Auction Markets Feel COVID’s Bite
Tightened restrictions clearly impacted auction markets in Australian capitals.
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A total of 1872 auctions were reported nationally at the weekend (August 14), well below the previous weekend’s record August offering of 2100 but above the 725 auctioned over the same weekend last year.
The steep decline in national listings was largely caused by Sydney and Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns, listing 472 and 1138 auctions respectively.
The national clearance rate fell at the weekend down to 78.2% from 81.5% the previous weekend.
Sydney reported a strong clearance rate of 83.0% at the weekend – equal to last weekend’s result and well ahead of the 65.9% recorded over the same weekend last year.
It marks the first time the NSW capital has recorded consecutive weekend clearance rates above 80% since June, however it reflects fewer choices available for buyers.
Sydney recorded a median price of $1,626,250 houses sold at auction at the weekend – lower than the 1,695,000 reported the previous Saturday but 22.3% higher than last year’s figure.
Melbourne’s auction market tracked backwards reflecting the impact of lockdown restrictions.
The Victorian capital recorded a clearance rate of 66.0% on Saturday, well below the previous weekend’s 71.7%.
The result is Melbourne’s lowest clearance rate since October 17 2020, impacted by a high number of withdrawals – up to 41.5% from the previous weekend’s 29.5%
While listing numbers fell from 1301 to 1138, there is still considerably more volume in the market than this time last year, the corresponding 2020 weekend reporting just 124 auctions.
Melbourne recorded a median price of $1,085,00 houses sold a auction at the weekend – higher than the $960,000 of the previous weekend and 39.6% above the same weekend last year.
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.
1. Interiors beyond the primary palette
Step inside the world of award-winning interior design duo Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke in this, their first compendium of their work. A ‘best of’ over more than 15 years working together, it’s a masterclass in working with colour and pattern as seen through 18 projects from around the country. With a focus on the idea of home as sanctuary, this hefty tome offers insight into the mind of the designer with points on where to find inspiration, meeting client briefs and the importance of relationships. Thames & Hudson, $120
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
3. Abigail Ahern Masterclass
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
4. Interiors Now!
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
5. Home by the Sea
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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