Spring Auction Markets Start On The Front Foot
Clearance rates rise given a lack of stock while Sydney goes on a tear.
2 min
The spring selling season commenced with most capitals continuing to record generally strong results for sellers.
The total national auction numbers fell sharply at the weekend as the market saw a steep decline in Melbourne listings. Only 1392 auctions were reported on Saturday – the lowest non-holiday weekend total since early February.
Auction listings were also lower in Adelaide (108, down from 114) and Canberra (64, down from 85) when compared the previous weekend.
As a result of a fall in listings, the national clearance rate was higher at the weekend – increasing from the previous Saturday’s 76.2% to 79.1%.
In Sydney, the auction market surged into spring with both higher clearance rates and auction numbers.
Recording a clearance rate of 85.5% at the weekend, Sydney was up on the previous weekend’s 83.3% result – ahead of the 67% recorded over the corresponding weekend last year.
Sydney saw a lift in auction number for the second consecutive week with 495 homes offered for sale compared to the previous weekend’s 488. The weekend auction listings were the highest reported opening of the spring selling season since 2018 – despite the lockdown measures.
Sydney recorded a median price of $1,635,500 for houses sold at auction at the weekend which was again lower than the $1,757,000 reported over the previous Saturday but 20.8% higher than the $1,354,000 recorded over the same weekend last year.
Melbourne’s auction market felt the strain of lockdown, recording a clearance rate of 72.6% – well above the previous weekend’s 48.2% but a reflection of significantly lower listing numbers.
The Victorian capital only recorded 624 listings, compared to the previous weekend’s 1427. The market saw a lower level of withdrawals – 32.5% of reported auctions were withdrawn compared to the previous weekend’s 62.2% – further boosting the clearance rate.
Melbourne recorded a median price of $918,000 for houses sold at auction at the weekend which was again lower than the $1,000,000 recorded over the previous weekend and 3.4% lower than the $950,000 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
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