Drouin in demand

The land in Drouin where the 18 coveted acreage blocks are situated. 167470_02

By Helena Adeloju

The last release of acreage in Drouin was in such high demand that hopeful buyers slept out overnight to secure their block of choice.
People began queuing along the footpath outside the Seebeck Group Land Sales office in Pakenham’s Main Street on Wednesday 19 April at 8pm to be among the first in line when land was released for sale on Thursday 20 April at 10am.
Cameron Baddock travelled from Nyora and kept an all-night vigil to be at the front of the line.
“It’s a lot cheaper, with just as many services and amenities,” he said.
“The $150,000 price difference is why we’re all here.”
Brad and Sarah Erhardt said price was the main drawcard and had concerns that Drouin would become too expensive in the future.
“You can get an acre out there for the same price as you can get a small block in Pakenham, so we thought we might as well jump on it while we can,” Mr Erhardt said.
Rob Poynton of Pakenham left his mother and 90-year-old grandmother to hold his place in the line overnight, while he worked night shift.
He was hoping to secure a bigger property and better family environment for his future children.
“Drouin is cheaper but also the size is much better,” he said.
Alema Seebeck from Seebeck Group Land Sales said she had never seen people queue outside their office overnight before.
“We haven’t done something like this before,” she said.
Ms Seebeck said in the past land went to the highest bidder.
“We have a set price we are comfortable with for each block, so it is first in, best dressed.”
She also said the acreage blocks in Drouin were in such demand because they were part of a limited release.
“Our land is really sought after,” she said.
“This is our last stage. They’ll be small blocks in Drouin after this,” she said.