Real Estate auction blog: Livestreams and rolling updates from Melbourne’s auction market
A heritage Abbotsford home once owned by Sir Keith Murdoch’s boss and former politician Theodore Fink flew $130,000 above reserve. REPLAY AUCTIONS AND SEE ALL THE RESULTS.
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Auctions were off to a slow start on the first Saturday of July as Melbourne’s real estate agents suspected buyers were either staying indoors or off on a sunny vacation.
But the auction market wasn’t all doom and gloom.
A 135-year-old Abbotsford house once owned by Sir Keith Murdoch’s boss sold for $1.28m under the hammer — an impressive $130,000 over reserve.
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Four bidders competed for the heritage-listed pad at 20 Lulie St in a fast paced, competitive auction at midday on Saturday.
A first-home buyer couple from Melbourne’s south won the keys after placing an offer that knocked the vendor’s $1.15m reserve — and the other bidders — out of the park.
Nelson Alexander Fitzroy agent David Sanguinedo led the sale and said there were about 75 spectators in the crowd.
“The reserve was at the top end of the range, however it raced past it,” Mr Sanguinedo said.
“It was actually a really competitive auction.”
The home’s former occupant, Theodore Fink, was responsible for hiring press magnate Rupert Murdoch’s father Sir Keith as editor of The Herald in 1921.
It forms part of a row of single-fronted terraced dwellings known as Winifred Terraces, named after Mr Fink’s youngest daughter Wininifried Marjory.
In addition to his work in the press, Mr Fink also had a successful political career as a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Jolimont and West Richmond — a seat he held for 10 years — and was president of the Victorian Football Association in the 1890s before it became the VFL.
The property originally had a $1.05m-$1.15m price tag and was one of about 590 properties that the Real Estate Institute of Victoria predicted would go under the hammer this week.
In Ferntree Gully, a three-bedroom house sold for $60,000 above the reserve after it was listed with an $820,000-$900,000 asking price.
Five bidders competed in the fast-paced auction for the charming brick home at 75 Sergata Circuit, before it sold for $960,000.
Ray White Ferntree Gully agent Jack Rickard said the property was owned by the vendor’s now deceased parents for 40 years, making it “a bit of an emotional sale”.
“There were mixed emotions with the sellers, (but) it was such a great result for an unrenovated home,” Mr Rickard said.
The successful offer was placed by first-home buyers who planned to move into the three-bedroom pad.
“Location was a key factor in the interest as it’s a great area with not a huge turnover of properties in that pocket, so they are highly sought after,” Mr Rickard added.
It comes after more than 80 groups inspected the home over its campaign.
20 MARRIOTT PDE, GLEN WAVERLEY
A four-bedroom family home in Glen Waverley shot $210,000 above reserve on Saturday afternoon, selling for a whopping $2.41m.
Harcourts Judd White chief executive and auctioneer Dexter Prack called the auction for 20 Marriott Pde, which attracted five competitive bidders.
A buyer from Glen Iris won the keys and plans to live there for a few years before building a new home on the block.
Harcourts agent Julie Wells had the initial $2m-$2.2m listing.
18 LAVIDGE RD, ASHWOOD
Over in Ashwood, a “sensational” sale was achieved for a two-bedroom weatherboard house that attracted five bidders at its Saturday morning auction.
The 18 Lavidge Rd pad scored its vendors a whopping $166,000 premium on their reserve after selling for $1.566m.
Ray White Ashwood agent Philipson Sillah said there was “aggressive bidding” at the auction, which opened with a $1.1m offer.
Bids then rose in $50,000 increments until the 736.9sq m property was called on the market at $1.4m.
Mr Sillah said the successful buyer was a family looking to knock down the existing home and build their dream home in its place.
“There was really strong demand considering we only had a two week campaign,” he added.
“We even had a buyer bidding online from overseas.”
The property was initially listed with a $1.35m-$1.45m price tag.
LEETER’S EX-PAD BEATS AUCTION RUSH
A two-bedroom house once home to renowned Collingwood footballer Albert ‘Leeter’ Collier didn’t make it to its Saturday auction after a strong early offer sealed the deal.
The 178 Keele St, Collingwood, pad was initially listed with a $920,000-$980,000 price guide before a young investor couple pulled it from the market for $990,000.
McGrath Northcote principal Gino De lesi led the sale and said he had received interest from numerous parties, however the vendor was pleased with the final offer.
The stylish home has been renovated in recent years and features a glamorous kitchen with sleek cabinetry and glass splashbacks.
Period features also still remain throughout including vaulted ceilings with intricate rosettes, an arched hallway and the original mantled fireplace.
The property is known as Leeter after its former owner-occupier.
HOT MIDWEEK AUCTIONS IN TAYLORS HILL
Two strong sales were achieved in Taylors Hill during the week, both led by Ray White Taylors Lakes agent George Skizas.
A four-bedroom house at 14 Rushcutters Place sold for a mega $1.24m after five competitive bidders pushed offers $90,000 over reserve on Wednesday night.
The 655sq m property is located in a family-friendly area close to schools, shopping centres, parks, and public transport options.
Meanwhile, Mr Skizas sold another four-bedroom house nearby at 10 George St, also on Wednesday evening.
The 713sq m property attracted five bidders and flew $67,000 above the reserve to reach a $987,000 sale.
Both in-room auctions took place at the Taylors Lakes Hotel.
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