Along with its absolute beachfront position, cinematic ocean views and chic renovation, the unique method sale for this 1229sqm Orewa property has become a major talking point.
It’s going to be an auction with a twist, as the process is essentially reversed. Known as a Dutch auction, the process starts at the maximum opening price, then moves downward until a successful buyer steps in to claim it.
The little known practice captured the interest of the owners Ross and Shelley, who say it’s unheard of in New Zealand. They have decided to try this because the uncertainty of classic auctions can make them incredibly stressful on buyers.
“I’ve been to a few auctions where I’ve thought I might stand a chance,” says Ross.
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“Then it turns into a bidding war, or you bid and do all the hard work and then right at the death, someone comes in and takes it. Even putting in an acceptable pre-auction offer doesn’t prevent these things, however in this process, an acceptable bid pre-auction will conclude the sale without the need for auction.
“We’re not trying to be greedy. We thought, ‘let’s just start with a fair number and whoever sees themselves living in the house can put their hand up’. If you snooze, you lose.”
They had been living in Orewa for a few years prior to purchasing 305 Hibiscus Coast Highway four years ago.
“We moved up to an apartment here at the southern end of the beach, by the surf club. We would walk or run along the beach every day and admire this location – the house was neglected and looked like it needed some love and we always said, ‘one day’. Then the sign went up and we didn’t hesitate. We have absolutely loved it here.”
While the couple have kept the coastal bach feel, the interiors have been given a major makeover.
“Turns out it needed more than love, it needed CPR, so now it’s very modern on the inside. We kept the existing footprint but changed around the rooms inside and then removed lots of the bricks and put lots of glass in, which these views deserve.”
The three-bedroom home faces directly out to the sea and maximises every facet of the coastal landscape. Photo / Supplied
The open-plan living, kitchen and dining space opens out to new decks, which step down to the flat lawns and straight onto the sand. Photo / Supplied
The three-bedroom home faces directly out to the sea and maximises every facet of the coastal landscape. Its easy, adaptable floor plan works for all stages of life and incorporates two bathrooms, a flexible multipurpose room (perfect as a private office, guest suite or media lounge) and separate, dedicated games room.
The open-plan living, kitchen and dining space has full-height double and triple sliding doors that open out to new decks, which step down to the flat lawns and straight onto the sand. There is also off-street parking for up to four vehicles.
The location is perfection, right at the very heart of the buzzy seaside township. “We love Orewa. We probably have around 25 restaurants and cafes within a five-minute walk from the front door.”
A reluctant move is now on the cards.
“Every single person that walks in says, ‘oh this is amazing, how can you sell this?’ The plan was to stay a lot longer but a sad change in circumstance means we need to spend more time in Europe with our family.”
Ross and Shelley were thrilled to find the best support possible to sell their beloved property and a team that shared his vision for the Dutch auction.
“I had to find an auctioneer and agency who were onboard with my madness and who would humour me. From the first moment, Tim and Jenna’s eyes lit up and they said ‘yeah, we get this,’ so I am grateful for their enthusiasm and forward thinking.
The vendors says that when they bought the property it was neglected and needed more than just love, it needed CPR. Photo / Supplied
The vendors had to look for an auctioneer and agency that was onboard with their plans to hold a Dutch auction for their beachfront property. Photo / Supplied
“Our auctioneer Andrew North embraced the spirit of it too, so we’re hoping that we get a very busy room and a bit of excitement.”
Salesperson Jenna Glatt, from Harcourts, says it’s an interesting concept that flips tradition on its head.
“With the price starting high and dropping until one buyer steps in, it creates urgency, transparency, and a bold point of difference in the marketplace. The property has so much going for it. You’re right on Orewa Beach, which I personally feel is the best beach in Auckland. I might be biased because I’m a Coastie.
“The renovation is spectacular, it’s brought the property up to such a high calibre. It could also be purchased as a luxury weekend getaway for someone who was based cityside.”
She says that exciting potential also lies in its dual zoning under the Business Town Centre designation.
“Someone’s going to be able to see opportunity for a luxury lifestyle and perhaps transform it into something else in the future.”
305 Hibiscus Coast Highway in Orewa, Rodney, is on the market for sale by way of auction, on September 20.
- Sponsored by Harcourts
