‘A waterfront masterpiece’ has sold for what’s thought to be the biggest price of the day on what’s been a huge auction day in Sydney.
The incredible six-bedroom, seven bathroom trophy home with six-car garage on a 1600 sqm block at 41 Battle Boulevard, Seaforth fetched $15.7m, $700k above the price guide via BresicWhitney agents Anna Chen and Guido Scatizzi.
The auction was one of 1427 scheduled across Sydney. With 996 of the results in by 6.30pm on Saturday night, PropTrack put the clearance rate at 54 per cent.
Back in Seaforth, where Chen and Scatizzi had more than 100 people at their auction, with BresicWhitney CEO and chief auctioneer Thomas McGlynn presiding, four registered and three were active from $14.6m.
There were a mix of $50k, $100k and $200k bids before McGlynn slammed the gavel down to buyers from the lower north shore.
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Chen said it was the highest price for the year in Seaforth. “We had also buyers looking from Clontarf, international buyers and the upper north shore as well,” she said.
Chen also set the highest price in the suburb last year — $11.75m — though the current suburb record is $16.8m set a few years ago.
McGlynn said: “It was very strong bidding.
“It’s a complete waterfront with a jetty that can house two yachts.
“The building quality was very good and it would be very difficult to replicate in that position.
“To build that in that space would be nearly impossible and being on the cliff’s edge, they’re generally hard to access but this actually has good access from the street and the home is in great condition.”
Amid reports of a cooling market, McGlynn said that his company had sold 20 from 24 auctions on the mega auction day.
“I thought it was a strong day for us, and yes buyers are a little cautious but if they feel they have to push forward to buy they will,” he said.
“We’re still swinging on a pendulum, and while it’s feeling like it should be a buyer’s market … maybe it’s swinging back to being a seller’s market.
“I was surprised today with how strong our auctions have been.
“We’re going to end up with 20 from 24 [including homes sold prior to auction day], so despite everything that’s happening and all the reports of it being more a buyer’s market, it’s actually very strong.
“Yes, there are pockets where there are great buying opportunities but there are also some great outcomes for sellers.”
The Seaforth property, which records show was bought by the Gau family for $11.3m in 2020, took 15 years to build.
Designed by the visionary architect Ralph Cunningham, it’s built over five levels embracing a Sydney Harbour cliff face.
It’s defined by signature curves, features a striking sculptural staircase, and a luxurious infinity pool.
It comprises about 1600sqm of indoor/outdoor living space, with all bedrooms designed with private ensuites and water-facing aspects.
Other features include a home theatre, gym, sauna, spa, Japanese garden and boat house.
Meanwhile, in the inner-city, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with parking in the Allen Jack + Cottier-designed block Sonoma at E203/3 Hunter St, Waterloo sold for $1.14m , $90k above the reserve.
BresicWhitney agents Darren Davis and Patrick O’Brien had three register and, with McGlynn presiding, bidding opened at $900k and rose in $25k increments to $1.05m and then it was down to $5k and $10k bids.
“It was a young couple who bought it and it was perfect for them as she works for Qantas at the airport and he works in the city,” Davis said.
The young first home buyer couple who were the underbidders missed out by $10k and the other active bidder was a lady downsizer.