What made this $1.34m Cheltenham home irresistible

This character-rich Cheltenham home drew four active bidders and sold for $1.34m, with a pool, attic retreat and family appeal driving competition.

A young family has swapped their inner-city apartment for a slice of suburban serenity, snapping up a charming Cheltenham home with a pool and attic retreat for $1.34m following a hotly contested auction.

The buyers, upgrading from Southbank, beat out three other active bidders for the four-bedroom weatherboard at 18 Goulburn St, lured by the home’s move-in-ready charm, family-friendly layout, and outdoor entertaining appeal.

Lewin Real Estate Kingston/Bayside principal Brian Lewin said the result capped off a strong four-week campaign that drew 40 groups through the door.

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“We had five serious contenders, and four of them competed on the day,” Mr Lewin said.

“It kicked off at $1.1m and built strong momentum from there.
“The family that bought it are absolutely thrilled, they were looking for more space, and this one ticked every box.”

The salt-chlorinated, solar-heated pool was a key drawcard, delivering serious summer lifestyle vibes that helped seal the deal with the winning buyers.

The spacious attic bedroom offers flexibility as a teen retreat, guest space or creative zone, a rare bonus in this price bracket.

Set on 499sq m, the home pairs period character with modern comfort, featuring an open-plan living and dining zone, a family-sized kitchen, Coonara wood fireplace, and a large undercover alfresco deck.

Upstairs, a vast attic conversion offers space for a fourth bedroom, retreat or work-from-home hub, while outside, a solar-heated, salt-chlorinated pool headlines the backyard.

Positioned in the heart of the home, the open-plan dining space flows to the deck, ideal for family meals and weekend entertaining.

An undercover alfresco deck overlooks the pool and garden, creating a private outdoor haven perfect for summer barbecues and relaxed evenings.

Mr Lewin said the combination of location, lifestyle and liveability hit the mark for multiple buyer types.

“Goulburn St is one of those tightly held pockets with a real sense of community,” he said.

“You’ve got Southland up the road, Cheltenham Secondary zoning, and every family amenity you could want.

A quiet corner in the attic functions as a private study, ideal for remote work, homework or tucked-away creative time.

The main bedroom enjoys garden outlooks and built-in storage, pairing comfort with classic charm in this move-in-ready family home.

“There’s real value in these mid-$1m homes right now, especially when they’ve got something extra like a pool or space to grow.”

The Lewin Real Estate principal said the home’s buyer activity also reflects a broader market trend emerging across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, buyers acting decisively ahead of the traditional spring surge.

“Stock levels in Cheltenham are very low, and that’s creating strong competition. We’re seeing buyer numbers increase, and I’d estimate the market’s lifted by seven to eight per cent in the past couple of months,” Mr Lewin said.

The generous kitchen layout is designed for entertaining, with abundant benchspace, storage and a connection to the living and dining zones.

A roaring Coonara wood fireplace anchors the front lounge, adding warmth and character to this inviting family living space.

“If that next rate cut lands, or even if buyers just believe it’s coming, that urgency will only build.”

While some sellers are holding off until spring, Mr Lewin said conditions were already leaning in their favour.

“There’s less competition right now for sellers and more eyes on every listing,” he said.

“Once spring hits, more homes will flood the market, but now, you’ve got motivated buyers and tight supply.

“That’s a great window to sell in.”

The skylit bathroom is centrally located and family-friendly, complemented by a second toilet in the oversized laundry.

All three ground-level bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and soft carpeting, creating cosy spaces for kids or guests.

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