Emotional Hoppers Crossing home auction soars nearly $100k past price guide

A retro Hoppers Crossing home with a family legacy sparked a surprise bidding war and sold $87,000 above its price guide.

A Hoppers Crossing buyer hoping to reclaim his family’s past was left heartbroken after a competitive auction saw his grandfather’s former home sell for $677,000 — soaring $87,000 above the top of its price guide.

The three-bedroom brick house at 87 Morris Rd had a $590,000-$640,000 price guide, but bidding quickly escalated as a big crowd gathered out front and multiple buyers battled it out.

Ray White Werribee’s Rene Mawad said the third-place bidder had a deeply personal reason for wanting the property.

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“His grandfather built the house, so he came with real heart,” Mr Mawad said.

“You could feel it — he was bidding with emotion, hoping to bring it back into the family.

“But in the end, he just couldn’t keep up.”

The three-bedroom brick house at 87 Morris Rd, Hoppers Crossing, featured a wide front veranda and manicured garden — and sold for $677,000.

Despite missing out, the bidder’s story was a reminder of the emotional weight auctions can carry, particularly in Melbourne’s west, where Mr Mawad said buyers are often stretching every last dollar to get a foothold in the market.

“There’s a real difference between the east and the west,” he said.

Buyers gather outside 87 Morris Rd in Hoppers Crossing, where competitive bidding pushed the sale price well beyond expectations.

“In the east, many buyers have parents helping with big deposits or inheritances.

“Out here, most buyers are battlers — they’ve saved every cent themselves.

“There’s no buffer, no family safety net.”

The home itself was a time capsule, beautifully preserved with all the charm of its era.

Buyers were drawn to its immaculate presentation, including a timber kitchen with original cabinetry and appliances, red velvet curtains in the lounge, polished hardwood floors in the bedrooms, and a retro tiled bathroom complete with a full-sized bath and floral wall tiles.

The Ray White Werribee agent said the home was completely original but really well kept.

The living room featured plush red drapes, grey carpet and a vintage chandelier, untouched and immaculately kept since its original build.

“It’s a true classic,” Mr Mawad said.

“You could move in straight away or modernise over time.”

Photos from the listing revealed a neat brick facade, manicured hedges, and a wide veranda with decorative balustrades.

A long driveway led to a secure garage, offering ample off-street parking — a major plus for growing families.

Buyers were drawn to the retro timber kitchen with original cabinetry, wraparound benchtop and electric appliances in pristine condition.

Mr Mawad also said the home also benefited from “smart presentation” and trusted local listing agent Petar Krnjeta’s realistic pricing strategy.

“Petar priced it well — buyers knew what they were getting and came ready to bid,” he said.

“There was hunger in the crowd.”

While the latest interest rate cut occurred nearly two months ago, Mr Mawad said its impact had been more noticeable on sellers than buyers and he also encouraged first-home buyers from the eastern suburbs to consider a move west.

The bathroom was a nostalgic standout, with floral tiles, full-sized bath and curved vanity, all in near-original condition.

“I moved out here myself, and my living costs dropped by about 30 per cent,” he said.

“There are no tolls going into the city, food and gyms are cheaper, and there’s this beautiful, down-to-earth community vibe.

“And when you support a local cafe or business, they treat you like gold. That’s something special — you don’t always get that in the east.”

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david.bonaddio@news.com.au

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