A small, dilapidated inner-city terrace house at 14 East St, Redfern is drawing the attention of young families despite its uninhabitable condition, thanks to its potential and unique features.
The two-bedroom, two-story home on a 101sqm plot was purchased by the late academic Alida Whiting over 30 years ago in 1993 for $169,000. Whiting, a linguist who taught at the University of Sydney, used the property as a meeting spot, filling the home floor-to-ceiling with books.
Since Whiting’s passing and the decline of her health in recent years, the property has fallen into disrepair. BresicWhitney sales agent Michael Kirk, who is tasked with selling the property on behalf of Whiting’s two nieces, describes it as “unlivable” — with peeling paint, a rudimentary kitchen, and the most unusual feature, a toilet bowl in the corner of the “master suite” without any surrounding walls.
Despite its uninhabitable state, the home is attracting interest from young families who can see its potential. Kirk notes that buyers “love the north-facing backyard and the potential” of the property. He has set a price guide of $1.2 million ahead of the November 2 auction, with the books included as part of the deal.
Recent sales in the neighbourhood have shown the potential payoff, with a home at No. 10 East St selling for $1.4 million in 2020 after being purchased for $1.01 million in 2013.
While the “unlivable” state of 14 East St may deter some buyers, the draw of its potential and prime Redfern location appears to be enough to capture the imagination of young families seeking an affordable foothold in the competitive inner-city market.
Published 25-October-2024
