Intensity Returns To National Auction Market
February auction market begins to heat up.
2 min
The home auction market has intensified into February with most capitals reporting a rise in buyer activity.
Off the back of a dour performance the previous weekend, Sydney and Melbourne reported sharply higher clearance rates at the weekend with the NSW capital breaking 80% with a clearance rate of 80.4%.
The national auction market reported a clearance rate of 79.1% at the weekend — higher than the 76.6% reported over the previous weekend yet lower than the 80.2% recorded over the same weekend last year.
National auction numbers surged at the weekend with 1362 homes listed for auction ahead of the 836 reported last weekend and up on the 1073 reported over the same weekend last year.
Sydney’s strong clearance rate was sharply higher than the 68.5% reported last weekend but still well below the 88.5% recorded over the same weekend last year.
However, the strong result comes despite a record day for February auctions with 563 homes listed for auction on Saturday — higher than last weekend’s 308 auctions.
Sydney recorded a median price of $1,760,000 for houses sold at auction at the weekend which was higher than the $1,380,000 reported over the previous weekend and 25.7% higher than the $1,400,000 recorded over the same weekend last year.
Melbourne reported a clearance rate of 74.0% on Saturday – higher than last weekend’s 68.5% but well below the 81.6% recorded over the same weekend last year.
Yet, despite a surge in listings from the previous week — 491 homes reported listed compared to the season opener of 250 — the weekend rate was the highest reported since November 13, last year.
Melbourne recorded a median price of $914,500 for houses sold at auction at the weekend which was higher than last weekend’s $873,000 but 1.7% lower than the $930,000 recorded over the same weekend last year.
Data powered by Dr Andrew Wilson, 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
Sales volumes and median prices on the rise in the N.T
