A pair of siblings who emerged victorious in a bidding war for a Northcote townhouse have won the keys to their first home.

The brother and sister from Watsonia, who have been house-hunting for six months, outbid two other first-home buyers to snap up the two-bedroom red brick home at 25A St David Street, on July 13.

The determined pair drove up the price to $1.008 million, well beyond the $800,000-$880,000 range, according to Barry Plant Northcote, Thornbury & Preston, director Jesse Dolcetta.

The sale set a new price record for a two-bedroom dwelling in the quaint village-style complex of eight homes, he added.

About 40 groups inspected the property, tucked in a desirable location near a vibrant shopping and dining scene, and zoned for Wales Street Primary and Northcote High School.

Barry Plant Northcote, Thornbury & Preston sold all three properties scheduled for auction on July 13, including a two-bedroom weatherboard house in Thornbury at 142A Flinders Street.

Splashing a sum of $1.15 million, a first-home buyer from Fitzroy North beat off a second-home buyer at the auction, Mr Dolcetta said.

“This is a great entry-level property for the buyer, who is a single guy who plans to move in with friends,” he said.

With its potential for renovation and development, the property offered good value in a great location, Mr Dolcetta added.

And in Coburg North, two first-home buyers went head-to-head in a battle for the fully renovated three-bedroom California Bungalow at 1/2 Adler Grove.

The bidders, who had both been house-hunting for four to six months, competed fiercely for the property, according to Barry Plant Northcote, Thornbury & Preston agent Lucas De Bartolo.

“It was a spirited auction,” he said.

“And the home sold to a single person from Fawkner for $910,000, well above expectations.”

On the same day in Wantirna South, a four-bedroom house at 42 Matilda Avenue, attracted four bidders and sold under the hammer to first-home buyers for $1,455,500.

The young couple who had been searching for their first home for six months battled it out with second-home buyers towards the end of the auction, according to Barry Plant Wantirna Director Daniel Cripps.

“It was a great result for the sellers who have lived there for about 35 years,” he said.

“They are moving to a retirement village.”

In the coveted Templeton Primary school zone, the well maintained property with a warm and homely feel attracted good interest with about 18 groups attending each open, Mr Cripps said.

And in Chelsea, three first-home buyers contested the three-bedroom unit at 5/30-32 Sherwood Avenue, which sold under the hammer for $810,000.

The modern and move-in ready property sold at the top of the price range, according to Barry Plant Bayside agent Sam Gotzilianis.

“It sold so well mainly because of its presentation and floorplan,” he said.

“A spacious single-level unit with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage, is a rarity in this area.”

The buyer was a young couple, and soon to be a family, from St Kilda, Mr Gotzilianis said.

“First-home buyers are now more active as they are taking advantage of the buyer’s market,” he said.

“There are many opportunities out there for them now, with new government grants and more stock available.”