Buyers in seventh heaven
Belmont reno fetches $837k
A smart renovation to a character weatherboard house in Belmont sparked plenty of interest from hopeful buyers at auction.
Five bidders contested the three-bedroom Allitt Ave house, which was declared on the market after the second bid reached the top of the $690,000 to $750,000 range.
Seven seemed to be a lucky number at Saturday’s auction, with the opening bidder keen on making offers ending in seven – opening for $727,000 – a theme several other people also tried.
The competition soon got past bids ending in odd numbers as several parties tried to shake off their rivals to secure the 580sq m corner property.
But the price returned to the trend, with Barry Plant Highton auctioneer Matthew Hunt knocking down the property for $837,000.
Mr Hunt said it was a home that was move-in ready, with an entertainment area that offered a second living space for winter and summer.
The garage also drew a lot of buyers to the home, which also featured a contemporary bathroom and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen among the modern features.
“The garage certainly also ticks all the boxes, it’s certainly offering plenty of off-street parking, but the home is movein ready, it’s got a homely feel about it,” Mr Hunt said.
Buyers David and Michele Ericksen were already renting in Belmont after selling their 13-year old spec home in Melbourne.
“We’re downsizing. The kids have left home and we’re looking for something of a different lifestyle.
“It’s a bit more relaxed and we’ve always liked Geelong, so we want to live here.”
Mr Ericksen said the couple loved Belmont.
“We like the side of the river and Belmont has got a nice feel to it.
“We got a feel for the market and once we sold we sort of really jumped in.”
Allitt Ave has a good recent record for strong sales, with the previous three houses to sell in the past 12 months achieving $707,000 to $780,000.
PropTrack data shows Belmont’s $710,000 median house price had risen 27 per cent in three years.