The CBD real estate sales were something of a bonanza for agent Peter Mylonas, who has reported growing interest from international clients.

The top price was $855,000 plus GST for the former State Bank building in Auburn St, more recently housing an antique shop.

Offers started at $600,000, with four registered players. It progressed to a “bidding war” between two Chinese buyers from Sydney, Mr Mylonas said. Eventually the three-level, 680sqm building sold substantially above the $780,000 reserve. “We were rapt," Mr Mylonas said. 

Owner Ross Lyall, who now runs an antique and second hand furniture store at Yass, was also over the moon. Two months ago another agent recommended he take a $590,000 offer, but instead he opted for auction.

Mr Mylonas said he didn’t know the buyer’s plans for the building, “but I do know they’ll be buying more property in Goulburn, as will the under-bidder,” he said.

“In Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong they are talking about Goulburn as a place for investment. The opportunities in Sydney are getting harder and with the planned airport at Badgerys Creek and expansion of Canberra airport, Goulburn is seen as a natural place to invest with its great lifestyle and affordability.”

Several weeks ago he fielded a call from Chinese interests who told him they wanted to buy a property “worth no less than $10 million” in or around Goulburn. Mr Mylonas said it was unusual to receive these types of enquiries and it was having a roll-on effect with smaller buyers.

Indian, Lebanese and other nationalities were also showing strong interest in the city. Recently, Fairfield representatives of the Iraq Chamber of Commerce contacted him about buying a rural subdivision at Brayton Rd, Marulan.

Meantime, two shops in southern Auburn St fetched $1m on the same day. The premises, at 103 and 105 Auburn St, were also offered by Peter Mylonas Property Solutions.

A Sydney man now living in Goulburn bought the latter for $581,000. The shop is currently leased to Goulburn Locksmithing and includes three upstairs units. The buyer is also purchasing 103 Auburn St, formerly occupied by a chicken shop, for $420,000.

With Aldi’s expansion next door, Mr Mylonas hopes the sales will rejuvenate the southern block.

Elsewhere in the CBD, negotiations are underway to sell 53 Bradley St. The 500 sqm property, near the Auburn St intersection, was passed in at Saturday’s auction at the Goulburn Club. 

Around the corner at 448 Auburn St, a federation-style home currently occupied by a disability services provider fetched $535,000. It includes a 600sqm block. The lease will continue.

Mr Mylonas picked up another three CBD to sell, including the former Lunchbox on Main cafe in Auburn St.

“The commercial sector is starting to pick up,” he said.

“There’s a lot more interest and the buyers are definitely coming in, although the Sydney market is slowing. People are getting value for money and can see the future growth of Goulburn.”

He believed locals were picking up on this sentiment by sprucing up pubs, restaurants and cafes and establishing new eateries.