Bid ends long hunt

RESULT SURPRISES VENDORS, AGENT

A YOUNG Melbourne family has turned its house hunting fortunes around with a successful bid at a hotly contested Belmont auction.

The fierce competition and $787,000 price tag for 10 Brocka Ave took everyone by surprise at the auction on Saturday.

Price expectations for the renovated three-bedroom house had been $650,000 to $690,000.

David and Colleen Ibbotson were overcome with emotion after securing the keys following a seven-month search for a family home in Geelong.

“Where are we going to put the Christmas tree?” Mrs Ibbotson said.

The couple, who have a four-year-old daughter, Eva, had bid at several previous auctions in Belmont only to walk away disappointed.

But they were taking no chances this time, with a confident opening bid of $712,000 immediately hitting a mark above the reserve.

Three other parties joined the fray, before Mr Ibbotson re-entered the bidding at $785,000.

“It was just the quality of the renovation and the building inspector said he hadn’t seen many like that,” he said of the property.

Buxton, Highton, agent David Gray said the vendors were also in shock after the hammer came down.

“It was an incredible result — and it was a surprise,” Mr Gray said.

“We knew we had competition but it just goes to show that anything can happen at auction.”

He said it reflected the quality of the renovation and the location in a prized street. Star Trek icon