An illegally-built home, deemed unliveable by authorities, is failing to deter prospective buyers of a One Tree Hill property – with the selling agent hopeful it might even secure its sale.
Multiple offers have been received for the 4.05ha property at 102 Cornishmans Hill Rd, with some even viewing it more favourably than similarly-sized land parcels with homes that meet planning laws, said Lands Real Estate director Mark Lands.
While the cost of the illegally-built extension is unknown, Land Services SA records show the property has a capital value of $570,000.However, recent sales records show properties of similar size have sold well above $1m over the past year, meaning prospective buyers will require deep pockets to afford the land and subsequent demolition works.
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A large shed has been extended and converted into a two bedroom dwelling.
This structure extension does not have council approval and the Change of Use to Residential is unapproved.
Prospective buyers may be forced to knock down the home as council is unlikely to issue approval for the illegal residence for living purposes.
Mr Lands estimated about 40 per cent of properties sold in One Tree Hill, on the outskirts of Adelaide, had some form of unapproved building work so a shed on the property, which has been unlawfully extended and converted into a two-bedroom home by the current owner, would come as little surprise to potential buyers.
In some ways, the structure made it an easier purchasing decision than if the land had a compliant, yet outdated, home, creating a quandary for buyers on whether to move in as is or spend more money to knock down and rebuild, he said.
“On a lot of stuff that sells there would be unapproved additions. It’s not unusual,’’ Mr Lands said.
“But the people who have inquired (about this property) are looking at it from the land perspective and what they can do with that land.
“The shed doesn’t act as a feature (of the sale) … and that’s probably what has helped with the inquiries.
“If you were knocking down a reasonably built home that’s just a bit outdated, it starts to get quite expensive. But the decision (to build) here is more straightforward.’’
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The home features many modern amenities and, by all accounts, oozes country charm.
The two bedrooms as cosy and inviting.
The home sits on 4.05ha of land.
Mr Lands was unsure why the present owner had decided to extend the dwelling without council consent but said it was unlikely any new buyer would convince authorities to retrospectively approve the home, which boasts countryside views and timber-look floors, with several rooms in various stages of completion.
“It would be tough (to get the home approved),’’ he said.
“The council had been working through that process with the owner … but it would be challenging for … a purchaser to get it approved, coming from where (discussions between the council and the current owner) were at.
“There’s been no request for anything to be pulled down. But you can’t live in it because it’s not an approved structure to live in.
“(The owner) had been living in it (illegally) and they’re not able to do that any longer so it’s time to move on.’’
Mr Lands said large parcels of land for sale in One Tree Hill were rare and this one was an outstanding offering, close to town, relatively flat and in a picturesque setting.
“Looking out one direction, you can see across the valley and, from the other direction, you can see down towards the coast,’’ he said.
“It’s big but it’s also manageable. It’s good for people that want to have that rural feel and
still have good proximity to services and proximity to the metro area.’’
Offers for the property, which is listed without a price guide, close Tuesday.
– BY LAUREN AHWAN
English (US) · 