A 1970s time capsule
A NEWCOMB house that appears like it has come straight out of the 1970s is expected to sell for around $500,000 at auction this month.
The three-bedroom house at 22 Wilton Ave is described as the original article by listing agent James Wilson.
It showcases the era’s trademarks, like a sunken lounge with a bold red carpet and a bar complete with bright red tiles. Even the small details — like the original taps and kitchen cabinet door handles and the St George wall oven — are telling, while the bold geometric pattern in the bathroom is a sight to behold.
“It was built in 1974, the same year that I was born,” Mr Wilson said.
“It’s proper 1970s. It really is something that someone can come in and carpet, paint and have a really functional house.
“It’s in good order and it’s been well kept but it hasn’t been updated.”
Mr Wilson said the property had attracted interest from investors and first- and second-home buyers.
“There’s been a surge in recognition of Newcomb, that it’s so close to the city and well served by Bellarine Village and the shops at Watsons Rd and obviously the CBD,” he said.
“It seems a lot of investors or buyer’s advocates have expressed a real desire for that established part of Newcomb.”
House prices in the eastern suburb have surged 22 per cent this year, with the median house price now Median Capital Days on price growth market East Geelong $610K 9.4% 29 Newcomb $383K 22.4% 19 St Albans Pk $380K 14.8% 22 Thomson $368K 14.2% 36 Whittington $322K 14.8% 16 Suburb $382,500, according to CoreLogic data.
A renovation is planned for a three-bedroom Art Deco house on Boundary Rd after sellers accepted an offer well over their asking price.
Buxton, East Geelong agent Donna Buckingham said the brick veneer house, which also had many original features including the kitchen, attracted six offers and had sold to a Melbourne buyer. Ms Buckingham said the sale price was well above the $425,000 top end of the price range for 151 Boundary Rd.
But she said the level of interest was indicative of the demand from homebuyers and investors for Newcomb, where available properties are also in short supply.
“It used to be that 10-12 properties were available in Newcomb at any one time. There’s still not that amount available,” Ms Buckingham said. “Everyone is fighting for the one property.”
She said two new listings in Pitman St and Brayshay Rd had been well received, with more than 10 groups attending midweek inspections.