Secretly Buying the House Next Door (and Winning at Auction)
Every so often, a property comes up that isn’t just a listing—it’s life changing. For my clients, it was the house right next door. They love their street, their neighbours, their lifestyle, and this was one of those once-in-a-lifetime chances to lock in future flexibility for their family.
But here’s the tricky bit: if the sellers knew the buyer was the neighbour, emotions could’ve sent the price sky-high. That “neighbour premium” is very real.
So the brief was simple:
Keep their identity quiet.
Complete our due diligence as quick as possible and then "lose interest".
Fly under the radar.
Stick to fair value (not sentimental value).
Play the auction smart.
The auction (play‑by‑play)
Four registered bidders (one on the phone).
Early bids stepped up quickly: $1,500,000 → $1,600,000 → $1,655,000.
We controlled tempo with smaller increments up to $1,700,000, signalling restraint while keeping pressure on the phone bidder, who began hesitating with $1,000 steps.
Hammer down at $1,725,000—right in the middle of our fair‑value range.
Why it worked
Auctions aren’t always won with deep pockets; they’re won with planning and psychology. Timing, tempo, knowing when to push and when to pause—that’s what shifts the balance.
Lessons you can steal
Know your ceiling before you arrive. Emotions are expensive.
Match your bidding style to your story. Calm, small steps can send a clear message.
Anonymity matters. Especially with neighbours, landlords, or family.
Plan, don’t improvise. Registration timing and increments aren’t just details—they’re tactics.
For my clients, this was a once-in-a-lifetime win. For me, it was $825 well spent on strategy that saved them tens of thousands.
If you’ve got an auction coming up and want someone in your corner, reply to this email or give me a buzz. I’d love to help you get the result without the stress.
