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Gary Martin’s parents built the house in 1968. Picture: Sarah Matray
A hot Templestowe Lower auction that saw a 51-year-old house sell $350,000 above reserve marked the end of an era for one family and the start of a new one for another.
Vendor Gary Martin said he was emotional to sell the family home at 39 Ironbark Drive after his parents died.
Five parties fought for the property, with bidding starting at $900,000. It was called on the market at $1 million and sold for $1.35 million.
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A large crowd attended the auction. Picture: Sarah Matray
Mr Martin said his parents built the house in 1968 when he was 10 and it was one of the first houses in the estate.
“It was really open around here, we loved the parks and it was close to everything,” he said.
“My parents extended about 15-20 years ago and added on more to the ground floor and went up and created a self-contained level upstairs for my sister.”
Barry Plant auctioneer Todd Lucas. Picture: Sarah Matray
The home is in need of an update.
He was hoping a family would purchase it to continue its legacy as a family home — and his wish was granted.
A family of five secured the property and will be moving from Doncaster.
They were attracted to the location of the four-bedroom home next to Crawford Reserve and close to schools and shops.
Several families were keen on the property.
Gary Martin said he was sad to sell the family home. Picture: Sarah Matray
Barry Plant, Doncaster East, agent Todd Lucas said most of the buyers looking at the property were families.
“We did not expect it to go that well, we expected three to four bidders, we did not expect five,” Mr Lucas said.
“When I first looked at the house I wasn’t sure how it would go as it had no carpet and was dated and dark but Home Moving Planners came in and did it the world of good with styling and updates.”
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National Property Buyers director Antony Bucello said there was a buzz in the air at the auction.
“There is significantly more competition now than there was earlier in the year so hopefully more stock should balance that out to create a healthier environment for buyers to participate in, spreading them across more properties,” Mr Bucello said.