First-home buyer pays $745k for Blackburn unit

A Blackburn unit has sold for $745,000, more than $100,000 above the suburb’s median, after a first-home buyer swooped before auction.

Sellers were left stunned when a Blackburn buyer paid $115,000 over the suburb’s median to seize a two-bedroom unit before auction.

The updated home at 2/100 Main St changed hands for $745,000 after a family renting in Blackburn South made a pre-auction play too strong to resist.

Heavyside’s Paige Heavyside said the property had been guided at $650,000-$710,000 ahead of its September 20 auction.
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“They started at $710,000 and the sellers thought, ‘we’ll just take it through to auction’,” Ms Heavyside said.

“Then they came back at $740,000, and finally $745,000. That was impressive, and the sellers were thrilled.”

PropTrack data shows the suburb’s two-bedroom unit median sits at $630,000, meaning the deal landed more than $100,000 higher.

Heavyside’s Paige Heavyside with her father Tim, who teamed up to run the campaign.

The new owners plan to move in straight away, with the home offering a 2018 kitchen and bathroom renovation, fresh paint, timber floors and a brighter open-plan design.

“Buyers love a property they can walk into without spending another cent,” Ms Heavyside said.

“Renovated units are especially attractive for downsizers and first-home buyers.”

The renovated kitchen includes stone benchtops, Bosch appliances and sleek cabinetry.

One of two light-filled bedrooms, each with built-in robes.

Ms Heavyside added the federal government’s 5 per cent deposit scheme, starting October 1, was expected to fuel even more demand.

“Spring always brings more listings, but the scheme is being talked about a lot. Sellers of apartments and units are anticipating stronger results,” she said.

“My advice to buyers is to not assume everything will go under the hammer.

“Always ask the question, there might be an opportunity to buy before.”