Australians love perving on swanky properties in fancy areas. But some very unlikely homes have also been causing a stir on realestate.com.au this month.
Standout homes in desirable suburbs often score plenty of views on realestate.com.au, but some of the most-clicked-on homes in July were unloved and abandoned.
These fixer-uppers accounted for four of the 12 most-viewed properties on site, perhaps driven by curiosity over their history and hidden stories, a cheeky reminder that our own homes could be worse, or the chance to grab a bargain.
This abandoned Paddington home was the most-viewed listing of the month. Picture: realestate.com.au
July's most popular properties spanned the country. Of these top 12, five were in Victoria, four were in South Australia (three in the Adelaide HIlls), two were in Queensland and one was in NSW — with a near-even split between city and country locales.
Among the mix were a sleek renovated apartment, architecturally designed family homes, a grand old dame, and some truly courage-testing diseased estates.
Here's a look at some of those causing a hype.
Abandoned Queenslander in prime location
In an affluent capital city suburb, a grand old home left vacant for decades becomes woven into local lore. This whimsically mysterious Queensland weatherboard was the most-clicked property in July.
Known as a haunted house around Paddington, the property sold for $3.1 million at auction. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Some locals in Brisbane's Paddington say 31 Perrott Street is haunted — perhaps after its wartime stint as a hospital — while online admirers have undoubtedly marvelled at the prime elevated spot with CBD views and scratched their heads. Why has no one renovated it, sold it, enjoyed it?
Turns out, the story is more practical than paranormal.
"The house has been in the same family for more than 100 years. A family member passed away in the 90s and no one has lived there since," explained agent Max Hadgelias at Ray White Paddington.
"It was a good asset that the family wanted to hold onto."
The home sold after around a dozen bids to a new local family, looking to do a restoration. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Despite being vacant for 30 years, the tri-level charmer is remarkably well-preserved with delightful features like leadlight windows, tongue and groove panelling, and gold-tipped pressed metal ceilings. A brick extension sweetens the deal with a potential self-contained flat.
Mr Hadgelias has been inundated with enquiries and the property sold at auction for $3.1m — well above Paddington's median house price of $1.96m.
And after intriguing the community for so many years, it seems fitting it was snapped up by a local.
Ultra-modern mountain retreat
Glenbrook in the Lower Blue Mountains isn't exactly known for its dazzling multimillion-dollar homes. That's likely why this contemporary five-bedroom house at 4 Turella Street, Glenbrook gained so much attention, being the second-most-viewed property on realestate.com.au in July.
"It's the finest property I've ever seen in the Lower Blue Mountains in my 12 years as an agent here," said agent Daniel Jennings at Dukes Estate Agents.
The multimillion-dollar property stands out in its rural setting. Picture: realestate.com.au
"It's pretty much impossible to find an architecturally-designed home on 6,000sqm of landscaped gardens on the fringe of Western Sydney."
This grand and secluded two-storey house, spread across two wings, features a slow combustion wood fireplace for chilly nights and a delightful mineral pool for summer splashes, all surrounded by sweeping lawns, bushland and birdsong.
On the market for $4.5m. Picture: realestate.com.au
However, buzzworthy homes don't always lure in serious buyers; there aren't many people searching in the area keen to part with $4.5m.
"We're engaged with some interested parties, but it's pushing the high end of local expectations," said Mr Jennings.
Hoarder home where 'EVERYTHING stays!'
Any property listed for just $59,000 is bound to generate some hype when property ownership feels out of reach for so many Australians.
That's exactly what happened with this ramshackle diseased estate that belonged to a hoarder at 9 Messines Street in Nandaly — a tiny settlement in the Mallee farming region home to just 30, according to the 2021 census.
The diseased estate is full of trash, and perhaps some treasure. Picture: realestate.com.au
But there's a catch: The new owner has a lot of personal items to clear out (though that does include a caravan, a Ford station wagon and a Mitsubishi Galant 1600).
One for the brave bargain hunter. Picture: realestate.com.au
The first inspection saw 39 groups trek out to the dilapidated three bedroom residence, which has since attracted over 50 offers, said agent Brett Driscoll at Ray White Mildura.
"I'd expect it to sell for around $75,000-$80,000. A house at this price allows you to be financially free if you're prepared to roll your sleeves up, so people are going crazy for it."
Mr Driscoll said he had interested buyers from around the country, including Sydney and Melbourne, despite Nandaly's remote location 20 minutes from its nearest town.
A Mitsubishi Galant 1600 is included in the sale. Picture: realestate.com.au
The property is also a good option for investors, he added.
"Often, there's nothing available for rent within a 100km radius so there's a pretty big rental demand."
$30 million riverfront stunner
People can't resist sneaking a peek at luxurious homes in dreamy locations, especially when they're tagged at $29.5m — like this sprawling estate at 14-16 Riverbend Avenue, Carrara, perched along prime Gold Coast riverfront.
The estate is listed for $29.5 million. Picture: realestate.com.au
This brand-new, European-style mansion boasts five ensuite bedrooms, Italian marble throughout and crystal chandeliers.
The indulgences continue with a riverside entertaining terrace, tennis court, two-bedroom guesthouse, two pools (each with spas, one with a swim-up bar), a 12-car garage and a private pontoon boasting three jet ski docks.
Agent Michael Kollosche at Kollosche said there'd been "solid interest" from both local and interstate buyers.
"It offers 6,297sqm within five or 10 minutes of the Gold Coast's major amenities. That's pretty unique," he said.
Broad appeal, great deal
Some properties create a buzz online not because they're spectacular, but simply because they're a great deal.
That was most likely the case with this well-maintained four bedroom home at 438A Springvale Road in Forest Hill, 18km east of Melbourne's CBD.
The home sold at auction for $1.13m. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
With its spacious layout, outdoor entertaining area and low-maintenance courtyard, all in a convenient location, it ticked the boxes for many and didn't break the bank.
It was snapped up at auction for $1.13m.
"Price-wise, it met market expectations and was well-presented," said agent Bonnie Shang at McGrath Doncaster.
"And it appealed to a wide range of buyers — first-timers, upsizers, and downsizers alike."
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