The two-bedroom house in original condition at 18 Meldan Street, went to auction on July 27 with $1.1-$1.2 million price hopes, and sold for a whopping $1.405 million.

Six bidders competed for the 585sq m property, which was one of the few remaining blocks with development potential in that pocket, according to Barry Plant Whitehorse agent Declan Treacey.

“Fierce bidding between the buyer and underbidder pushed up the price,” he said.

“They both inspected the home for the first time on the day of the auction, read the contract and started bidding.”

The buyer was a Glen Waverley family who planned to knock down the house and build their dream home, while the underbidder was a neighbour who lived down the street, Mr Treacey said.

Attracting strong interest, the property was prized for the land value, its potential for redevelopment, and location near highly regarded schools, including Presbyterian Ladies’ College.

The sellers who bought the house in 1986 were moving to a retirement home, according to Mr Treacey.

“They were blown away with the result,” he said.

Doncaster family home for 60 years sells shy of $2 million

Home to the family since 1964, the three-bedroom house on 739sq m at 11 Champion Street, changed hands for $1.995 million.

Seven bidders stood under umbrellas in rainy weather to compete for the property, according to Barry Plant Manningham partner Todd Lucas.

“The price soared well above the $1.7 million reserve,” he said.

“It was an amazing result.”

The buyers were a family from Balwyn North who planned to knock down the house and rebuild, Mr Todd added.

The location of the property and the flat block attracted more than 70 groups to the inspections, including homebuyers and developers.

“Homes in school zones are sought after, especially this one in the East Doncaster Secondary College catchment,” Mr Lucas said.

Also on the last Saturday in July, a standout auction was held at 9 French Court, Watsonia, where a 1970s three-bedroom house with a pool sold well above expectations for $1.02 million.

Three first-home buyers and a retiree contested the property, which had attracted interest around $900,000, according to Barry Plant Bundoora director David Moxon.

“A young couple who had been house-hunting for three months bought the home,” he said.

“The sellers were thrilled with the result.”

Also in Watsonia, first-home buyers competed with downsizers for a modern two-bedroom townhouse at 16A Morwell Avenue, which sold above the seller's reserve for $735,000.

The bidding between the two parties was held in the home’s kitchen-family room due to inclement weather.

“It was an intimate setting for the auction,” Mr Moxon said.

“And the downsizers won the keys.”

The market was thriving in Watsonia, with open-house inspections well attended and move-in ready properties achieving good prices, according to Mr Moxon.

All six properties scheduled for auction on July 27 by Barry Plant Bundoora were sold, including two before auction.