The winter market has kicked off in Melbourne’s inner north, with many homes selling successfully prior to the auction.

Properties scheduled to go under the hammer in the first weekend of June were snapped up by hot-to-trot buyers who made irresistible pre-auction offers, according to Barry Plant Inner North Group director Loretta Khoo.

“Typical of winter, stock levels have tightened and there’s a bit of hibernation happening,” she said.

“And while buyers are not flocking in their hundreds, there are still genuine buyers around making offers too tempting to refuse.”

A renovated four-bedroom period house on 325sq m at 4 Clyde Street, Thornbury, sold two days before the auction for $1.61 million, well above the seller’s expectations.

“This was a great result for a property without car accommodation,” Ms Khoo said.

The property attracted three buyers and was sold to young first-home buyers who lived just around the corner.

“They knew the benefits of the area and liked the home’s proximity to Wales Street Primary,” Ms Khoo said.

The charming Victorian weatherboard house with modern comforts features a veranda, leadlight panels, high ceilings, timber floors and a separate studio. Offering an inner-city lifestyle, it is a short walk from shops, eateries and city trams on High Street.

In Preston, the seller of a four-bedroom house at 155 Cramer Street, accepted a pre-auction offer that exceeded their expectations.

The large family home with a price guide of $1.15-$1.25 million attracted multiple offers and was sold to a buyer wanting to live near their parents and the Umar bin Al-Khattab Mosque.

“This property was previously listed for six months with another agent,” Ms Khoo said.

The well-maintained property with a separate self-contained two-bedroom studio is near Gilbert Road trams, schools, Merri Creek Trail, cafes and Preston Market.

Also in Preston, three-bedroom quality-built townhouses are in hot demand, according to Ms Khoo.

“Brand new luxury builds with premium fixtures and fittings are popular and selling well,” she said.

“Builders in this area have raised the bar and the high standard of their work is shining through.”

A three-bedroom townhouse at 8/106 David Street, sold beyond expectations for $945,000.

The modern and stylish home in a boutique complex showcases a sparkling stone kitchen with premium Di Lusso appliances and sleek hardwood floors.

Up for auction on June 18 with $800,000-$880,000 price hopes, a three-bedroom townhouse at 3/10 Belgrove Street, is attracting interest from first and second-home buyers, according to Ms Khoo.

“Some buyers living in nearby apartments who are wanting to upgrade and upsize are looking at this stylish turnkey property,” she said.

The luxury architect-designed home with bold finishes and custom fittings features timber floors, gold tapware, a floating tv unit, and a designer kitchen with stone benchtops and quality appliances.

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