Almost 50 properties worth a combined $63 million have changed hands in one of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest annual auction events.
About 400 people attended the Ray White Coastal Living Network auction at Mercedes-Benz Sunshine Coast in Maroochydore on Sunday.
A total of 75 properties were offered for sale, with 49 sold by the end of the event.
In the 30 days leading up to the event, the 75 properties recorded 2237 buyer inspections, with 175 people registering to bid.
“One of the properties attracted an incredible 16 bidders,” said Ray White Mooloolaba/Kawana director James Goldsworthy, who was the auctioneer alongside Ray White Maroochydore principal Dan Sowden.
“A lot of buyers were looking to take advantage of the lowering interest rates, but there’s also a clear sense of the fear of missing out, particularly in the lower price ranges.
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“The property with 16 bidders was a unit in Alexandra Headland in the high $900,000s to low $1 millions.
“It sold incredibly well because that price bracket is performing strongly.”
The property, at 3/15 Alice Street, had 12 active bidders and eventually sold under the hammer for $1.285 million.
“Both houses and units are selling well. It was a real mixed bag of properties and what’s clear is there’s urgency from buyers to secure a home, especially with Christmas approaching,” Mr Goldsworthy said.
“Multiple properties had 10 or more registered bidders and there was plenty of emotion and competition in the room.”
The top sale was $2.825 million for 9 Majestic Court, Coolum Beach, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom residence with ocean views. It was sold by Mandy Leahy from the Mooloolaba office.
Properties were offered from Ray White’s Coastal Living Network across the Sunshine Coast, which includes Maroochydore, Buderim, Mooloolaba, Kawana Waters and Nambour.
The auction event followed the sale of a Maroochydore apartment under the hammer for $1.93 million on Saturday.
No.12/25 The Esplanade set a new record for the Ocean Isles building, which overlooks Cotton Tree Park and the Maroochy River.
“The property was listed online on September 11 and sold just nine days later,” Ray White Maroochydore agent Ari Whisson said.
“We’d recently sold another apartment in the same building, which brought a lot of attention. The family wanted to bring things to a head quickly and we were able to deliver.”
The apartment was part of a deceased estate, with three siblings selling on behalf of their late parents. Each of them dialled in from different countries to watch the auction unfold in real time.
“They were absolutely over the moon with the result,” Mr Whisson said. “It was a really special moment; they’re selling at a great time for this part of the market.”
The winning bidders were a Brisbane couple purchasing the property as a weekend retreat. They, too, bid remotely via phone.
Mr Whisson noted that while buyers are becoming increasingly selective, when the right property appears they don’t hold back.
“Buyers are getting quite particular in our market,” he said. “But when they see the right thing, they’re still going all out with their bidding. They will pay what they need to, especially in that higher-end apartment market, particularly among downsizers.”
Buyer Sarah said the reality of the purchase was still sinking in but she was thrilled.
“We were bidding via phone, which was a bit nerve-racking,” she said. “I was really hoping to be up there in person – we’re based in Brisbane but couldn’t get there today. We’re looking forward to a lovely sea-change.”
She said they had been searching for the right property for several years.
“We’ve been looking for around two to three years for the perfect place,” she said. “We came across Cotton Tree recently when the apartment next door was for sale. That’s what first brought us to the area.”
They didn’t buy the neighbouring property but it led them to the perfect fit.
“Good thing we didn’t get the other one, this one has three bedrooms and the location is just beautiful,” Sarah said.
“It’s a tiny little strip right near the water, away from the highway. It feels peaceful. I have grown-up children and grandchildren, so I’m really looking forward to having them visit.”
