A Central Coast hoarder house, complete with clutter and disarray has been sold for an astounding $160,000 over its reserve price, catching onlookers and real estate agents off guard.
The auction at 23 Warners Ave, Tuggerawong, drew a crowd of around 200 people who were required to don masks before entering the four-bedroom property, according to realestate.com.au.
The home told its own tale as potential buyers navigated through heaps of rubbish bags, clothing, and other debris covering the floors.
The kitchen was a scene frozen in time with dirty plates and cutlery festooned with cobwebs.
One bedroom was completely blocked by boxes stacked to the ceiling.
Damian Montgomery, principal and auctioneer at LJ Hooker Budgewoi, Toukley, confirmed that the house was being sold “as is.”
The auction began with an opening bid of $560,000—$60,000 over the reserve price—and saw active participation from seven bidders.
Bids escalated in various increments before a final duel of $1000 bids determined the winner.
A young couple from Regents Park, Kayal and Vili Manamokan, clinched the deal at $680,000.
The Manamokans, who have been searching for an investment property, were not deterred by the home’s condition.
“If anything that sold it for us; we like projects and being able to add value,” Mr Manamokan said.
Post-auction, Mr Montgomery expressed astonishment at the crowd and the result, admitting they had expected only 15 registered bidders.
“I expected the auction to fade out around $550,000, but it started at $560,000. What a result,” he said.
During its marketing campaign, the property garnered over 5000 online views and was the most viewed auction in NSW for the weekend on realestate.com.au.
The house last sold for $365,000 in July 2014. According to PropTrack data, the median house price in Tuggerawong currently stands at $810,000.
