Jason Brennan from LJ Hooker – Nelson Bay has secured $1.45 million for a four-bedroom house at 8 Campbell Avenue in Anna Bay, using strategic holiday timing to capture coastal buyer traffic.
The Christmas window strategy
Jason Brennan listed the four-bedroom house just before Christmas as “Coming Soon” and held off the Auction Campaign until after the holiday period. The timing was calculated to spark interest from the wave of visitors who flow through coastal Anna Bay during the summer break.
“We wanted to have it listed just before Christmas, but we didn’t set the auction date until after Christmas,” Jason said.
“Being a coastal area, we have lots of visitors over the Christmas break.”
The approach worked. The campaign generated more than 70 inquiries and 23 physical inspections as buyers responded to the beachside location and renovation potential.
Honest positioning attracts the right buyer
The house needed work, and Jason made no attempt to hide it. Rather than positioning the property as move-in ready, he framed it as a renovation opportunity from the outset — a strategy the vendors fully supported.
“We positioned it more as a renovation opportunity,” Jason said.
“The vendors were very supportive of the approach. They understood that being honest about the condition would attract the right buyer — someone who saw the potential rather than being put off by the work needed.”
At inspections, buyers consistently commented on the property’s location strength. The work required was understood, but the proximity to Birubi Beach and the level 607-square-metre block were the drawcards.
The auction dynamic
Five parties showed serious interest during the campaign, but only two registered to bid on auction day. The bidding opened and moved through approximately five bids before reaching the reserve.
One bidder dropped out early in the process. Jason then placed a strategic vendor bid at a substantially higher level, which revealed that one party couldn’t continue at that price point. The remaining bidder kept going.
“There was a vendor bid that was made, which was substantially higher, which one of the parties wasn’t going to be able to go to,” Jason said.
“But the other party continued from there.”
The property sold for $1.45 million. The vendors, who had been confident throughout the process, were pleased with the outcome.
A coastal location lesson
Anna Bay’s proximity to Birubi Beach — just 250 metres from 8 Campbell Avenue — positions it as a sought-after coastal address within Port Stephens. The relaxed beachside character attracts families, holiday home buyers and renovators looking for coastal lifestyle within the region.
For vendors considering selling a property that needs work in Anna Bay, Jason’s advice is straightforward.
“Trust the process,” he said.
“Properties in good locations will achieve good results.”
About the Agent
Jason Brennan this year celebrates 30 years with LJ Hooker selling Real Estate in Nelson Bay, specialising in prestige coastal sales, land subdivisions and residential developments across the Tomaree Peninsula. A multi-award winner, Jason was inducted as an Admiral in the LJ Hooker network and is recognised in the top 1% of agents across the network. Visit Jason’s website for more information or call Jason on 0419691377.