Moonee Ponds 1930s home smashes price hopes
The property at 4 Blair St had $2.65m-$2.85m price hopes but soared to $3.105m under the hammer, as fierce competition erupted between two families over the five-bedroom home.
Built in the 1930s, the clinker brick residence combines original character features with updated family luxuries, including multiple living areas, a teen retreat, dual driveways and manicured gardens.
McDonald Upton Essendon auctioneer Milo Rasinac said the home was always going to draw big interest, but the auction confirmed it.
'There wasn't a comparable property in that tightly held Moonee Ponds pocket,' Mr Rasinac said.
'This one was different, and that's exactly why we took it to auction.
'Just doing a set price (guide) just wouldn't have done it justice.'
Mr Rasinac said the buyers, two families, pushed well beyond their budgets in pursuit of the rare offering.
'They absolutely fell in love with it and went hard,' he said.
Key features included a solar-heated saltwater pool, fully self-contained outdoor pavilion with kitchen and bathroom, and off-street parking for four cars, all behind secure electric gates.
Inside, the main home features stone flooring, top-end appliances, leadlight windows, and four skylights in the upper retreat.
A terrazzo porch and decorative ceilings nod to its 1930s origins, while the modern layout suited growing or extended families.
The McDonald Upton Essendon auctioneer said the home didn't need to be a new build or an architecturally redesigned showpiece to get the price that it did.
'It wasn't a new build or an architecturally redesigned showpiece, but it didn't need to be,' Mr Rasinac said.
'It was immaculately kept, move-in ready and full of character. That's incredibly rare on a block this size in Moonee Ponds.'
The agent praised the seller for her attention to detail in preparing the home for sale.
'Full credit to seller, she absolutely nailed it,' he said.
'She took it to another level, and that effort translated directly into the result.'
Mr Rasinac said while the home's design and versatility impressed, its location was the ultimate clincher.
'The layout, the lifestyle appeal, all big drawcards. But the location? That's what gave it the wow factor,' he said.
'This was triple-A, no question.'
Set near the Maribyrnong River, Queens Park and major schools including PEGS and St Columba's College, the home also offers easy access to Puckle St shops, cafes and trams.
Mr Rasinac said activity had already spiked since the new financial year began.
'In just the past week, inquiry has jumped 30 to 35 per cent,' he said.
'The market is gearing up to surge. My advice to buyers? Don't wait, or risk chasing it once it's taken off.'
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