A once-functional police station turned auction-stage curiosity, giving Highett bidders something entirely out of the ordinary in Victoria.

Lock-up to level-up: Highett police station sells for $1.15m

A once-functional police station turned auction-stage curiosity, 1082 Nepean Highway offered bidders something entirely out of the ordinary.

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Set on a 698-square-metre block in Highett's Residential Growth Zone (RGZ3), the double-storey former 'cop shop' came replete with a backyard jail cell and a rare chance to make history in reverse.

A crowd of 20 gathered out front, comprising police memorabilia enthusiasts, locals with long memories and developers clocking the site's potential.

According to Ray White listing agent Tom Grieve, the turnout wasn't huge, but the interest was genuine. "It was an arresting auction," he said. "And the best weather we've had in months didn't hurt either."

The building, decommissioned in the 1990s, still holds much of its original fabric but offers serious flexibility, with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a detached studio ripe for creative re-use.

Zoned for higher-density development and with no heritage overlay, the property attracted solid enquiry from renovators and builders alike.

Bidding opened with confidence and progressed steadily before the hammer came down at $1.15 million. That figure landed inside the quoted range and reflects the strength of the local market, as well as the scarcity of character sites with this kind of scale and zoning.

For Grieve, it was a case of past meets present. "Properties like this are a conversation starter," he said. "The story here isn't just about what it was, but what it could be."

Cotality reports Melbourne led the nation with 739 auctions and a 71.8 percent clearance rate, the lowest in three weeks but still solid.

Raining bids as quaint Oyster Bay abode fetches $1.85m indoors

The skies opened, but the action kept rolling at 2 Georges River Road, where torrential rain forced the auction indoors, creating an electric atmosphere in the lounge room of this charming family home.

Fifty people packed inside, dodging umbrellas while soaking up the tension as bidding kicked off at $1.6 million. What followed, according to Fox & Wood agent Jed Wood, was fast-paced and full of intent. "It was rapid fire at first," he said. "We saw $25,000 jump right up to $1.7 million, then it tightened into $10,000s as the buyers dug in."

Three active bidders pushed the price to a final $1.85 million, well above expectations. The home was snapped up by a young family looking for space, comfort and a lifestyle upgrade in one of the Sutherland Shire's most liveable pockets.

Behind the picket fence and remote-control gate, the three-bedroom home blends warmth and functionality with a standout study, sunken lounge, polished timber floors and a stylish kitchen built for entertaining. Outside, the paved entertaining area and landscaped lawn offer all-season appeal, while 21 solar panels boost the energy credentials.

The vendors, preparing for a move to Germany, were thrilled with the outcome. "They were expecting around $1.75 million," said Wood. "So $100,000 more, in a market like this, was a great result."

It was a big day in Oyster Bay, made all the more memorable by the downpour and the determination of buyers who wouldn't let a little rain dampen their spirit.

Sydney followed with 568 auctions and a clearance rate of 74.9 percent-its third highest of the year and another strong showing in a tightly balanced market, according to Cotality.

60 years, 11 children - Hamlyn Heights classic fetches $720k in spirited auction

There was warmth, laughter and a real sense of legacy at 3 Gladstone Street, where a Hamlyn Heights classic changed hands for the first time in 60 years.

The home, which had been occupied by one family since the 1960s and housed 11 children over the decades, went to auction with five active bidders and a strong turnout.

"It was a spirited auction," said Buxton agent Josh Carter. "Bids came thick and fast. There was a great vibe, lots of laughs and plenty of family support around the vendor."

The campaign attracted more than 90 groups, with buyers drawn to the charm, space and possibility of the 742 square metre block. The home itself, with timber floors, high ceilings and a classic floorplan, offered a perfect canvas for renovation or redevelopment (STCA).

Opening with pace, bidding pushed well past the quoted range of $600,000 to $660,000 before the hammer finally fell at $720,000.

While several buyers saw scope to start from scratch, others planned to preserve the existing structure. "Everyone had something positive to say," said Carter.

"It's that kind of house - full of stories, full of potential."

The long-time owner, who had lived in the home for the past 50 years, is moving into aged care, but on auction day, with a crowd of neighbours, friends and smiling relatives watching on, it felt like one last great gathering in a home built to hold them.

Cotatlity reports that nationally, auction volumes dipped across the capitals this week, with 1,581 homes taken to market, down 7.5 percent on the previous week and 11.1 percent lower than the same time last year.

The easing pace reflects a broader pattern in new listings, which have remained below average through much of 2025.

Despite lower volumes, demand is holding. The combined capitals' preliminary clearance rate came in at 72.3 percent, slightly down from 74.7 percent the week before, which marked the year's highest to date. Still, it's the eighth straight week clearance rates have remained above 70 percent.

Cotality research director Tim Lawless noted that the market's resilience continues, with auction volumes expected to stay steady this coming week around the 1,570 mark, then lift to nearly 1,900 the following week as spring approaches.