Volume strong as sellers look to transact before Christmas

Ray White New Zealand scheduled 234 auctions last week, up 13.6 per cent compared to last year, however, last week’s clearance sat at 47.1 per cent which was down 14.69 per cent year-on-year. 

The group saw healthy bidding at auctions last week, with an average of 2.1 registered bidders and 2.0 active bidders per auction. 

“Ray White auctions recorded a strong lift in activity and success last week as the warmer weather ushered in the vibrant spring and summer selling season,” Ray White New Zealand head auctioneer Sam Steele said. 

“Nationwide, 234 scheduled auctions achieved a clearance rate of 46.7 per cent, reaffirming the enduring strength of auctions as the preferred method of sale in today’s dynamic market.

“Buyer engagement remained robust, averaging 3.5 registered bidders per auction, with several campaigns attracting registrations in the double digits, a clear reflection of the competitive spirit underpinning recent results.

“As listing volumes stabilise, more sellers are turning to auction, recognising its unmatched ability to draw motivated buyers and deliver premium outcomes.

With Christmas fast approaching, homeowners, agents, and mortgage advisers are preparing campaigns to harness the strong momentum that traditionally defines this period.

“Auctions continue to stand out as the fastest path to sale, averaging just 30 days on market compared with 46.5 days through private treaty, a decisive advantage in the current environment.

With auctions representing 39.8 per cent of all Ray White listings nationwide last week, confidence in their transparency, efficiency, and performance continues to build as we head into the festive season.”

The top result for the week went to Ray White Howick agents Vish Arora and Gina Goa who sold  20 Quedley Court, Eastern Beach, under the hammer for $3.02 million. With Ray Whiteauctioneer Ben East calling the auction, the property saw five registered bidders. 

The sellers Jason and Rachel had lived there for 19 years. 

“We’re relocating closer to the city as our son is going to Auckland University,” Jason said. 

“We loved the space and it was a very special street, very quiet. It was a great place to bring up three kids. 

“Rach was a bit nervous but I felt confident that it was the best option for our home after Vish explained it to us. 

“We’re very happy with the result. We had sold via auction before, but 20 years ago. 

“To me going to auction is based on the situation, it worked for us but it might not work for every home. 

“Vish and Gina’s service was faultless. Everything was so professional.” 

The auction with the highest number of registered bidders went to Ray White Ellerslie agent Daniel Grubjesic who recorded 12 registered bidders and 12 active bidders at 12 Churchill Avenue, Manurewa, which sold under the hammer for $1.54 million. 

Another outstanding result was for 15 Mataroa Avenue, Mount Wellington, which sold under the hammer for $1.665 million. The property, which was marketed by Ray White Parnell agent RayChan, saw 11 registered bidders competing for the property. 

The sellers, Carol and Chris, had lived in the home for about a decade and, despite some uncertainty about the price, were very happy with the result in the end. 

“It was a great campaign, great turnout, and we had the best agents ever, we can't ask for more,” Carol said.

“Initally we felt the property was worth a bit more, but the market economy was not there to pay that range in this area unfortunately. We had to accept that.  

“This is a rare property, one of a kind with three dwellings with unblocked water views. Most of the house construction and interior are brand new with immaculate quality, extending out to the garden and the surrounds inside the fence.  

“At the end, we felt grateful for the outcome. We knew that Ray and the team had done their best and we are very pleased with their dedication and caring service we received.” 

Ray White Wellington City sold four out of four properties at their in-room auctions this week. 

The stand out result for the day went to marketing agents Ben Stevens and Quynh Do who sold 57 Guadeloupe Crescent, Grenada Village, under the hammer for $910,000. With Mr East on the gavel, the auction saw nine registered bidders and six active bidders.