Strong Early Spring Auction Results Continue
Most sellers experienced robust results despite restrictions.
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National auction numbers fell sharply again at the weekend as the Melbourne and Canberra markets felt the pinch of lockdown restrictions.
Just 1150 auctions were reported listed nationwide on Saturday – the lowest non-holiday weekend total since early February – yet, well ahead of the 666 auctioned over the same weekend last year.
With fewer auctions about, the national clearance rate lifted – increasing from 79.1% to 80.5% when compared to the previous Saturday.
The result comes as Melbourne’s clearance figures hold firm (79.3%), while Sydney (85.2%) and Brisbane (81.5%) pushed the rate higher at the weekend.
Adelaide (79.6%) and Canberra (76.9%) experienced a small decline.
The resilient Sydney market was the only capital to report higher auctions compared to the previous weekend.
The result follows last weekend’s strong showing which was the highest ever recorded by the local market for the opening weekend of the spring selling season.
Auction numbers increased at the weekend for the third consecutive Saturday with 511 homes offered for sale compared to the previous weekend’s 493 but lower than the 541 listed over the same weekend last year.
Sydney recorded a median price of $1,714,000 for houses sold at auction at the weekend which was higher than the $1,635,500 reported over the previous Saturday but 24.1% higher than the $1,381,000 recorded over the same weekend last year.
While in Melbourne the clearance rate experienced a 6.7% lift when compared to last weekend it was the result of fewer listings — just 414 for the weekend — and a high number of withdrawals with 18.9% of reported auctions withdrawn.
Melbourne recorded a median price of $1,069,000 for houses sold at auction at the weekend which was higher than the $918,000 recorded over the previous weekend.
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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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