Five bidders push renovated Belmont home $90K over reserve

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.

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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 was also a draw for 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 move-in ready, it’s got a homely feel about it,” Mr Hunt said.

Buyers David and Michele Ericksen were already renting in Belmont after selling up 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 it’s move-in ready.

“We love Belmont. We like the side of the river and Belmont has got a nice feel to it.”

The buyers have been looking for their next home on and off for about 10 months, getting more serious recently after selling up.

“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 records showing the previous three houses to sell within the past 12 months achieving between $707,000 and $780,000.

PropTrack data shows Belmont’s $710,000 median house price had risen 27 per cent in three years.