'We just winged it': family drops $1.1m on big Carindale block

It was quick bidding and a can-do attitude that snagged the Beddows family their new home.

Competition was fierce for the five-bedroom house at 2 Melrose Close, Carindale with auctioneer Justin Nickerson taking bids faster than he could count them.

The whirlwind experience left Mary and Jason Beddow startled.

“I’m surprised that we got that really,” Mrs Beddow laughed. “We just winged it. Got approval on Friday and just said, ‘let’s see how we go’.”

The family of four were living in Norman Park, but decided on Carindale because of the value they saw in the suburb.

“You couldn’t get this for this value in Norman Park,” she said.

“I think it’s the land and it’s a big solid house in a quiet street. It’s stood the test of time, but it needs a bit of work to be done,” Mr Beddow said. 

The Beddows bought the house, set on a 874 square metre block, for $1.1 million after scaring away their competition.

Coronis‘ Solomon Michael said the house had good interest, although it needed a bit of work here and there.

“We’ve had 25 groups through the home all up, we’ve had seven offers presented to the owner,” he said. “It does require a bit of TLC, being completely original.”

The home was built in 1998, and the former owners had lived there for 17 years.

• Related: South Yarra period home sells for $1.8m at auction
• Related: Kangaroo Valley: Aus’ inland Byron Bay
• Related: Lady Fairfax’s family is mourning and agents are circling

Meanwhile in Holland Park, a former army office went under the hammer with some less than enthusiastic bidders.

The five-bedroom home has the potential for dual-living, as the bottom floor features a completely self-contained living area. The renovation was masterfully done, creating a residence with several living areas and flashy fittings.

Remax United Vision‘s David Cotterill said the home meets a growing need in the Brisbane housing market.

“I think it’s is a very rare product to find today but there is an increasing need for this type of home as well,” he said. “You’ve got people with ageing parents who will have a need for it.”

He said it was the type of home that would grow with families as children eventually needed more space, and maybe even a place to park their cars during their teen years.

“It’s on a family sized block as well,” he said. “It’s 610 square metres and we’ve got car parking for six to 10 vehicles as well.”

The recently completed renovation didn’t strike a chord with buyers though, as it failed to draw a single bid.

Mr Nickerson ran this auction too, and said buyers just weren’t confident enough to bid.

“A lot of buyers if they’re not that confident, in the property or their own personal situation, they’re sometimes more confident to go into negotiations after,” he said. “I think if you gave every buyer the choice they’d prefer to negotiate behind closed doors which is crazy in a way because they can’t see their competition but they don’t have to act out in public which is what most people are afraid of.”

Mr Nickerson said one family need to show the rest of their kids through the house before making an offer and inferred the house would be sold within a fortnight.

“The offers will come,” he said. “They’ve got interest which is always what you’re looking for.”