19th December 2016 / Daniel Bolton: Fletchers Group News Update 19 December

Despite the occasional cloud coverage, the weekend's weather was mostly sunny, creating the perfect weekend for those beginning their holidays or those doing the last minute run around before Christmas Day.

The last auction weekend of the year resulted in a clearance rate of 77%, with 1,028 auctions reportedly taking place and 788 properties experiencing a sale. The REIV reported that the record for December auction sales that was set nine years ago may be broken this year—what a strong way to end the year!

The weatherboard home at 16 Thomas Street, Mitcham is full of character, with high ceilings, Baltic pine floors, high skirtings and original doors. The three bedroom, two bathroom home features an open fireplace, a bright kitchen, an attic bedroom, a brick double garage with loft storage and a rear courtyard. The Californian bungalow is within walking distance of public transport, Antonia Park, schools, cafes, shops and Mitcham private hospital. The home charmed buyers at auction, with four bidders on the day resulting in a sale of $830,000.

The original unit at 2/23 Ashburn Grove, Ashburton is located close to Holmesglen TAFE, Ashburton Primary School, Ashburton Village and Chadstone Shopping Centre. The two bedroom, one bathroom, single-level unit features a north entry terrace and a single garage, with opportunity to renovate or invest in. The home sold at auction for $49,000 above the reserve for $609,000, with five keen bidders on the day.

The two bedroom, two bathroom spacious residence at 40 Severn Street, Balwyn North is the rear of two, featuring a garden and wrap-around deck for entertaining. The home has a large formal living room, separate dining room and a kitchen/meals area with a variety of storage options. Located within walking distance to schools, public transport, parklands and reserves, and the Eastern Freeway nearby, home owners will be impressed with the ease of access to desirable locations. The residence had five bidders on auction day, resulting in the home selling for $1.2055 million—$180,500 above the reserve.

The spacious home at 15 Hedline Place, Macleod has four bedroom, three bathrooms and double car port. It is located close to schools, bus, parks and shops, including Watsonia Village shops and station. The home features a rear yard for entertaining, spacious living and a layout which is well suited to families of all ages. The home was successfully sold at auction for $748,000.

On another note, planking was cool in 2010, we had the Ice Bucket Challenge two years ago and now it's all about the Mannequin Challenge videos that are sweeping the web! It's been done by Adele, Destiny's Child, Ellen and Hillary Clinton – and now it's time for the real estate version brought to you by our very own team at Maroondah! Take a look here.

A great year in real estate is coming to an end. We hope everyone has a fantastic and safe Christmas and New Year, and we look forward to working with you in 2017!

71 The Range Boulevard, Croydon sold at auction for $880,000 – an excellent finish to the year!