Californian bungalow in Newport sells post-auction after two buyers face off for keys

A young family won the keys to this renovated Californian Bungalow at 15 Steele St, Newport, after a two-way post-auction negotiation.

A young family has snapped up a renovated Newport home for $10,000 above the top of its price guide after a two-way bidding war that saw the home passed in and sold within minutes.

The four-bedroom Californian bungalow at 15 Steele St was listed with a $1.19m-$1.26m price guide and ultimately sold for $1.27m after negotiations with the leading bidder post-auction.

The Agency’s Leigh Melbourne said while four or five parties had contracts in hand, just two families actively competed for the home, one from Melbourne’s western suburbs and another from regional Victoria hoping to buy a base for their adult children in the city.

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“We opened with a vendor bid at $1.2m and it passed in at $1.25m, but there was a really positive feel in the crowd of about 50, and we got it done soon after,” Mr Melbourne said.

The winning bidders, a young family, whom Mr Melbourne said had been drawn to the home’s flexible floor plan, spacious backyard and walking distance to Mason St, Newport Station and local schools.

“It’s in a really tightly held pocket of Newport. Sacred Heart Primary is literally at the end of the street, and Newport Lakes Primary backs onto the property. That school zone access was a huge driver,” he said.

Blending modern functionality with classic character, the kitchen features stainless-steel appliances and a striking brick fireplace surround.

The family-friendly backyard includes a cubby house and paved entertaining zones, perfect for kids and weekend relaxation.

The Agency agent said the result reflected a market still performing well under $1.3m, with changes to super tax rules and stamp duty encouraging some landlords to offload.

“There’s healthy stock in the early-to-low $1m range right now, and that’s opening doors for more first-home buyers and young families to get in,” Mr Melbourne said.

He added that this week’s Reserve Bank rate cut had already started lifting buyer activity.

Sunlit open-plan living connects directly to the garden, with timber floors and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

The main bathroom combines vintage charm with bay windows and period-style finishes, true to the home’s Californian Bungalow roots.

“We’ve noticed an uptick in midweek open numbers. Buyers are cautiously optimistic — some are making moves now on the chance rates will be even lower by settlement in 90 days,” he said.

The double-storey home blends period charm with modern convenience and includes a separate parents’ retreat upstairs with its own ensuite and balcony, plus an undercover deck, backyard cubbyhouse and open-plan living zones.

Leafy street appeal and traditional lines define the façade of this Newport home, moments from schools, parks and Newport Station.

One of four bedrooms, this ground-level room offers natural light, polished floors and flexible family appeal.

Mr Melbourne said the buyers could move in immediately or update further down the line.

“It’s one of those homes that gives you lifestyle and potential in one hit,” he said.

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david.bonaddio@news.com.au

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