Auction Markets Running Out Of Steam
The May seller rush continues to test the market.
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Home auction markets reported mixed results over the weekend, May 22, as more record-level offerings tested buyer depth.
National listing numbers were again lower on Saturday but stayed within touching distance of the <ay record of 2563 reported two-weeks ago with 2333 auctions this past weekend.
The national average clearance rate increased to 82%, higher than the previous weekend’s 80.8% and the first rise in six weekends. However, despite the lift, it is smaller markets like Adelaide (90.1%) and Canberra (91.2%) carrying the results.
The larger auction capitals of Sydney and Melbourne are showing signs of fatigue and are expected to drift downwards over the next coming weekends.
Sydney reported a clearance rate of 81.5%, again lower than the 82.9% recorded the previous weekend. Saturday’s results were the fifth consecutive weekend of lower rates.
A total of 949 auctions were reported in the Harbour City, again just below the previous weekend’s 990.
Sydney has now recorded an unprecedented four consecutive weekends with more than 900 auctions, with this weekend’s median price of houses sold at auction sitting at $1,620,000, lower than the previous Saturday’s $1,641,000.
Melbourne reported a clearance rate of 76.9% which was again below the 78.6% of the previous weekend and just ahead of the 74,0% recorded over the same weekend last year.
Saturday, May 22 was the lowest clearance rate of the year so far.
A total of 117 homes were auctioned in Melbourne, close to the previous weekend’s 1159 listings.
Melbourne recorded a median price of $995,500 for houses sold at auction on the weekend which was 9.8% lower than the $1,093,000 recorded over the previous weekend, but 9.9% higher than the 906,000 recorded over the same weekend last year.
Data powered by Dr. Andrew Wilson of My Housing Market.
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3 min
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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