It was a mixture of nerves and bravado that got young couple Michelle and Michael Sayers through their first auction.

“We’ve never done this before,” Mrs Sayers said after securing the keys to her new home. “My heart was boom-boom-boom-boom-boom, but we got there.”

Husband Michael’s bidding technique gave nothing away – from early on in the auction for 6 Augustus Street, he never hesitated to place bold bids to lock down a home for his son and second, unborn, child.

Michelle and Michael Sayers with their son. Photo: Jim Malo

“Short and sharp is the way, they say it adds intimidation,” Mr Sayers said. “Don’t hesitate with your dollars even though you know what your cap is anyway.”

A phone bidder kicked off the auction for the three-bedroom home at $600,000, as Mr Sayers and one other bidder joined the fight. After a pause at $737,000, a new bidder raised the price to $750,000, which Mr Sayers quickly outbid, eventually securing the house for $754,000.

“We didn’t think anyone else was going to bid and they just came in at the end,” Mrs Sayers said.

6 Augustus Street, Corinda. Photo: Supplied

But the young family just could not let the property slip between their fingers. “It was definitely the location and it’s been renovated beautifully,” Mrs Sayers said. “It’s got a lot of character and the feel.”

Place Estate Graceville agent Paul Eaton said the renovation added to the cottage’s appeal.

“It’s been exquisitely renovated, beautifully renovated,” he said. “In a perfect world you’d have an ensuite but there’s been great feedback about the renovation otherwise.”

Peter Burgin hoplding the auction for 6 Augustus Street, Corinda. Photo: Jim Malo

Houses in the middle price range in the area stretching from Chelmer to Oxley were becoming increasingly rare, Mr Eaton said.

“Getting anything like this, an older style home that’s been renovated on a smaller block like this at this price point, a lot of people have been saying to me it’s hard to price because there’s not a lot like it.”

He said the Sayers would find themselves welcomed into a tight knit community. “Lots of people have lived in the area for years because they love it so much.”

The Sayers moved from nearby Graceville, where they had just sold a two-bedroom home.