders — fair enough?
If the government wants to reduce foreign aid to zero is that a democratic decision?
Especially for children. It can’t mean we ignore the rest of the world can it?
A UNICEF letter I got this week headed
Severe cuts to global aid are slashing children’s lifelines
Hospitals are shuttering, emergency stocks are dwindling and immunization campaigns are grinding to a halt.
No child should die from causes we can prevent. But as needs rise and risks spread, the world has turned away from humanitarian and development assistance.
UNICEF’s life-saving work isn’t a handout. It’s a hand up for everyone.
I (Mal James) know this to be true as I speak to Africa(ns) every day.
