Canberra auction clearance rate down as Mr Fluffy blocks still possibly contaminated

The former Mr Fluffy, ACT asbestos land blocks that went under the hammer last Thursday in the first mass auction of the year, mostly failed to sell.

Allhomes reported at least 100 people attended the auction of the blocks remediated by the ACT government.

The auction came two days after a Canberra family revealed they'd uncovered bricks that tested positive for loose-fill asbestos on a $1.6 million block they'd bought at auction last year which has since had delayed work costs.

The first 21 blocks auctioned off saw more than 80% passed in, The Canberra Times reported.

Properties included a 2099 square metre block in Arthur Circle, Forrest which was passed in at $2.2 million.

Colliers International auctioneer Dan McAlpine read disclaimers that preceded the auction including a clause that stated: "By participating in the auction, registrants warrant that they have made their own inquiries regarding the land, its value and its suitability for development and have not bid on reliance on the material included in the auction documentation."

But there was no mention of the risk of residual contamination.

Suburban Land ACT auctions hosted by Colliers International are scheduled for March, April and May, which will see about 200 parcels of land offered.