In New South Wales restrictions on on-site auctions, due to COVID-19, lifted over the weekend and this meant agents and their buyers could get some fresh air.

In Sydney McGrath Estate Agents founder John McGrath kicked off their return to onsite auctions in NSW on Saturday with the offer of a vacant block in Castle Cove.
 
The company had successfully adapted to conducting auctions online but switched back to “fresh-air” auctions as soon as the ban was lifted, as well as keeping livestreaming available.

Properties were also opened for inspection on the weekend after being reduced to private inspections during the restrictions. 
 
Mr McGrath offed the vacant block of land at 26 Warrawee Avenue, Castle Cove to a crowd of onlookers all positioned within physical-distancing guidelines.

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26 Warrawee Avenue, Castle Cove sold for $1.265 million under the hammer. Photo: McGrath.

Interest had come from across Sydney, the Central Coast, from Hong Kong and mainland China.
 
Selling agent Craig Ireson of McGrath Castle Cove had taken 248 buyer enquiries and issued 33 contracts for the 462-square-metre block.

“Vacant land in Castle Cove is rare,” said Mr Ireson. “We see about one a year.”
 
Mr McGrath sold the property under the hammer for $1,265,000 to a local lower north shore buyer.

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Aerial view of 26 Warrawee Avenue, Castle Cove. Photo: McGrath
 
McGrath CEO Geoff Lucas reported a Sydney metropolitan clearance rate for the company of 79 per cent.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate the return of fresh-air auctions with John McGrath," said Mr Lucas.

Read here how each state is easing restrictions on the real estate industry.

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