Auctioneer Kieron Hunter calls the bids as the successful bidders stand in the background.

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A family moving back to Geelong can add fresh polish to an old Highton gem that was offered to the market for the first time.

The three-bedroom Remony Ave residence attracted competition from two bidders on the way to a $956,000 sale at auction on Saturday.

The 804sq m Shoubra Estate property was offered with a $900,000 to $990,000 price guide, but the competition got under way with a $920,000 opening bid.

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“This rare unpolished gem is in one of the best and mostly tightly held estates here in Highton,” Barry Plant, Highton auctioneer Kieron Hunter said.

“There is certainly an option to renovate and extend – (but) please don’t touch the bathrooms, they’ve got a special place in my heart,” he quipped.

“You can certain extend and with an extra crossover at the end of the block you can even add an extra garage.”

The home was built in the early 1960s.

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Light fittings, cornices and the mantel retained the home’s original flair.

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The kitchen has a northerly outlook.

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It was the first time the house, built in the 1960s, had been offered to the market.

“As I said it is an unpolished gem but it has been immaculately maintained by one owner and now its time to pass the baton.”

The location was a key factor in the decision for buyers Kyle and Camilla Gould.

The couple, who have three children, are moving back to Geelong from Inverleigh.

“We moved from Geelong out to Inverleigh for a few years and now we’re coming back in with the kids,” he said.

“The kids are getting older so with schooling and everything there will be less travel and running around.”

Kieron Hunter calls the auction.

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Angus Davies was in conversation with a phone bidder.

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Auctioneer Kieron Hunter cajoles another bid from the phone bidder.

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Mr Gould said it was close to the shop and the couple could also do a fair bit to the classic mid century house

“This was always where we were looking,” he said

“We got it for a pretty good price. We were surprised, we thought it may have gone a bit higher, but we’re happy to get it for that.”

Neighbours were quick to welcome the family to the neighbourhood, which is close to Highton Primary School.

The fact that is was a competitive auction was thanks to last minute work to ensure a Torquay party could bid by phone.

The agents scurried at the last minute after the bidder had indicated they weren’t coming to the auction, but to call them if the property passed in.

Not willing to miss the opportunity of competitive bidding, fellow agent Angus Davies had the potential buyer on the phone and relayed bids.

Mr Hunter declared the property was on the market at $950,000.