Add CategoryCashed up buyers jostling for exclusive beachfront positions splashed more than $62m on the Geelong region’s most expensive homes in 2024.
The 10 biggest sales over the past 12 months show homes with spectacular water views continue to command huge premiums among those untroubled by cost of living pressures.
Just three prized front row streets accounted for more half of the region’s biggest real estate deals this year.
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A large crowd turned out for this waterfront auction at 82 The Esplanade, Torquay.
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The Esplanade in Torquay lays claim to the two most expensive trades, which sold for a combined $15.65m.
While Geelong’s median house price fell 3.3 per cent in 2024, high interest rates don’t appear to have dampened top-end spending.
The list, compiled from PropTrack and other sources, shows the combined value of the top 10 sales jumped $12m this year.
82 The Esplanade, Torquay.
82 The Esplanade, Torquay, $7.9m
A post-auction deal for this a mid century clinker brick house opposite Fisherman’s Beach set a new residential price record for the Surf Coast town.
An estimated 400 people turned out to witness the February call for 1418sq m property, offered for the first time since 1968.
It was passed in on a $7.1m bid, but contracts were later exchanged with buyers who planned to renovate.
McCartney, Torquay auctioneer Geoff Bennett said the property was a standout in terms of location.
98 The Esplanade, Torquay.
98 The Esplanade, Torquay, $7.75m
Just down the road, panoramic ocean views stretching from Point Lonsdale lighthouse to Point Danger were also a big drawcard for purchasers of this contemporary dream home.
McCartney, Torquay agent Tim Carson brokered the summertime deal for the four-bedroom residence, which was created by Torquay builder SK Dunstan and Jan Juc architect Jeremy Anderson, of Eldridge Anderson.
Described as the pinnacle of luxury, it features a swimming pool, spa, barbecue area and floor-to-ceiling windows in almost every room.
10-14 Carr St, Barwon Heads.
10-14 Carr St, Barwon Heads, $7.5m
A 36m frontage to the Barwon River initially saw this much-loved family compound offered with price hopes above $10m.
The once-in-a-generation property eventually sold for upwards of $7m in March through RT Edgar, Bellarine agent Candace Smith.
The new owners will get to enjoy a private jetty and boat ramp, as well as two separate dwellings designed to cater for extended families.
51 Virginia St, Newtown, $5.95m
Buyers were quick to pounce on Yemoneit, a substantial California bungalow originally built in 1919 for Godfrey Hirst’s son.
Whitford, Newtown listing agent John Moran said he had a number of parties step forward for a chance to put their own stamp on the sprawling 2697sq m property.
“This particular property defied the norm in terms of it sold in about three weeks,” he said.
“I think the land component and being in what most people think is the best street in Geelong, you don’t get too many opportunities to do that.”
123 Point Lonsdale Rd, Point Lonsdale.
123 Point Lonsdale Rd, Point Lonsdale, $5.8m
This two-storey house is just across the road from the bay and 200m from Point Lonsdale village.
But it was the uninterrupted views across The Heads to the Mornington Peninsula that sealed the deal.
Billed as renovation or redevelopment opportunity, it was one of two properties RT Edgar, Bellarine agent Felix Hakins sold along this stretch in the space of three months.
“Anything with views down here is still attracting good attention,” Mr Hakins said.
“The ones on Point Lonsdale Rd, the views and proximity to everything is why it does achieve those prices.”
143 Point Lonsdale Rd, Point Lonsdale.
143 Point Lonsdale Rd, Point Lonsdale, $5.725m
Mr Hakins said the buyers of this front row house has been looking for more than five years to find the right property.
The four-bedroom home has three separate living areas spread over two levels and a front balcony where you can watch the ships pass by.
A solar-heated swimming pool provides a sheltered alternative to diving into the bay across the road.
405 Scotchmans Rd, Bellarine.
405 Scotchmans Rd, Bellarine, $5.6m
A solid limestone homestead with panoramic views over Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline is the centrepiece of this premium Bellarine Peninsula farm.
An expressions of interest campaign through Abercrombys netted a buyer for the 59.75ha property, where cattle yards and farming infrastructure complemented a sought-after lifestyle position.
9 Flinders Pde, Barwon Heads.
9 Flinders Pde, Barwon Heads, $5.55m
A front row address opposite the Barwon River saw this three-bedroom house command a big price back in April.
The off market sale was the first time the 984sq m property had been traded in almost 30 years.
37 Flinders Pde, Barwon Heads.
37 Flinders Pde, Barwon Heads, $5.4m
Just down the road, this tightly held riverfront home was snapped up in February, marking just the second change in ownership since the 1950s.
The large 1070sq m site offered not only an exclusive location, metres from the water’s edge and Ozone Jetty, but also a future development opportunity.
Dual street frontages and an 11m building height limit underpinned the sale price.
30 Melba Pde, Anglesea, $5.3m
Panoramic ocean views from Point Addis to Lorne were a key selling point of this curved five-bedroom house set over three expansive levels.
It’s designed for multigenerational seaside holidays with extended family, in a coveted spot just a few steps from the beach and the Surf Coast Walk.