Great presentation and the ability to walk to neighbourhood shops helped drive the price of a Highton character home that sold almost $200,000 above expectation.

Four bidders put their hand up for the appealing builder’s own home at 40 North Valley Road.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house sold under the hammer for $989,000 — smashing the $800,000 price guide.

Bidding opened at $780,000 and it came down to two couples who had both relocated to Geelong.