The weather didn't deter bidders for this Brisbane cottage. Check out all the action from Domain's live auction coverage.
A Gold Coast surfer watched his house price swell to $1.1 million at auction on Saturday following a string of million-dollar property sales in the booming beachside suburb of Burleigh Heads.
Lifetime local John Wilson paid $238,000 for the Burleigh Hill beach shack 21 years ago, netting more than $850,000 over two decades.
The rustic four-level surf shack wedged in Burleigh’s iconic hillside on 2 Hill Avenue had a wave of interest, and sold to fellow surfers who plan to splash out on renovations.
Going, going, sold: John Wilson with new homeowners Byron and Jaimi Baker. Photo: Jason Quelch
Despite plans to move slightly further south, Mr Wilson said Burleigh was the “best place in the world”.
“I’ve been surfing here for 50 years, I surfed every day this week. I love this place,” Mr Wilson said. “But my best memories are living here with my four kids, who have all moved out now.”
He said the suburb he has always known has changed significantly recently.
John Wilson, paid $238,000 for the Burleigh Hill beach shack 21 years ago. Photo: Supplied
“Burleigh has gone insane now, all the hipsters have moved in and the trendy bars and cafes have popped up, it’s a really cool place to live, I love it,” he said.
“I remember when there was one café – now there’s 30. Burleigh has opened right up; I can’t believe it – I really bought at the right time.”
Now he is downsizing, but he’s not giving up the beach.
Surf’s up: John Wilson ready to catch a wave after selling his home for $1.1 million. Photo: Jason Quelch
“I’ve bought a little unit on the beachfront in Kirra with a big deck looking over the water – it’s perfect for me,” he said.
The 414 square metre property sits on land zoned for medium density residential, which lured 70 potential buyers through the doors prior to auction day.
Muggy weather did little to deter a crowd of more than 30 people on the day with nine registered parties and bids opening at $850,000, quickly pushing seven figures.
Auctioneer Justin Nickerson encourages the crowd to bid for the rare property. Photo: Supplied
The new owners, Byron and Jaimi Baker, both 28, are also looking forward to watching the waves roll in from the balcony.
“We paid a touch over what we initially planned, but we couldn’t let it go,” the Burleigh Waters couple said.
However, the pair’s exact plans are still up in the air.
Winning bidders Byron and Jaimi Baker. Photo: Jason Quelch
“We’re not too sure of our overall plans at the moment. We’ll sit and relax on it for a bit, maybe fix up the kitchen and bathroom. We can knock it down or do a major reno,” said Mr Baker, who is a builder.
Selling agent Will West of Lacey West real estate said he’s never listed anything like the home.
“It’s just extremely rare to border a national park, meaning there’s no neighbours to the right, and on top of that having ocean views – these don’t come up often.”
The couple plan to renovate the beach shack.
Mr West said Burleigh’s market was booming.
“It’s become such a tightly-held suburb, and even more so for homes on the hill like this one – I’ve never listed something like this before,” he said.
“The interest has come from people looking at redeveloping the block and people wanting to renovate the house and move in; we’ve also had investors and upsizers too.”
The price of Tranquility: A luxury beach home at 7 Kelly Avenue sells for $2 million. Photo: Supplied
At the north end of Burleigh a huge five-bedroom property also sold under the hammer on Saturday for $2 million.
The property known as “Tranquillity” on 7 Kelly Avenue was last bought for $280,000 in 1995 by its owners.
Harcourts Coastal agent Katrina Walsh said five registered bidders drove the big sale.
The two level property could be used as one home or two separate units. Photo: Supplied
“The highest bidder was a recently divorced local lady who plans to live in the home,” Ms Walsh said.
The home was passed down to the family’s 21-year-old daughter who sold due for a lifestyle change but wants to remain on the Gold Coast.
The two level property on 405 square metres of land could be used as a single home or two separate units.
Houses in Burleigh like this one at 13 West Street are selling for millions. Photo: Supplied
Six months ago another million dollar Burleigh house sold on West Street for seven figures.
The four-bedroom 13 West Street sold under the hammer for $1 million.
The 526 square-metre home had previously rented for $320 per week in 2010 but is now owner occupied.