Craigieburn family home sells $71,000 above price guide as first homebuyers battler at auction

This updated Craigieburn home sold for $661,000 after a hotly contested ten-bidder auction.

A Craigieburn home bought for just $145,000 in 2009 has sold under the hammer for $661,000, a windfall result for the first-home buyer who built it 16 years ago.

Seller Kerrie Neale secured 40 Kelway St with help from a $30,000 first homeowner grant during the wake of the global financial crisis, later turning it into an investment after moving out with her family.

“It’s been a wonderful place and it continues to be,” Ms Neale said.

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“Now it’s really special that another first-home buyer has purchased it.

“It feels like the property’s story is continuing in the same spirit it began, which is a beautiful thing.”

The home went to auction with a $560,000-$590,000 price guide and opened with a $540,000 bid before climbing through strong competition from ten registered bidders — three on site and seven online — before being claimed by a young family.

The open-plan living zone offers seamless flow to the alfresco area, ideal for growing families.

Sleek stainless steel appliances and an island bench anchor the modern kitchen at 40 Kelway St.

Ms Neale said the proceeds from the sale would go directly towards paying off her current mortgage.

“I think we’re really pleased with the result,” she said.

“Honestly, I don’t know if we would have gone for the property without that support.
“It made a real difference — and without it, we might not be in this position now.”

A wide central hallway connects the home’s three bedrooms, including a main suite with private ensuite.

With the Reserve Bank delivering its second interest rate cut of 2025 earlier in the week, Ms Neale said it was too soon to tell how it might impact future decisions.

“It’s really hard to say,” she said.

“I think we’ll have to wait and see if those future cuts actually happen, and then go from there.”

The sellers said it was touching to see a new family begin their journey in the home.

Manicured lawns and a covered entertaining space create a low-maintenance backyard retreat in Craigieburn.

“From what we could tell, it’s a young family — and that the home will keep playing the same role it played for us is really lovely.”

McGrath Craigieburn’s Gurbaj Sandhu said the result reflected renewed buyer urgency.

“The Craigieburn market has always been strong,” Mr Sandhu said.

“And with those two interest rate cuts, buyer confidence has definitely jumped.

With crisp cabinetry and modern finishes, the kitchen is the heart of this first homebuyer’s dream.

“People are keen to lock something in before they feel priced out of the rebound.”

The three-bedroom home features mirrored built-in robes, a master ensuite, spacious open-plan living, a stainless steel-equipped kitchen, and a covered outdoor entertaining area framed by established gardens.

It’s located near Aitken Creek Primary School, Mount Ridley College, Brickwood Park, and Craigieburn Central shopping centre.

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