Bidders set fast paced auctions in hot competition for Melbourne homes

87 Talbot Crescent, Kooyong

Sold $1.815 million Agent Marshall White Price range $1.6 million-$1.7 million

This auction snapped into gear almost immediately, with a woman in sunglasses offering $1.5 million seconds after auctioneer Antony Woodley called for bids. Up for grabs was a three- to four-bedroom 1940s duplex in a street lined with other Art-Deco gems. The big attraction here was that the property had gone through a top-to-toe renovation, adding new balconies and re-orientating the living spaces to the north-facing rear. Proximity to the Monash freeway, Sir Zelman Cowen Park and trains to the city added to the appeal. Little wonder that the woman soon faced stiff competition from four rivals. The price edged up in $10,000 and $20,000 increments until the house reached an on-the-market $1.8 million. At this point, three bidders were still in it. A silver-haired investor won out with his final bid of $1,815,000. Chris Tolhurst 

120 Normanby Avenue, Thornbury

Sold $1.265 million Agent Woodards Price range $1 million+

Just moments after this roomy weatherboard home was declared “selling” at $1.1 million, a heavy downpour stopped the auction. But as 60 onlookers dashed from the backyard to the cover of the three-vehicle rear carport, there was no sign of any interruption to the fever-pitch bidding. With the auction kicking off on an $800,000 offer, six bidders had a go. By the time the rain started pelting down, auctioneer Mario Lionetti was fielding bids from the three remaining parties, all trying their utmost to secure the three-bedroom property. At several points, the house was on the verge of being sold when a last minute $1000 was bid. Eventually though, a determined Preston man scooped up the keys for $1,265,000. He said he was buying for his sister and her school-aged son presently living in Taiwan, adding that the location in the Northcote High School zone was the No.1 attraction. The 440-square-metre property’s reserve was $1,050,000. Chris Tolhurst

30 Tennyson Street, Moonee Ponds

Sold $1,505,000 Agent Jellis Craig Price range $1.15m – $1.25m

Some half dozen bidders with at least seven figures to invest made the auction of this modern three-bedroom Moonee Ponds terrace, a runaway success. Agent John Morello seemingly didn’t get to catch a breath while the bids rose from $1.2 million to $1.4 million, at which point he revealed the home was “well and truly on the market”. Competition was fierce between the last two bidders who were both standing just three metres from Mr Morello, once the value rose to $1.45 million. It sold to a young man for $1.505 million. Marc Pallisco​

291 George Street, Fitzroy

Passed in $1.46 million Agent Nelson Alexander Price range  $1.38m-$1.48m

Agent Arch Staver said he was aware of several interested parties in the 40-strong crowd at the auction of this Fitzroy terrace – but only one had the confidence to place a bid. The fully renovated terrace with two living areas and two bedrooms, was passed in for $1.46 million – an offer which came some five minutes after Mr Staver kick-started the auction with a vendor bid of $1.45 million. In one of Fitzroy’s quaint tree-lined pockets, the home is now for private sale asking $1.6 million. Marc Pallisco