The Papadopoulos family owned the house in Mulgrave for 35 years before it was emotionally handed over to new buyers.
A house in Mulgrave has rocketed past its price list after five bidders braved the steady rain to compete for a refreshed four-bedroom house on 683 sq m in one of the biggest surprise results of the first summer auction weekend.
The property at 3 Cromer Cres was listed with expectations of $950,000 to $1.03 million, but a larger than expected crowd braved Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
Ray White Mount Waverley agent Jacob Biviano said the weather was gloomy but buyer confidence was anything but.
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“It was terrible,” Biviano said.
“Based on the campaign, we expected only two bidders, then three buyers showed up who had never been to the house before and all decided to participate.
“That brought us to five active bidders and created fantastic momentum.”
The house was put on the market for $1.11 million, before being sold for $1.191 million to a young local couple whose parents, of German and French background, assisted them during the auction.
The updated kitchen was part of previous updates that helped drive buyer interest during the campaign.
Light-filled living areas showcased the home’s appeal, which attracted five active bidders on auction day.
Jacob Biviano of Ray White Mount Waverley assisted the Papadopoulos family with the transfer.
Mr Biviano said the moment the hammer fell caused an emotional reaction.
“Their families encouraged them and when it was sold there were tears of joy,” he said. “It was one of those special auction moments.”
The Ray White Mount Waverley agent added that the sellers’ presentation work helped increase the price.
“The owners have renovated the inside and that makes a huge difference,” says Biviano.
A tastefully renovated bathroom contributed to the ready-made feeling that resonated strongly with young families.
Fresh paint and a neat presentation helped elevate the house beyond expectations and contributed to the striking result.
“Buyers respond to homes that feel finished and without that I don’t believe we would have gotten anywhere near this result.”
The seller’s son, Spiros Papadopoulos, said the sale was bittersweet for his family, who had owned the house since 1989 and used it as a rental for 35 years.
“I am very happy and relieved, especially with the weather,” said Mr Papadopoulos.
“Auction day is stressful, but the outcome made it worth it.”
The covered patio offered flexible outdoor living that appealed to buyers looking for year-round entertainment space.
A generous 683m² block with a family-friendly rear garden proved to be a big draw for local buyers.
Mr Papadopoulos said the family has completed light updates, including fresh paint and tidying up the garden, while previous work such as the kitchen renovation has already been carried out.
He said his mother was emotional watching the house change hands.
“My dad passed away, so now it’s just mom,” he said.
“They bought it together in 1989. There is a lot of history in it and she is happy that it went to a family who really loved it.”
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