News Corp Australia
First published 3 Jul 2025, 5:00am
There are hopes a once bustling opal store in the heart of South Australia’s outback could still be converted to studio-style accommodation, despite extensive damage by vandals.
However, the renovations won’t be done by the owner that first saw the potential in Lot 400 Medway Drive, Coober Pedy, who has listed the property for sale for $39,000 – almost 15 times cheaper than the median price of a two-bedroom unit in Adelaide.
Selling agent Misty Mance, of Andrews Property, said the interstate vendor had been devastated to learn about the destruction of the steel frame building, which had likely been at the hands of squatters.
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The Coober Pedy property at Lot 400 Medway Drive has been extensively vandalised.
It has a $39,000 price tag because it’s so badly damaged.
The owner had plans to turn the former shop into a studio apartment.
Ms Mance said the building framework appeared to still be in good condition but a floor-to-ceiling refit was required.
Glass windows and doors have been smashed, almost entire walls destroyed and at least two sinks ripped from the walls that remain.
Litter and debris, including empty beer boxes and a mattress stripped down to its springs, cover the floor, while the year 2016 has been graffitied on an outside wall.
The vendor had owned the property for about eight years and was only made aware of the damage after Ms Mance photographed it for the sales campaign.
She said it had been the owner’s dream to turn the retired shop building, which was transported to the site from its original location in the main street of Coober Pedy, into a “neat, functional and modern’’ two-bedroom studio for either himself or tourist accommodation.
A change in personal circumstances had prompted the sale, Ms Mance said.
“He purchased the shop and purchased the land and started with the footings,’’ she said.
“I don’t know if he got as far as any plans with council but … he talked passionately about it and you could start to visualise what he wanted with a bedroom and a kitchenette and a bathroom at the rear.
“It’s still got that potential.
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The owner didn’t realise it had been vandalised until deciding to sell it.
It’s on a 1128sqm block.
It’s in desperate need of some TLC.
“It’s got what I would say are really strong bones and would be great for someone that has that foresight to see what it could become. You’ve just got to have a creative mind.
“It (the damage that has contributed to the low selling price) does open (the property) up to a different buyer and presents an opportunity for someone that can’t buy a more done-up, pricier home.’’
The shop building originally served as a black opal trading outlet and a clothing store, Ms Mance said.
To date, mostly negative feedback had been received about the property, from “people who can’t understand when properties aren’t listed in pristine condition and who don’t understand you can sell a property as it is’’, she said.
One offer had been received but it was significantly under the asking price, Ms Mance said.
– by Lauren Ahwan
English (US) · 