April Auction Market Begins Steadily
The major capitals of Sydney and Melbourne continue to slide.
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The national weekend auction market commenced April steadily reporting a clearance rate of 74.90% at the weekend — similar to the previous weekend’s 74.0%.
With Sydney and Melbourne posting lower results than in previous weeks with clearance rates of 69.7% and 71.7% respectively it was left to a recovering Brisbane (73.2%), Adelaide (79.9%) and Canberra (79.8%) to lift the national average.
National auction numbers were down in volumes at the weekend, with 2551 reported compared to the year-to-date high of 2866 reported over the previous weekend.
Sydney weekend market began April slowly, falling below the 70% clearance rate mark for the third time in four weekends.
The NSW capital’s clearance rate was lower than the 73.7% reported the previous weekend.
Sydney’s lowering clearance rate could be attributed to an elevated Saturday of autumn listings, with 958 auctions reported compared to the previous weekend’s 950.
The median price for a house sold at auction at the weekend was $1,800,000 — higher than the $1,613,000 reported over the previous weekend.
Melbourne fared better than Sydney with clearance rates above 70%— yet was still lower than the previous weekend’s 73.4%.
With the coming weekends filled with the usual April holiday distractions, clearance rates are likely going to continue to ease.
Melbourne reported yet another big day of auctions at the weekend with 1259 listings reported although it was lower than the previous weekend’s year-to-date high of 1353.
The Victorian capital recorded a median price of $1,134,000 for houses sold at auction at the weekend — well ahead of last weekend’s $1,100,000.
Data powered by Dr Andrew Wilson, My Housing Market.
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There’s no shortage of design inspiration online but nothing beats the joy of spending an afternoon immersing yourself in a good interior design book. Edited, carefully curated and, above all, designed, these titles take you behind the scenes of some of the world’s most beautiful interiors in a considered way. Think of it like the difference between listening to a few tunes on Spotify versus releasing a thoughtfully crafted studio album. We’ve assembled our top six of interior design books on the market right now for your viewing and reading pleasure.
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2 House of Joy
If there was ever a book title for our times, then this is it. With a subtitle of Playful Homes and Cheerful Living, this book champions fun in interior design, with bold and bright homes from around the world to delight and inspire. While there’s a good dose of the unexpected, like a disco ball in the garden, there’s no mayhem in these spaces. Instead, they’re beautifully executed to tempt even the most colour shy. Gestalten, $105
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Some design books are beautiful to look at, and that’s it. This is not one of those books. A master of colour and pattern, UK designer Ahern offers a practical foundational guide to beautiful interiors, mixing form with function in her latest book, Masterclass. Find the inspiration you need to create a gorgeous home. HarperCollins, $65
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Looking for a visual crash course in international design trends with longevity? This is the book for you. Featuring homes across the globe, from New York to Auckland via Avignon, the biggest dilemma for readers is settling on a style. Many of the projects are owned by designers and creatives, lending a dynamic edge to this tome, now in its 40th year. Taschen, $50
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For many Australians, the ocean holds an almost hypnotic appeal. Home by the Sea by Natalie Walton lets you imagine, for a little while at least, what it’s like living the dream in a beach shack in Byron Bay. The book tours 18 homes in and around the region and the hinterland owned by artists, designers and makers. With photography by Amelia Fullarton, it champions the good life. Hardie Grant, $60
6. The Layered Interior
Released last year, this is the third volume from award-winning interior designer Greg Natale. Different in format from his earlier books, the eight projects featured are Australian but with a slight Euro-centric focus. The writing is conversational, almost intimate, inviting the reader into the most luxurious spaces beautifully captured by photographer Anson Smart. This coffee table tome is perfect for dreamers and doers alike. Rizzoli, $110
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