A Hamptons style home in Hampton has gone from being one of the most viewed homes going under the hammer this week to being one of the most successful.
The three-bedroom house at 41A Avondale St was the seventh most viewed home in the country on realestate.com.au testing the auction market this weekend.
Listed with a $1.7m-$1.85m asking price, it attracted a crowd north of 50 and quickly sparked a bidding battle between a family and a woman who appeared to be supported by her father.
RELATED: How the Block homes could lose $200k the moment they are sold
Ex-Tigers great Dustin Martin lists Albert Park first home
Kath & Kim Star Jane Turner’s luxurious Elwood mansion sells for $7.5m
Marshall White Bayside auctioneer Stephen Smith initially called for bids at $1.7m, but got an opening offer of $1.75m.
Bidding rose in modest increments, but with neither party seemingly willing to backdown eventually the property sold for $1.95m.
The keys went to the woman, with the family left as the underbidder.
Speaking after the auction, listing agent Ben Vieth would not discuss the price at the request of his vendors — but did note demand had been driven by the property’s charming aesthetics.
“It’s a Hamptons-look home and it has quite an emotional appeal to most of the market,” Mr Vieth said.
He added that single-level design had also raised the appeal, as had its proximity to the Hampton Village.
In total, Mr Vieth said there had been more than 160 parties inspect the property ahead of its sale — levels usually reserved for a more buoyant market.
“A property like that, in that location and in its price bracket is quite rare,” he said.
“And that’s why we had so much interest in it.”
With aesthetics also inspired by Melbourne’s Edwardian past, the properties exterior made a strong first impression surrounded by easy-care gardens.
Inside, a pale colour scheme accentuates natural light and high ceilings, while a rear living area opened out to the back yard via French doors.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: Historic farm opens chance to buy your own mountain
Downsizers flock to Victoria’s seaside towns, which could push house prices up | Finder
Hawthorn: Cricket hot spot guru looks for $7m edge on flashy home