Buyers have swooped to lock in deals on houses close to the retail hearts of Newtown and East Geelong after auctions.

Sold stickers went up on signboards after the homes were passed in at 11 Belfast St, Newtown and 27 Grey St, East Geelong.

In both cases, the sales were secured through post-auction negotiations with highest bidders.

First-time buyers secured the keys to three-bedroom Grey St residence, Maxwell Collins Geelong agent Duncan Skene said.

Two bidders competed for the property before the auction closed having not reached the reserve price.