Bids fly for renovated bungalow

A RENOVATED california bungalow next door to a primary school in Geelong West has sold for $991,500 at auction on Saturday.

Hodges, Geelong West agent Jeff Begg (pictured below, left, with auctioneer Marcus Falconer) said price hopes for 39 Britannia St had been in the high $800,000s.

But competitive bidding from several local and Melbourne parties keen to secure a prized position close to Pakington St pushed the price just short of the $1 million mark.

It came down to bids of $200 and $300 before the buyers, from Williamstown, eventually got their prize — a four-bedroom character house on 541sq m of land. Mr Begg said they planned to relocate. “They were attracted to the property because it was a great, big family home and close to St Patrick’s, which is a bonus,” he said.

The house had been extended to include two living areas, a formal loungeroom and classically styled open-plan living area overlooking the landscaped back garden, two bathrooms and study over two levels

GEELONG WEST

AN outside laundry and tired appearance was no deterrent for a buyer who paid $150,000 above reserve for a renovator’s delight in Geelong West.

The latecomer to the bidding bought 24 Potter St for $765,000 at an action-packed auction on Saturday.

Hayeswinckle, Highton agent Michelle Winckle said it was an amazing result as the property was “completely in need of renovation” and the reserve was set at $615,000.

She said the hammer was about to come down on a bid of $680,000 when the successful purchaser entered the fray just before the third and final call.

“In under one minute it went from $680,000 to $765,000,” Ms Winckle said. “It was the quickest thing, with $5000 bids.” She said two parties were battling it out until the unsuccessful bidder literally “ran away” to attend another auction when the property hit the $760,000 mark.

The local buyer will use the three-bedroom california bungalow as an investment.

Ms Winckle said the key attractions were the 489sq m north-facing block with dual street access and the house’s period character.

EAST GEELONG

PRICE expectations were blown out of the water at the weekend auction of a renovated weatherboard house in East Geelong.

Local buyers secured the three-bedroom house on a 589sq m block at 111 Carr St (pictured below) for $651,000.

The price range for the property had been between $565,000 and $619,000.

Buxton, Highton agent David Gray said five parties, including three from Melbourne, were in the running, with the strong competition driving up the winning bid.

“It fell into the hands of someone local,” Mr Gray said.

“They are looking to move into the property, they live in the area.”

An extension to the house embraced its original character features and provided a rear, open-plan living area with french doors onto a north-facing entertainment area and backyard.

HIGHTON

A YOUNG Geelong buyer has snapped up a Highton property in a prized location close to shops and the ring road at auction.

Competitive bidding saw the three-bedroom house at 17 Helena St (pictured above) sell for $686,000 on Saturday. Price expectations were $600,000. Garland Property, Geelong agent Seka Powell said the buyer beat a young local couple to secure his first property in Geelong.

The house, on 668sq m of land, has openplan living, two bathrooms, a double garage and a deck overlooking the landscaped backyard.

“It really appealed to a number of people between 30 and 40 (years of age), young professional couples,” Ms Powell said.