When a Mansfield auction crowd comprised a heap of neighbourhood interest, an LJ Hooker agent eased the tension by placating the onlookers with a genuine compliment.

"I hear the neighbours are lovely" he winked as the bids began to fly.

Among the smaller capitals for auctions, Brisbane was the busiest, with 155 auctions and a preliminary clearance of 68.4 percent, a healthy rise from 61.3 percent the week before. Adelaide hosted 90 auctions and recorded a preliminary success rate of 71.7 percent, while the ACT saw 55 auctions and a clearance rate of 65.8 percent.

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Looking ahead, around 1,710 capital city homes are set to go under the hammer next week, continuing the mid-winter momentum.

First-home joy with young couple securing Para Hills prize for $786k

A young couple has secured their first home after a steady run of bidding at 41 Penner Crescent, Para Hills in the Adelaide Hills where the keys changed hands for $786,000.

National Realty listing agent Jeremy Marrollo said the auction opened at $640,000, climbing in measured increments to $700,000 before a bold jump to $755,000, then $777,000.

"It paused around $780,000 near reserve, then resumed with two bidders going head-to-head in $1,000 bids," said Marrollo. "It was a steady auction, nothing too crazy, just solid bidding."

The buyers, a young couple entering the market for the first time, won out against investor interest,much to the delight of the vendors.

"The best part is that it didn't get bought by investors," the seller said. "The couple finally got their home."

Built by Metricon in 2018, the three-bedroom Torrens titled residence blends contemporary flair with functional design. Behind an electric gate and double driveway, the home opens to 2.7 metre ceilings, multiple living zones and a SMEG-equipped kitchen that connects to a covered alfresco area with ceiling fan.

With ducted air conditioning, a guest powder room and secure yard, the home proved especially appealing to local families and young professionals.

"The quality of the build and the low-maintenance layout really stood out," said Marrollo. "The home presents beautifully and the buyers fell in love."

Bidding heats up as agent touts 'lovely neighbours' at $1.8m Mansfield sale

With a sunlit backyard, sparkling pool and four separate living areas, 18 Picardie Close had everything going for it, plus a few neighbourly endorsements thrown in.

The Brisbane home in the suburb of Mansfield, sold under the hammer for $1.8 million on Saturday, with four bidders in the mix and competition jumping $500,000 from a bold $1.3 million opening.

As the auction played out in front of a medium-sized crowd, LJ Hooker listing agent Bailey Atherton took the opportunity to highlight one overlooked feature.

"I hear the neighbours in the street are lovely," he told the bidders, drawing smiles from the locals who had gathered to watch.

Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the low-set brick home sits on 600 sqm, backing onto parkland. That, along with recent renovations and standout entertaining space, made it a magnet for family buyers.

"The bidding was fast and tight early on," said Atherton. "We paused at $1.6 million but it picked straight back up."

The home features a modern kitchen with two ovens and gas cooktop, multiple indoor and outdoor living zones, and a fully fenced pool area surrounded by tropical planting. All four bedrooms are generous, with the master suite enjoying a walk-in robe and garden outlook.

According to Atherton, the sellers were thrilled. "They're looking to upsize, so to get such strong interest with a great result was really rewarding."

"They loved it, so I helped." Family steps in for Freo-style haven

A hidden gem with a distinctly Fremantle feel drew a 75-strong crowd to a leafy laneway on Saturday, where 12 Mulberry Farm Lane sold under the hammer for $1.62 million.

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home showered with sunlight offered a unique blend of creative charm and modern sustainability, with cathedral glass windows, reclaimed timber and a flourishing secret garden at the rear, a true artisan's haven.

Built in 2010 but styled to echo the Federation character of its surrounds, the home attracted more than 70 groups in just two weeks, according to Ray White listing agent Thomas Wedge.

"It has the Fremantle vibe without the Fremantle price," he said.

The auction opened at $1 million, with three of the nine registered bidders actively competing, including the eventual buyers, who had made the highest pre-auction offer. Bidding paused at $1.58 million before resuming and selling for $1.62 million to a young couple with family support.

"The woman's father was heavily involved," Wedge said. "He told me, 'I knew they loved it, so I wanted to help out.' It was a real family event."

The 73-year-old seller was "ecstatic" with the result, which capped off a campaign fuelled by emotion, community spirit and a yearning for lifestyle connection.

"There were nine offers prior to auction," said Wedge. "A lot of families are helping their children buy in this tough market."