Geraint Gardner has secured $998,100 for an original-condition corner block in Wantirna’s Templeton Primary School zone, with a twice-weekly buyer communication strategy building the competition that produced four registered bidders at auction.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house at 40 Alderford Drive sold on 4 July after four weeks on market, with 58 prospective buyers registering interest and more than 55 attending inspections throughout the campaign.
The preparation that built competition
The result demonstrates how systematic buyer preparation — not just marketing volume — creates genuine auction competition. Geraint’s approach went beyond standard campaign communication: he provided renovation cost estimates to help buyers assess the opportunity, understood each bidder’s settlement and deposit requirements before auction day, and maintained twice-weekly contact through calls, emails and text updates.
“We made sure that we answered any questions and queries to the best of our ability and determined what settlement and deposits all buyers required for their success at auction,” Geraint said.
That level of preparation kept buyers engaged through the full campaign and converted four into committed bidders — a significant achievement for a property requiring substantial work.
The school zone advantage
The Templeton Primary School zone remains one of Knox’s most sought-after addresses for families, with the catchment area also feeding into Wantirna College and The Knox School. Corner blocks in this pocket typically sit on 620–640sqm, with comparable properties in Alderford Drive previously estimated around $1.21 million for renovated homes.
The successful buyers were a local Knox City family who had friends and relatives already established in Wantirna, drawn specifically by the school zone certainty and the property’s transformation potential.
“The location was a dominant factor being so close to Westfield Knox and the Studfield shops,” Geraint said.
“The main aspect was opportunity, given this was an original home that required a lot of work. We had a lot of people looking to renovate and others looking to knock it down and rebuild.”
Auction day execution
Holding the auction indoors proved strategically sound on a cold July morning, keeping the crowd comfortable and engaged. After an early pause — standard at most auctions — bidding opened at $850,000, with a second bidder immediately jumping to $880,000.
“The crowd got involved. There was a great energy in the room,” Geraint said.
“Once we met the reserve price of $950,000, we were on the market and it continued to flow.”
The momentum carried through to the final $998,100 result, with underbidders remaining active in the area for similar opportunities.
The forward view
Geraint’s guidance for other Wantirna sellers with original homes is clear: the market has depth right now, with leftover buyers from this campaign still searching.
“We’ve got people left over ready to purchase right now,” he said.
The campaign’s success came from setting the reserve within the quoted range and maintaining consistent buyer engagement — not from overselling the property’s current condition, but from helping buyers understand its genuine potential through renovation cost guidance and honest communication.
About the Agent
Geraint Gardner is Director and Auctioneer at McGrath Wantirna, bringing 20 years of real estate experience, including more than a decade specialising in Melbourne’s Knox corridor. A licensed agent and local resident for 10 years, he combines detailed market knowledge with a relationship-focused approach. Geraint is a proud REIV member, recognised for his auctioneering expertise, community involvement and clear communication, and he supports his clients through every stage of the property process with professionalism and care. Visit Geraint’s website for more information or call Geraint on 0450923437.