Auctions were fast and furious across Sydney, with both animals and first home buyers the winners.
A young Sydney man along with animal lovers across the world are celebrating after the $5.6m sale of a deceased estate.
The house, at 2 Alfred St Woolwich, went under the hammer on Saturday with auction proceeds going to animal welfare charities.
The deceased estate, a knockdown-rebuild with Sydney Harbour views, belonged to animal lovers Helen and Eberhard Schicha who both passed away in 2021.
The couple, who had lived in the home since the 1980s, pledged their house sale proceeds to the RSPCA, Four Paws, PETA, Animals Australia Federation and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Auctioneer Andrew Robinson drops the hammer at 2 Alfred St, Woolwich. Picture: Adam Yip
The animal community was represented at the auction. Picture: Adam Yip
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More than 50 people turned up to the auction which Belle Property auctioneer Andrew Robinson said was a testament to the “opportunity the property offered”.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure a great parcel of land,” he said.
With seven registered bidders, there was no delay with the first bid of $4.5m.
From that point it was a two man battle, with increments of $100,000 and $50,000 coming hard and fast.
In just a few minutes the price hit $5.6m and went under the hammer, $400,000 over its reserve price.
A young Sydney man has plans to build a nice home. Picture: Adam Yip
The new owner, who did not want to be named, was elated with his purchase saying he was excited with the opportunities the property offered.
“I live up the street on a smaller block,” he said.
“I couldn’t miss out on this size of land. I want to build something nice for myself.”
He said he was thrilled to know the money would be going to animal welfare charities.
“It’s an added bonus,” he said.
Belle Property agent Simon Harrison said it was a great result for a house with so much potential.
The deceased estate at 2 Alfred St has iconic Sydney Harbour views.
The Schicha’s executor and stock broker Tony Lewis said Mrs Schicha was a customer of his for 30 years.
“I’m really happy with the result and she would be too,” he said.
“There’s going to be a lot of very happy animals, it’s a good story all around. All the money is going directly to the charities.”
The auction was one of 580 auctions scheduled across Sydney this week.
There was another North Shore success story down the road in Northbridge.
The house, at 12 Baringa Rd, sold well over reserve for $7,050,000 in a tense battle between two bidders.
12 Baringa Rd, Northbridge sold for $7,050,000.
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The lounge room was packed as barefoot buyers gathered for the five bedroom, four bathroom home in a prime position.
The auction kicked off with a bid of $5m and quickly grew with increments of $100,000 and $200,000.
Once the hammer fell the successful bidders, a young couple who recently married, embraced with supporting family members.
The lounge area of 12 Baringa Rd was packed during the auction.
LJ Hooker Double Bay agent Alon Beran said it was a strong result.
“People are wanting to buy something that is a quality build and they don’t have to touch,” he said.
“This house has beautiful finishes.”
A one-bedroom apartment in Newtown had huge interest, with 27 registered bidders.
The fully renovated apartment at 13/39 Laura St sold for $847,000, more than $100,000 over its reserve, to a young first homebuyer.
Celebrations as a young first homebuyer (left) nabs 13/39 Laura St Newtown.
“This apartment ticked all the boxes; it has had a high-quality renovation,” Ray White agent Astrid Joarder said.
“It’s ready for people to move in, they don’t need to do anything. What you see is what you get.”
A “fast and furious” auction saw a Stanhope Gardens house sell more than $100,000 over reserve.
29 Darlington Street, Stanhope Gardens sold for $1,803,500.
The house, at 29 Darlington St, went under the hammer for $1,803,500.
Cooley’s auctioneer Michael Garofolo said the north west suburb was creeping closer to the $2 million mark.
According to PropTrack market trends, Stanhope Gardens has had a 45 per cent increase in house prices over the past five years.
“We’re getting strong results for the north west region,” Mr Garofolo said.
He said the auction saw 40 bids before selling to a family looking to upsize.
The number of properties going to auction is continuing to increase, with another 729 across Sydney next week.
“Auction clearance rates remain high but it is likely we will see auction volumes decline as we head into winter shortly,” PropTrack economic research director Cameron Kusher said.