The only buyer who was willing to place a bid has nonetheless snapped up an "extensive renovation" project at Corrimal.
The home at 19 Annie Street, Corrimal sold at auction for $930,000.
The four-bedroom, original fibro clad cottage sits on 567 square metres.
Read more: 'A huge drawcard': buyers battle for '70s Shellharbour home
The marketing noted that the existing dwelling "has definitely seen better days" - a notion reinforced by the accompanying images - but the property also has a 13.5-metre frontage.
Selling agent, Cristian Cignarella from The Agency Illawarra said there were four registered bidders, although only one actively participated.
They placed five bids in total, as negotiations took place under the hammer.
"It's a knockdown-rebuild or extensive renovation, in a good location on a good-sized block," Mr Cignarella said.
Mr Cignarella said the property was snapped up by Illawarra-based first home buyers, who planned to renovate.
"It definitely needs some TLC," he said.
According to CoreLogic, currently the median sales price of houses in Corrimal is $1.145 million.
According to CoreLogic's preliminary results for the week ending November 3, in the Illawarra there was a clearance rate of 50 per cent across 14 auctions.
Meanwhile, a large family home in Wollongong's northern suburbs has sold for above the reserve price.
The home, located at 23 Forestview Way, Woonona fetched $1.575 million.
The four-bedroom home features three living areas plus a home office, alfresco entertaining and solar panels.
Selling agent, Aaron Dean from Stone Real Estate Illawarra said there were a handful of bids placed, with the home ultimately sold to an Illawarra-based buyer.
"They were looking for a large family home... They're originally from Sydney, and have been renting here," he said.
"Some Sydney buyers like to rent first to get a feel for the area."
According to CoreLogic, currently the median sales price of houses in Woonona is $1.42 million.
