Vacant block with views from scaffold sells for record price

A vacant block in the affluent suburb of West End, known for its breathtaking city and mountain vistas, has fetched a record-breaking price of $1.94 million. This sale took place during an auction held on June 29, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the real estate market of south-east Queensland. The property, located at 48 Whynot Street, is a 360-square-metre lot that had been on the market for nearly a decade, making it one of the few vacant parcels in the area to come up for sale in recent memory.

The unique feature of this property was a 10-metre scaffold constructed specifically to allow potential buyers to experience the panoramic views firsthand. This innovative approach to showcasing the land's appeal proved instrumental in driving up the final sale price. The auction attracted three out of five registered bidders, with intense competition leading to multiple rounds of bidding. Starting at $1.4 million, the price surged rapidly, reaching $1.8 million before slowing down to smaller increments. The final bid of $1.925 million surpassed the reserve price, prompting a final exchange of $5,000 bids between two parties before the sale was completed.

The transaction was facilitated by Luke Croft of Ray White South Brisbane, who noted that the property had previously been part of a larger parcel sold to the current vendors for $3.2 million two years prior. Croft emphasized the strategic decision to install the scaffold, which significantly enhanced the property's desirability. He also highlighted the prolonged search by the winning buyers, who had been seeking to upgrade from their unit to a house over the course of six months. Their interest in the property was further piqued by the exceptional views, which played a crucial role in their decision-making process.

This sale occurred amidst a broader landscape of real estate activity in the region. Across south-east Queensland, 128 properties were slated for auction, with a preliminary clearance rate of 38% reported by Saturday evening. Six homes were withdrawn, contributing to the overall statistics. In Camp Hill, another notable sale took place, where a newly constructed trophy home featuring a sauna sold for $4.32 million to a local family. The property, situated at 22 Hobart Avenue, boasted architectural design by Nixon Constructions and included amenities such as a wine cellar, pool, and wellness room. The auction saw fierce competition, with the final price being determined through a series of incremental bids and negotiations between the final two bidders.

Similarly, in Alderley, a five-bedroom, five-bathroom house at 20 Milford Street sold for $2.775 million following a competitive three-way auction. The property, which featured a mineral pool, media room, and glass staircase, drew a crowd of approximately 30 attendees. Bidding began at $2.2 million and escalated in $100,000 increments, eventually reaching $2.7 million before a virtual bidder pushed the price to $2.75 million, causing a brief pause in the proceedings. The final sale was concluded with the assistance of selling agent Alistair Macmillan of Ray White Wilston, who noted the increasing trend of buyers maintaining discretion regarding their financial capabilities.

These sales reflect a dynamic real estate market characterized by high demand and strategic marketing efforts. As the market continues to evolve, such transactions underscore the growing importance of unique features and innovative presentation methods in attracting buyers and achieving premium prices. The outcomes of these sales will likely influence future trends in property valuation and marketing strategies across the region.