An Australian father paid $600,000 more for a single-storey red brick house set on 6.7 acres of land in an attempt to stop his children spending all day on their iPads.
The four-bedroom property in Mickleham, 40 kilometres north of Melbourne, had a guide price of between $1.7 million and $1.87 million but sold on July 20 for an exorbitant $2.47 million.
Ray White sales consultant Adrian Prestileo told FEMAIL that the determined buyer knew he would win the auction that day.
“Friend, I’m going to buy this house,” were the five words the father told Prestileo before the auction began.
“The buyer made it clear that they wanted the property to have more space for their children to play outside so they wouldn’t spend all day using technology,” Prestileo said.
“He had two or three small children, but he came to the auction alone. He had been looking for a while and I recommended that he go all out at this auction because there was no plan B.”
Mr. Prestileo described the property as “niche” because it has a lot of land. This style of home is not as attractive to a standard buyer in today’s market.
In his experience, Mr. Prestileo said he had never seen a house sell for much more than the guide price.
Ray White’s sales consultant Adrian Prestileo told FEMAIL that the man knew he had to win the auction on July 20. “Dude, I’m going to buy this house,” were the five words Prestileo recalled being told before the auction began (property pictured)
“The buyer made it clear that they wanted the property to have more space for their children to play outside so they wouldn’t spend all day using technology,” Prestileo said.
Mr. Prestileo described the property as “niche” because it has acreage, meaning it is not as desirable for a standard buyer in the market looking to purchase.
There were three registered bidders that day and the auction was “aggressive” as the price increased rapidly in increments of between $50,000 and $100,000.
Mr. Prestileo assumed the man was between 30 and 40 years old.
The ranch-style home was built in 2000 and features an open-plan living and dining area attached to the kitchen.
There is a separate games room, a master bathroom off the first bedroom and a main family bathroom.
Outside there are several fenced paddocks, plenty of space for children to play, a huge shed, stables, studio, large water tank and solar panels.
The ranch-style home was built in 2000 and features an open-plan living and dining area attached to the kitchen.
In the last 12 months, 546 properties have been sold in Mickleham
There is also a great opportunity for the father to renovate the house and update the interiors and overall style.
In the past 12 months, 546 properties have been sold in Mickleham and the median house price is $683,000, up 0.4 per cent according to realestate.com.au.
The suburb is perfect for those seeking the tranquility of a relaxed, slower paced rural lifestyle compared to the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.