From Barwon Heads prestige to Norlane affordability, buyers across all brackets showed up with purpose this week
Geelong’s real estate scene remains robust as we move deeper into May, with activity surging across both coastal and suburban corridors. The week ending 17 May 2025 saw diverse buyer demand — from million-dollar moves in Barwon Heads and Geelong West to high-volume, entry-level turnover in Norlane and Whittington. What stood out? Confidence. Across every price bracket, buyers are committing quickly to properties offering lifestyle appeal, value, or strong growth fundamentals.
Let’s break down this week’s market — suburb by suburb, price by price — and unpack what’s driving Geelong’s momentum.
Prestige Sales – Lifestyle-Driven Deals Are Leading the Pack
Premium properties across the region were snapped up this week by buyers seeking location, charm, and coastal quality. And the standout sale didn’t disappoint.
- 21 Margate Street, Barwon Heads topped the week at a striking $1,775,000, with Peta Walter of Bellarine Property handling the sale. A four-bedroom, two-bathroom coastal haven with easy beach access, this deal underscores Barwon Heads’ continued draw for high-end lifestyle seekers.
- 111 Autumn Street, Geelong West, a four-bedroom period home with updated finishes, sold for $1,200,000 via Jeff Begg at Jellis Craig. Its proximity to Pakington Street and local schools made it ideal for families and Melbourne-based buyers migrating down the line.
- 4508/4 Yarra Street, Geelong, a stylish two-bedroom apartment with water views, closed at $835,000 through Seka Powell of Stockdale & Leggo. Premium apartments in central Geelong are holding their value, with strong interest from professionals and downsizers.
- 41 Flagstaff Drive, Portarlington, fetched $800,000 via Luke Campbell of Neville Richards. With water views and a sleek coastal design, it reaffirmed Portarlington’s rising prestige status.
This upper-end movement showcases how lifestyle continues to outweigh hesitation in this bracket — buyers are acting fast when the right property hits the market.
Mid-Range Market – Coastal and Suburban Confidence Continues
The $600K–$800K range was particularly active, reflecting the heartbeat of Geelong’s family buyer and upsizer market.
- 26 Wyrallah Street, Ocean Grove achieved $900,000, with Hugh McKewan of Hayden Real Estate managing the sale. Ocean Grove continues to attract buyers seeking beach-adjacent living with modern builds.
- 9 Bramley Avenue, Charlemont sold for $770,000 through Michael Tricarico of Gartland. With four bedrooms and a clean design, Charlemont remains a rising family favourite.
- 27 Weerana Way, Lara, a four-bedroom home on 639sqm, sold for $762,000 via Peter Norman of Ray White. Lara continues to bridge affordability with growth opportunity for city commuters.
- 3 Bisinella Court, Leopold fetched $808,000 through David Pemberton at Hayden Leopold. As land tightens, Leopold’s larger blocks are commanding higher prices.
- 12A Roxby Street, Manifold Heights sold on 17 May for $686,000 via Max Hardwick of Buxton Newtown — notable for its compact footprint and classic location, reinforcing that demand in Manifold Heights never really fades.
Mid-range buyers this week were decisive and willing to pay for quality homes in growth suburbs with schools, transport, and retail nearby.
Affordable Market – Norlane, Whittington, and Curlewis Draw Investors and First-Home Buyers
There was no shortage of sub-$600K sales, particularly in high-turnover suburbs like Norlane, Whittington, and Armstrong Creek — where value, yield, and accessibility are the key drivers.
- 50 Iona Street, Norlane sold for $555,000 via Chari Emirzade of Barry Plant. Three bedrooms, good block size, and tidy presentation drew competitive interest.
- 32 Tallis Street, Norlane, a three-bed on 773sqm, transacted for $462,000 through Ivan Fantela at Buxton Geelong North.
- 11 Wren Street, Norlane, closed at $393,000 via Amir Ahmadi (Barry Plant). With four car spaces and scope to renovate, this property suits both investors and entry-level buyers.
- 3/3 Kinnordy Court, Hamlyn Heights, a one-bedroom unit, sold for $290,000 through Matt Plunkett of Buxton. A solid return opportunity with low upkeep.
- 1/2-4 Cernan Court, Whittington and 5/214-216 Wilsons Road, Whittington both sold for $370,000, showcasing the suburb’s ongoing appeal to rental investors and first-home buyers.
- 6 Catani Lane, Curlewis, sold for $590,000 via Janet Atkins of Buxton Bellarine. Buyers continue to target Curlewis for its family layout and proximity to the coast.
Whittington and Norlane remain volume leaders in the affordability segment, while suburbs like Curlewis and Armstrong Creek are delivering sharp price points for new builds.
Suburb Highlights and Buyer Behaviour
- Leopold had an impressive week with three major sales between $600K and $800K, confirming its mid-market strength.
- Norlane recorded at least three transactions, further proving its investor appeal and price accessibility.
- Whittington continues to churn low-maintenance, affordable dwellings that work for both owner-occupiers and landlords.
- Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove held their prestige edge, combining proximity to water with modern living.
Buyers across all brackets are still acting swiftly when the right opportunity presents. Well-presented homes, realistic pricing, and decent land size are proving to be the universal sweet spots.
Emerging Market Signals
- Investor presence remains strong, especially in Norlane, Whittington, and Bell Park.
- Downsizers and professionals are eyeing Geelong CBD apartments, particularly on Yarra Street and surrounds.
- Coastal lifestyle continues to dominate top-tier sales, with Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove outperforming.
- Family buyers dominate the $600K–$800K range, particularly in Charlemont, Armstrong Creek, and Grovedale.
Key Takeaways
- Barwon Heads leads with a $1.77M sale — coastal prestige is alive and well.
- Geelong West and Portarlington also recorded strong premium sales.
- Norlane, Whittington, and Curlewis provided affordable access with strong turnover.
- Leopold and Charlemont remain growth suburb favourites for families.
- Investor activity is concentrated around suburbs with reliable rental return and low entry prices.
Market Outlook
Looking ahead, Geelong’s market fundamentals remain strong. Lifestyle-driven suburbs continue to outperform, while affordable corridors in the north hold their value through volume and investor confidence. With winter approaching, we expect slightly lower listing volumes — which may further tighten conditions in high-demand pockets.
Vendors considering a winter sale could benefit from reduced competition and motivated buyers still active in the market. Presentation and pricing will be key as buyers remain selective — but ready to act fast when they see value.