Auctioneer David Gray called bids at 17 Brocka Ave, Belmont, on Wednesday. It was one of the last in-person auctions before Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions came into force. Picture: Glenn Ferguson
More than a dozen potential buyers took part in the last in-person auctions in Geelong for at least six weeks as three houses were snapped up on Wednesday night.
Two sold under the hammer — one beating reserve by $98,000 — while the third passed in, but sold immediately after.
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Real estate agents rushed to beat the Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions, which moves auctions online in regional Victoria.
Three online auctions are scheduled in Geelong on Saturday.
Buyers Chaille Breuer and Cam Atkins listened on the phone as Mr Atkins’ Belmont father bid for 17 Brocka Ave, Belmont.
The couple, who have one child, will relocate from a western Melbourne residence (which they now need to sell) to the renovated four-bedroom house after bidding $807,000.
There is still inquiry coming through even since Sunday’s announcement, Buxton agent David Gray said. Picture: Glenn Ferguson
Ms Breuer said her husband had been working from home during the pandemic, prompting their decision to move to a bigger property closer to his family.
“I think it’s the right time, given he’s not going to work all the time, to move further out and enjoy everything that brings,” she said.
“It’s closer to the coast, closer to family.”
Buxton, Highton agent David Gray said five buyers registered, with two bidding in the lounge room. The reserve price was $790,000, he said.
17 Brocka Ave, Belmont, sold for $807,000.
At 10 Emerald Court, Belmont, seven contested the four-bedroom house, which sold to local buyers for $658,000, smashing the $560,000 reserve, Barry Plant, Highton agent Matthew Constantine said.
“We had 105 groups through that property throughout the campaign. Around that price point is just red hot with activity,” he said.
A local party is set to renovate a three-bedroom house at 2 Desmond St, Highton, after securing the 1003sq m property for $630,000 after it passed in for $610,000.
Five buyers had registered to bid on the newly renovated house.
Buxton, Highton agent Tony Moorfoot said several offers, subject to finance, came after the auction, but the sellers took the unconditional offer tabled by the highest bidder for the Queens Park residence.
Mr Moorfoot said while the property listings were about 15 per cent down on normal, many agents have reported record activity for July with a lot of competition for homes, especially owner-occupiers.
“It shows how many people see value in Geelong and regional Victoria,” he said.
Mr Gray said time will tell what impact the restrictions have on buyers and sellers.
10 Emerald Court, Belmont, attracted eight buyers, with seven bidding at auction.
“We had such good momentum there. I’m quite comfortable because we’ve done this before. This time we know how to navigate through it easily,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot of private inspections. There is still such a big local market in my opinion.”
Mr Constantine said family, friends, advocates and building inspectors could help Melbourne buyers now unable to physically inspect properties in Geelong under the Stage 4 lockdown.
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