A house in Fawkner, Victoria, unexpectedly achieved a remarkable sale over the weekend, with an opening bid of $850,000 significantly surpassing its asking price range. The property, located at 72 William St, was listed with hopes of $740,000-$790,000, but the initial bid stunned both the auctioneer and attendees alike.
Hamza Ali from Ray White Coburg, who managed the auction, expressed his astonishment at the bidding activity. “The opening bid was already above the market,” Mr. Ali noted. “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I was shocked.” The competitive atmosphere continued as more bidders entered the fray, ultimately driving the final sale price to $966,000, representing a remarkable $176,000 above the upper limit of the original asking range.
The buyers, a young couple from Balwyn North, were first-time homeowners who expressed a strong emotional connection to the property. Mr. Ali commented, “They loved the house – they are a young couple and they are Italian too,” reflecting the heritage of the home which has remained within an Italian-Australian family for nearly sixty years.
Family Legacy and Community Roots
The residence was sold by John, the son of the late Nicola and Rosa, who settled in Fawkner after immigrating to Australia. The family lived in the house for approximately sixty years, cultivating both personal and community ties. John reminisced about the family’s roots, stating, “My parents’ front yard was an amazing place for flowers, but the backyard was just like a total vegetable patch,” highlighting the family’s dedication to gardening and homemade produce.
During the sales campaign, around 130 buyer groups inspected the property, which features a spacious front garden, polished timber flooring, and modern amenities such as ducted heating and a split-system cooling unit. The home also includes a garage equipped with a storeroom, toilet, and kitchen, catering to both practical needs and family gatherings.
The auction attracted significant attention, with numerous interested parties eager to claim the house. The competitive bidding process, particularly the initial bid that exceeded expectations, showcased the current demand for properties in the area.
A Fond Farewell
For John, selling the home signifies both a poignant farewell and the end of an era. He fondly recalled family gatherings and traditions that took place within the walls of the house. “They made their own salads and made their own tomato sauce and their own pickles and dried tomatoes,” he said, reflecting on the rich family history that the home represented.
As he prepares to part with the residence, John remains appreciative of the memories created there with his parents, wife Rosemary, and their two children. The sale marks a significant transition, yet he will always treasure the legacy of his family’s home.
This extraordinary auction result not only highlights the vibrancy of the Fawkner real estate market but also the emotional ties that homes can embody within families and communities.
