Sahil Bhasin has secured $1,540,000 for a four-bedroom Brunswick house through expression of interest — $140,000 above what the property would have achieved at auction.
Sahil Bhasin knew auction wasn’t the right call for his Brunswick vendors. With the market cooling and global uncertainty weighing on buyer confidence, he pivoted to expression of interest — and delivered a result $140,000 above what public bidding would have achieved.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house at 69 Glenlyon Road sold for $1,540,000 after 25 days on market, with four buyers submitting blind offers by the 5pm Monday deadline.
“We didn’t want to take this to auction because there may not be enough bidders,” Sahil explains.
“As it was an expression of interest campaign, we felt we got the vendors an extra $140,000 than what it would have achieved at auction on the same day.”
Creating competition without the crowd
The expression of interest structure required all buyers to submit their highest and best offer by a fixed deadline — without knowing where competing bids sat. That blind tension proved decisive.
“Everyone had to submit their highest and best offer by a certain day and time, which created competition without anyone knowing where the other offers were at,” Sahil says.
The strategy attracted local Brunswick and Carlton buyers who knew the area’s value. The standout feature was the rear bungalow — a versatile space that resonated emotionally with different buyer profiles.
“People could use it to disconnect from kids, use it as a kid’s room itself, or use it for friends, relatives and guests coming over,” Sahil notes.
“Some buyers even talked about using it as a consultation suite or their home office.”
Preparation that moved the needle
Behind the scenes, Sahil invested heavily in presentation. The property was fully repainted, pressure cleaned and landscaped. Crucially, he replaced mouldy roof sheets at the rear with clear sheeting that drew in natural light — a detail that transformed the bungalow’s appeal.
Staging came from The Styling Empire, one of Melbourne’s premium providers. The combination of physical upgrades and professional styling positioned the property as turnkey — exactly what today’s Brunswick buyers demand.
“Buyers are not interested in having to renovate a property before they move in due to the overwhelming costs of renovations these days with building costs increasing 40 percent,” Sahil says.
Doubling down on access
To compress an eight-week campaign into 25 days, Sahil doubled inspection frequency with prime-time 6pm weeknight sessions alongside weekend open homes. The intensified schedule maximised buyer exposure while maintaining urgency.
“We condensed an eight-week campaign as we doubled the amount of inspections a typical local agent would run,” he explains.
Targeted social media marketing amplified reach, focusing on the property’s lifestyle appeal rather than generic advertising.
Brunswick’s inner-north appeal
Brunswick’s tree-lined streets and walkable amenities draw young professionals and families seeking lifestyle proximity. The suburb’s family-friendly character mirrors nearby Northcote and Coburg North, where buyers similarly prioritise neighbourhood amenity over CBD commute times.
What Brunswick vendors need now
For property owners considering a sale in the current market, Sahil’s advice is direct: presentation and marketing expertise matter more than ever.
“Engage an agent that is heavily invested in social media marketing and directly targets the audience for the property,” he says.
“Work with an agent with a building or construction background that can help you prepare the property for sale.”
The vendors were over the moon with the result — a $140,000 premium that vindicated the strategic approach and investment in presentation.
About the Agent
Sahil Bhasin leads Bricks & Mortar RE as one of Melbourne’s most respected agents, recognised with multiple industry awards including 2025 Sales Agent of the Year and Rate My Agent’s No. 1 Sales Agent in Fitzroy and West Melbourne. His background combines business acumen with construction knowledge and strategic marketing expertise. Visit Sahil’s website for more information or call Sahil on +61 403630215.