Incredible professionalism and the hardest working team in the Newcastle area. They are truly a cut above the rest and really know their stuff!
We take the stress, fear, and confusion out of auctions, and achieve better results, with our unique Friendly Auction System.
Friendly Auction is a unique selling system designed by Mark Kentwell to make auctions fairer and more effective for everyone involved. It doesn’t just shift the tone of auction campaigns, it reshapes the entire playing field. A smarter strategy for sellers seeking strong competition, serious buyers, and the flexibility to adjust mid-campaign if needed, Friendly Auction isn’t just a nicer way to sell; it’s a modern approach with real impact.
Free access to reports, flexible conditions, pre-auction support, and expert advice, so you can bid confidently.
More buyers, less friction, and better prices through open, honest competition. Sit back and let the system work.
More qualified buyers, faster time on market, and a more collaborative and supportive sales process. Everyone wins!
We have a regular fortnightly cycle of Friendly Auctions. These are the properties going under the hammer next.
Tune in and watch Presence and Friendly Auction founder, Mark Kentwell, explain how our bespoke system was created and why it delivers better results across more than 20 major local auction events annually, each featuring multiple properties.
The best measure of our work isn’t what we say, it’s what our clients share. Here are some of their stories.
Incredible professionalism and the hardest working team in the Newcastle area. They are truly a cut above the rest and really know their stuff!
I had Paula Ashcroft sell my apartment in Charlestown and she was outstanding. Considering I don’t live in Newcastle myself, the professionalism that Paula gave me was next level, they kept me up to date throughout the whole process and couldn’t have made it more seamless for me. They provided advice that worked, and got me a great result in the end. I’ve used other agents before and wouldn’t go with anyone else now. Couldn’t recommend them enough.
Excellent service and understanding of all facets of property management and beyond. As an owner/investor Presence guidance and Insight to the market has been second to none. Best in the business and highly recommend for any real estate needs.
An absolutely exceptional experience with Presence Real Estate! I cannot speak highly enough of the entire team at Presence Real Estate. From every interaction, it’s clear they are a group of truly amazing and dedicated professionals who genuinely care about their clients and their community.
I cannot rate this agency highly enough. I own a relocation company and assist people moving to Newcastle from overseas. Every single person I have dealt with in this agency has bent over backwards to streamline the processes for my clients (and for me), so thank you and I look forward to working with you more.
I honestly don’t have enough words for the care and kindness Shaylee Dean showed me. I was going through a difficult time, with lots of uncertainty and changeable goals, and she gently walked alongside me through it all. When I thought I might move cities, she even arranged a rental appraisal for my property; not because she had to, but because she genuinely wanted to support me and provide me with options and a back up plan if the move failed.
Talk to our auction expert to find out more.
A Friendly Auction is our modern approach to auctions. It keeps the urgency and competitive spirit that deliver strong results for sellers, but removes the stress, confusion, and barriers that often discourage buyers. With free reports, flexible conditions, and expert guidance, buyers are better prepared to bid, and sellers benefit from more competition and higher confidence in the result.
Most Friendly Auctions are held onsite at our office:
Presence HQ
2/16 Telford Street, Newcastle East
(Earp Gillam Bond Building, Level 2).
For access, enter via Bond Street and head into the main foyer.
Pre-registration is simple and strongly encouraged. Here’s how it works:
Pre-registrations are important because they give you priority in case of pre-auction negotiations or changes, ensure all your conditions are noted and approved before auction day, and keep the process fair and transparent for everyone involved.
Yes. You can bid over the phone or appoint someone to bid on your behalf by signing the appropriate Authority to Bid.
The standard deposit is 10%, but flexibility is available in some cases (for example, 5% if approved by the vendor). Options include:
As part of our Friendly Auction System, buyers receive access to:
These reports are available at no charge, helping buyers make informed decisions with confidence.
Our auctions are conducted by Damien Cooley, one of the most awarded auctioneers in Australia. Having been involved with over 30,000 auctions and $30 billion in sales, Damien brings unmatched expertise, energy, and professionalism to every event, giving sellers confidence and buyers a fair, transparent process.
A vendor bid is a bid made on behalf of the seller. It is always announced clearly by the auctioneer and used only to help start the bidding or keep the auction moving. It can never exceed the reserve price. Vendor bids are part of a transparent and legally compliant process that ensures momentum without misleading buyers.
Yes. We have a panel of accredited solicitors and conveyancers who are proactive, available after hours, and willing to review contracts at no charge if you don’t proceed with a purchase. They are selected for their reputation, reasonable pricing, and willingness to work closely with both buyers and sellers to make the process smoother.
Our current panel includes:
Yes. Our panel of accredited pest and building inspectors are carefully chosen for their reliability, reasonable pricing, and the added benefit of transferring warranties to the successful buyer. This ensures you have confidence in the reports provided, with the same protections as if you had ordered them yourself.
DEFT Auction Pay is a secure, cheque-free way to pay your deposit electronically on auction day. Payments are made instantly into our trust account, offering both speed and security without the need to bring a cheque.
A Flexi Deposit Bond allows you to secure a property without paying the full cash deposit upfront. Valid for six months, it can be used across multiple auctions and only requires payment once you successfully purchase a property. Buyers simply provide the contract of sale, complete a quick form, and pay the fee when they win. It’s flexible, fair, and designed to make bidding more accessible.
Sellers choose Friendly Auctions because they attract more qualified buyers, create a fair and transparent environment that drives confidence, increase competitive bidding (often leading to better prices), and deliver exceptional results while reducing stress for everyone involved.
Do you have questions? Our team will walk you through every step, no pressure. Whether you’re bidding or just exploring, we’re here to help.
Whether you’re selling, buying or just curious, talk to us about Friendly Auction.
See a picture of your property’s value. No stress, no appointments, just the numbers, and full transparency about how we got them.
