In a post-lockdown era, Illawarra property auctions are currently a mix of the on-site, online and "hybrid" models.
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All three approaches were met with success under the hammer during the past week.
According to CoreLogic's preliminary figures, of the 18 results collected for the Illawarra so far, there was an auction clearance rate of 83.3 per cent for the week ending November 7.
Of the 44 results collected for the Illawarra, there was an auction clearance rate of 84.1 per cent for the week ending October 31.
The home at 54 Princess Street, Berry sold via on-site auction for $1,755,000 on Saturday.
The three-bedroom, one-bathroom home sits on 841 square metres.
'Vinadio', built in 1915, is a classic heritage-listed cottage located in the heart of the Berry township.
The home features ten-foot high ceilings, leadlight glass windows, polished timber floorboards and wainscoting throughout the home.
A separate studio complements the home, which can be utilised as a hobby getaway or a private fourth bedroom.
Selling agent, Terry Digger from First National Coast and Country said the home was sold to a Berry-based buyer.
There were two registered bidders, with the under-bidder from Sydney.
Mr Digger said the home attracted a lot of interest from Sydney buyers, but some had been unable to inspect the home during lockdown.
"Therefore we only had two weeks after the lockdown to seriously market it," he said.
"But it was a very good result for the owners."
The property at 64 Wilga Street, Corrimal sold under the hammer last Wednesday for $1,510,000.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house sits on a 626 square metre block.
It also features an in-ground pool, spa and timber deck with palm trees enabling shade from the northern sun.
Selling agent, Sam Vescio from MMJ North said it sold to a local buyer after a hotly contested auction. The under-bidder was from Sydney.
Mr Vescio said the auction had six registered bidders and the result surpassed its reserve price.
He said they had been hosting "hybrid-style" auctions. These are auctions run on-site, with parties able to register to bid online, or in person.
"I think it's something we'll probably continue to do," he said.
"People can bid from wherever they are. We'll be on-site for those that can make it, and those that can't can do so online."
Also among Mr Vescio's listings was 39 Cobblers Avenue, Figtree, which sold at auction last Thursday for $1,060,000.
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home sits on 556 square metres.
Mr Vescio said it sold to a Sydney-based investor who was bidding online, with a view to potentially living there in the long-term.
The reserve price was in the mid-$900,000 area.
Mr Vescio said it was a hard-fought auction with seven registered bidders, including a mix of on-site and online parties.
Meanwhile, the home at 35 Hertford Street, Berkeley sold for $778,000 via online auction on Saturday.
The three-bedroom, one-bathroom home sits on 722 square metres.
Selling agent, Anthony Sorace from A-List Property Group said there was the opportunity to redevelop (subject to council approval) the site as it provided a near level R2 Low Density Residential zoning corner block.
The reserve price was $750,000.
Mr Sorace said the home sold to a Sutherland Shire-based buyer, with the under-bidder a builder from Sydney who had been looking to develop it.
Mr Sorace said the buyer planned to be an owner-occupier, and may develop the site in the future.
There were nine registered bidders, with an opening bid of $650,000.
"There was a lot of competitive bidding," Mr Sorace said.
"Initially it was a $30,000 and $20,000 increments, followed by a series of $10,000 and $5000 ones, with a $3000 one sealing the deal."
Mr Sorace said they were retaining the online auction model until the end of 2021, as it afforded out-of-area buyers the opportunity to bid from the comfort of their own home.
He said they would likely return to on-site auctions in the new year, and were also exploring the possibility of timed auctions.
The latter entails an auctioneer virtually overseeing the auction, and there is a start and finish time - similar to selling an item on eBay.