Unprecedented Weekend Auction Results

Following last weekend’s bumper results, Saturday, March 6 produced more impressive returns with each capital city recording a weekend auction clearance rates above 80%.

The unprecedented result saw Adelaide (97.1%) and Brisbane (close to 90%) as standout markets.

Sydney, meanwhile, reported a rate of 86.8% – down on last weekend’s record-breaking 90.0%, but up on the 90.5% reported over the same weekend last year.

The median price for houses sold at auction in Sydney was $1,704,000, higher than the previous weekend’s $1,645,500 and 17.5% above the $1,450,000 recoded over the same weekend last year.

The upper north shore reported the top clearance rate results at 90.8%.

Despite being a holiday weekend, Melbourne posted another strong Saturday with a rate of 80.6% – slightly lower than the previous weekend (82.0%) but well ahead of the 71.9% reported for the same period last year.

Melbourne recorded a median price of $948,000 for auctioned houses, lower than the previous weekend’s $1,002,500 Prices however were 10.9% higher than the $855,000 recorded over the same holiday weekend last year.

Data powered by Dr Andrew Wilson of MyHousingMarket.com.au

Is this Whitsunday’s best home?

Hayman Island may have been ravaged by Cyclone Debbie in 2017, which saw the island, one of the smallest of the major Whitsunday islands, all but shut down, but the 390-hectare paradise has made an extraordinary comeback.

The InterContinental brand took over the island’s only resort, which was completely devastated by the Category 4 cyclone. The same year the cyclone hit, The Residence at Hayman was built, one of just two private residences on the island.

Constructed by Hutchinson Builders, a Tier 1 builder better known for delivering some of South East Queensland’s finest multi-residential developments, the lavish home is made from reinforced concrete with a blend of glass and timber battening.

It was designed by the late, internationally renowned architect Kerry Hill, widely regarded as a key figure in refining tropical modernist architecture. Hill was an island specialist, having designed several major resorts in Bali.

The Residence at Hayman spans three levels and offers over 1,400 sqm of living space, including around 580 sqm of internal living areas. The remainder comprises breezeways, terraces, and balconies designed to embrace the island’s subtropical climate.

Entry to the home is via the upper level, as the property tiers down the site with direct access to the beach. The top and lower levels accommodate most of the home’s eight bedrooms, as well as a study and a double garage with buggy parking, the preferred mode of transport throughout the Whitsundays.

The middle level is home to the main kitchen, living, and dining areas, complete with a full butler’s pantry. It opens to a large, L-shaped terrace featuring an outdoor kitchen, alfresco dining and lounge zones, and a sundeck. The terrace flows to the basalt-clad infinity swimming pool, deck, and cabana with integrated seating, as well as a pool house.

Owners or guests of The Residence also have access to the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort facilities, including 24-hour room service, butler assistance, private chefs, and the resort’s wellness centre.

Whitefox agents Cheyne Fox and Nic Whitehead are marketing The Residence as “a rare and extraordinary find.”

“This is more than just a home, it’s an opportunity to own a piece of paradise, a legacy to share with family and friends for generations to come,” Fox said.

The only other private residence on Hayman Island, Hayman House, is also on the market. Commissioned by Terry Peabody, former billionaire and Transpacific Industries founder, Hayman House was first listed last year with hopes of $27 million, later reportedly reduced to $20 million in early 2025.

Designed by Kerry Hill and also built by Hutchies (in 2010), Hayman House shares a similar design ethos to The Residence, albeit on a smaller scale. Its 18-week construction endured three cyclones, with all site access via the beach, which had to be reinforced to prevent heavy vehicles from sinking into the sand.

Unprecedented Weekend Auction Results

Beyond the majors, Adelaide claims close to 100 per cent clearance rate.

Designed by the late Kerry Hill and built by Hutchinson Builders, The Residence at Hayman Island blends tropical modernism with absolute waterfront luxury.