The first auctions of homes in West Dubbo have produced some remarkable outcomes for the local residents who have been able to purchase the former public housing properties as owner-occupiers. The June 27 auction saw four properties sold, three on the night and the fourth at a later time, all bought by local first home buyers.
One local who successfully purchased at the auction was Mr Brad Huckel, who has been renting in a privately owned house in West Dubbo. Mr Huckel said he bought the four bedroom home for $80,000, which had been painted inside and out and recarpeted prior to sale, to house his family, including his mother and sister.
“I grew up in West Dubbo and I think it is a great area that will only get better.
“I saw the sale of these homes as a perfect opportunity to get into home ownership, especially when the repayments on the mortgage for my new home are less expensive than renting,” Mr Huckel said.
Another purchaser of the former housing estate homes included couple Steve and Maree Carter, who have battled all their lives to get into their own home. Mr Carter said the purchase price – the lowest expected at all auctions - was within their budget and the repayments on the mortgage were easy for them to manage, as they are less than what they had been paying in rent.
“Where else can you buy a solid brick three bedroom home on good land for $30,000?
“We have been able to afford a new kitchen and bathroom and have taken up the carpet to sand the timber floors. We saw the potential of this home and now we want to make it our own.” Mrs Carter said they had a dream of home ownership and have been waiting a long time to get there.
“We have been renting for over 30 years, most recently in South Dubbo and we are delighted to at last have our own home,” Mrs Carter said.
The next auction of four more homes in West Dubbo would be held on Wednesday 25 July at the Ashwood Country Comfort Motel, at 6.30 pm.