Katie Williams and Bryce Morley of Williams Morley Real Estate guided a local multi-generational family to secure a five-bedroom Berowra Heights home for $2.2 million, following a strategic six-week auction campaign designed to give serious buyers time to prepare and compete.
Strategic timeline creates opportunity
Katie Williams and Bryce Morley approached 79 Wyanna Street with a deliberate plan: a six-week auction campaign, longer than the typical four weeks, designed to accommodate the reality of higher-value sales.
“It was a very special property which showcased some of the best views in the area — water views out across the valley,” Bryce explains. “Understanding that a higher value sale price means that sometimes people need to either sell a property before being able to buy or potentially need to get their finances in order, we wanted to give them that time.”
As part of the preparation phase, Katie worked closely with the vendors on presentation, overseeing the photo and video process and ensuring the home was positioned strongly from the first inspection.
The beautifully renovated five-bedroom house had been configured with multi-generational living in mind — exactly what the successful purchasers, a local North Shore family, were seeking.
First impression: 35 groups through the door
The opening weekend validated the approach immediately. Thirty-five groups attended the first inspection, with subsequent Saturday opens averaging 15 to 20 groups each week.
“Many neighbours as well as buyers came through because it was such a unique property,” Bryce says. “Throughout the campaign, we did have good interest, with buyers responding strongly to the property’s standout features, the renovations and the view.”
Buyers consistently stopped on the balcony, taking in the outlook that greeted them immediately upon entry. The renovation quality drew questions too — groups asked who had completed the work, seeking ideas for their own properties.
Throughout the campaign, buyer engagement built steadily, with multiple parties requesting contracts and two registering to bid on auction day. One made a pre-auction offer.
Throughout the process, Katie maintained consistent communication with buyers to build trust and momentum, while Bryce focused on progressing key negotiations and managing competitive tension as interest strengthened.
Auction day: $150,000 jump secures the home
The successful purchaser had been a standout throughout the campaign. When bidding opened, they made an offer that immediately surpassed what the other registered bidder was prepared to pay.
On the day, the team worked closely together — with Bryce leading negotiations and Katie supporting both buyers and vendors to maintain confidence and keep the process moving.
Bryce worked with the leading bidder during the auction to bridge the gap between their opening position and the vendors’ expectations — a negotiation that resulted in a $150,000 increase from their initial bid.
Securing a $150,000 increase from the opening bid demonstrated the strength of buyer commitment on the day and the competitive framework created by the auction process.
“The negotiations on the day were tough,” Bryce recalls. “We really pushed the unique features of this home, talked about the recent comparable sales with the buyer, as well as really understanding their situation and what sort of budget they were able to spend.”
The family had been searching for space — room for parents to host grandchildren, for large family dinners and multi-generational gatherings. The property’s layout, combined with the view, the quiet location, and proximity to Berowra Waters and rail access, answered that brief completely.
What the campaign reveals about local demand
Berowra Heights sits within the Hornsby Shire region on Sydney’s North Shore, attracting buyers seeking larger family homes with natural outlooks. The suburb’s proximity to Berowra Waters, local shops and rail access positions it as a lifestyle choice for families wanting space without sacrificing convenience.
The campaign confirmed strong appetite for renovated homes with standout features in the area. Katie and Bryce note that local buyers within Hornsby Shire and Berowra Heights specifically come out whenever a property with views becomes available, assessing whether it suits their needs for something larger or with better outlooks.
The result was achieved during a period of broader interest rate uncertainty across Sydney, which had contributed to more cautious buyer behaviour in some segments of the market.
“Lots of very local people from Berowra and Berowra Heights — whenever a special property like that comes up with the views, they’re always coming out to get a feel for whether it could potentially suit them,” Bryce says.
The forward view
For vendors considering a sale in the area, Katie and Bryce’s advice centres on urgency and emotional engagement.
“Generating the urgency using an auction deadline absolutely helped with this property because it’s so unique,” Bryce explains. “You do have a lot of people that respond emotionally to properties of this nature. It’s all about staying in contact with buyers and learning as much as possible from them.”
The vendors achieved a result they were thrilled with — enabling their next purchase — and saw their home go to a family who would appreciate the work they had invested.
About the Agents
Katie Williams and Bryce Morley are Directors of Williams Morley Real Estate. Together, they bring decades of experience across Sydney’s Upper and Lower North Shore.
Katie has more than 20 years in real estate, including the past seven years specialising in Berowra and the Upper North Shore. Known for clear advice, strong negotiation and an ability to read buyer behaviour, she focuses on creating competition and keeping campaigns moving to secure decisive outcomes for her clients.
Bryce entered the property industry in 2012 and, as a long-time Mount Colah resident, brings strong local market knowledge and experience across property preparation, marketing and negotiation throughout the Hornsby region.
Across the Hornsby Shire, their focus remains on considered campaign strategy and consistent buyer engagement to achieve competitive outcomes.
Visit their website for more information or call Katie on 0456896001 or Bryce on 0433202890.