The group recorded an average of 2.2 registered bidders and 1.4 active bidders per auction.
“With the school holiday period now behind us, the market has looked forward to confidence as fresh stock comes online and buyer interest climbs,” Ray White New Zealand head auctioneer Sam Steele said.
“Ray White’s auction activity continues to deliver strength and consistency, with 125 auctions scheduled across the country last week. A clearance rate of 44.6 per cent highlights the growing appeal of auction as the preferred method of sale in an evolving market.
“Strong interest from motivated buyers pushed the average number of registered bidders to 2.2 per auction, a compelling reflection of the competitive energy fuelling successful outcomes.
“With listing volumes beginning to stabilise, more sellers are turning to auction, drawn by its ability to attract a wider pool of unconditional buyers. In Auckland, the release of new CVs has added another layer of interest, with early signs pointing to increased buyer engagement.
“Auctions also remain the fastest route to market, averaging just 34.5 days to sell, significantly shorter than the 58-day average via private treaty. Giving sellers a clear time advantage in the current climate.
“Last week, auctions accounted for 31.4 per cent of all Ray White listings nationwide, a strong endorsement of the transparency, pace, and performance that continue to build seller and buyer confidence across the country.”
The top result for the week went to Ray White Mairangi Bay agent Andy Liu who sold 17 Hastings Road, Mairangi Bay, under the hammer for $3.46 million, $810,000 over the property’s new CV. With Ray White auctioneer Ben East on the gavel, the property recorded four registered bidders and three active bidders.
Mr Liu said the seller was an overseas investor.
“It was a 1363sqm site, mixed housing urban zone, three-bedroom property sold ‘as is, where is’, five minute walk to Mairangi Bay village, and in the Rangitoto College School Zone,” Mr Liu said.
A Sandringham property, marketed by Tracy Potter, sold under the hammer for $1.35 million after just seven days on the market.
Located at 28 Parry Street, Sandringham, Ms Potter said the auction demonstrated an exceptional result and exceeded expectations.
“The charming 1930s brick home, lovingly held by the same family for over 21 years, captured attention from the moment it was listed,” she said.
“Set on a flat, fully fenced section with mature fruit trees and a sun-soaked northerly aspect, the property radiated timeless character and heart - qualities that deeply resonated with buyers.
“It was a great fit for the new owners. Their kids were so excited putting up the sticker, they spent a good 15 or 20 minutes running around the back lawn playing, which is always a good sign!”
The sellers, Florence and Pip Bowie, were thrilled with the outcome.
“We bought it 21 years ago and initially we had it rented to a family who were living there when we bought it. Then our younger daughter Christine lived at the property and brought up her family there. Recently she decided she would come and live with us as my husband has had an injury and her daughter has moved to Melbourne to study,” Ms Bowie said.
“The sale was amazing. It was a delightful property, I think Tracy has done wonders and done very well in the current market. It was good to have it done quickly.
“It’s an ideal property and so close to the necessary amenities, schools, the city and work places.
“We had a lovely family renting it, then we had Christine and her family there, so it’s really nice that another family has bought it. Although we’ll miss it a lot, we’re so glad it’s gone to another family.”
Ray White Sandringham agent Yuhei Umezaki had a successful auction at 8E/100 Anzac Avenue, Auckland, with the property selling under the hammer for $465,000. With eight registered bidders, bidding started at $100,000 and sold under the hammer 66 bids later.
Located in the rejuvenated Century on Anzac building, the freehold one-bedroom apartment had been part of a comprehensive remedial transformation, with works nearing completion and all levies fully paid. After 23 years of overseas ownership, the apartment has been immaculately maintained and presents significant upside for future homeowners and investors alike.
“The overseas vendors have owned this property since it was built, using it both as an investment and a future bolthole in New Zealand. Unfortunately, a weathertightness issue was discovered, forcing them to endure a long and challenging journey—both legally and financially,” Mr Liu said.
“Navigating this situation would be stressful for any New Zealand resident, but for overseas owners unfamiliar with local systems and without residence status, the difficulty was tenfold.
“After years of legal proceedings, the matter was finally resolved, and the remediation work was carried out between 2021 and now. Only recently have the vendors been in a position to sell the property at market value—something that’s often not possible during ongoing legal or remediation processes, where properties typically sell at heavily discounted prices due to risk.
“I recommended the auction method, as I believed it was the best way to determine the true market value. The vendors agreed and followed my advice, and we are very pleased with the final outcome.
“They are absolutely thrilled with the result. The purchaser is a fellow agent within our network, so we recommend keeping the buyer’s identity anonymous for privacy reasons.”
Ray White City Realty Group sales director and auctioneer Cameron Brain conducted the auction.
“Yuhei consistently delivers strong auction campaigns and ensures that bidders are in the room,” Mr Brain said.
“Remedial buildings can present unique challenges, but his approach was thorough and effective.
“It was fantastic to see a packed auction room and such energetic bidding for a single listing.
“A great result all round and further proof that with the right strategy, presentation, and agent – even complex properties can shine in the spotlight.”
