After an incredible albeit chaotic and colourful year in sales, there have been many memorable moments across our three offices. Some of the sales are memorable because the properties are simply spectacular; others are memorable because of the stories of the sellers who appointed us and the journey we undertook together.
Our whole sales team sat down this week to identify our memorable sales of the year, here’s the top ten. In no particular order…
To start off the countdown of our ten most memorable sales of the year is a prestigious Kirribilli apartment that was purchased by a group who plan to give the property away as a future raffle prize – valued at well over $3 million.
In a gorgeous Art Deco block, this superbly renovated apartment laps up some of Sydney’s finest views including full display of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and CBD. Its stylish interiors deliver urban glamour with a designer kitchen, luxury bathroom and unique loft area. One of just eleven, this exceptional residence in a special building was sold pre-campaign.
View it here – 10/8 Waruda Street, Kirribilli
A Northbridge family home in a dress circle address known as ‘East-End’ was lived in by the owners for over 30 years. Boasting four generous bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large master with study on a 879sqm parcel of land, this blue ribbon setting was perfect for a family who were looking to upsize locally.
Our Cammeray office sold this residence to a family who was having difficulty finding their dream home in the incredibly tight and competitive market. After meeting with our Loan Market division, they were able to increase their borrowing capacity and the family bought the home pre-campaign for a new street record.
View it here – 3 Bourmac Avenue, Northbridge
Lockdown hit New South Wales, but it didn’t stop the property market from going digital. Potential buyers were captivated online by the floor-to-ceiling windows of North Sydney views and glimpses of the Harbour Bridge as well as vast open-plan living and dining, flowing to a large entertaining terrace.
The Mosman duplex saw more than 3,500 plus online listing views, including 200 enquiries in the first ten days. After extensive pre-market preparation – including new precision flooring, paintwork, and incredible styling – an overseas buyer with a local family member assisting with viewings purchased the property.
View it here – 2/47 Musgrave Street, Mosman
On one of Mosman’s most sought after and convenient character streets, over 200 groups of buyers flocked to this exquisite c1899 ‘Mahogany’ Victorian cottage. For the first time on the market since 1957, this memorable sale was one of the first to set the tone for the property market’s incredible strength in 2021.
The romantic veranda wrapping around the idyllic facade, original timber floorboards and fresh white paint that subtly highlights the original Victorian architectural charm infatuated buyers. With an auction reserve of $3 million, the property sold well above our owners and our expectations. “We still can’t believe it,” said the sellers.
View it here – 22 Milner Street, Mosman
This sale was memorable for the Group as we had the privilege to represent the estate of Cammeray’s longest-standing resident, Allan Willoughby. This beautiful original late Federation home, built by a respected Cammeray builder in 1913, is affectionately called ‘Allan’s House’ by locals.
Allan’s father bought the property from Henry Green who was a highly respected builder (originally from Yorkshire UK). Allan was born in the property in 1920 and served in New Guinea during the war, he was a much loved member of the community.
Perfectly crafted components of the home such as a central ornate hallway linking the bedrooms to the living areas, and the adjoining formal lounge and dining rooms pay homage to the Federation architecture. This idyllic home was the perfect purchase for a family. It was an honour to be involved in such a significant historical moment in Cammeray.
View it here – 98 Amherst Street, Cammeray
The pandemic tested the property market, however as we pivoted and adapted to digital real estate processes we were able to act on behalf of sellers who weren’t in the state. The north-facing penthouse apartment in Cremorne with panoramic views embodied so many of the must-haves atop buyers’ wish lists. It’s top floor position with elevated windows in the living area and a master bedroom of serious drama and scale.
Chris and his team managed the entire process of the sale while the vendor was interstate and after an initial fantastic response, receiving 83 enquiries and 17 private inspections on the first Saturday, the top floor apartment was sold prior to auction. “I had to sell during lockdown and do it long distance following bereavement. While it was a trying time, Chris and his team made it simple, effective and did it sympathetically,” the seller said.
View it here – 28/81A Gerard Street, Cremorne
Presenting a fabulous entry point into Mosman’s competitive Torrens title real estate market, this single level Federation semi was proudly held in one family for over 58 years. Due to rampant demand and buyer interest, the auction campaign was accelerated to just two weeks in the middle of lockdown.
Recently refreshed and ready to enjoy immediately, the property has fabulous potential to increase the existing footprint upwards or outwards offering wonderful flexibility, intriguing potential buyers. The property sold after a bidding war of 11 registered bidders.
View it here – 63 Hale Road, Mosman
Memorable sales are never solely about price. Supporting our vendors and receiving the best outcome possible no matter the circumstance is our utmost priority, and the sale of 14/B Trafalgar Street by Blake Headland was no exception. This apartment was owned by vendors who were long-time landlords with our Group who, due to unfortunate unforeseen circumstances, had to sell the property. Blake and his team worked tirelessly to get the property ready for sale all while keeping the vendors in the loop.
Freshly painted and newly recarpeted, over 300 enquiries were generated throughout the campaign and the property sold before auction for a price that the vendors were over the moon about. “We have dealt with real estate agents many times before and in different states of Australia but never have we experienced service like we have encountered with Blake. He is professional, trustworthy, informative, knowledgeable, courteous and under the circumstances Stephen and I were going through, he was very respectful and helpful to us.” the seller said.
View it here – 14/8 Trafalgar Street, Crows Nest
This c1940s Californian bungalow in Lane Cove, lovingly transformed into a contemporary family oasis sold in an incredible six days – a new record for the coveted street. It received more than 150 enquiries in one week and over 75 inspections took place over two open homes.
Potential buyers were enamored with the fusion of classic and ultra modern in the property, including a character facade, 70m of lawn, a heated 9m saltwater pool and separate hot tub, plus multiple entertaining spaces. It was sold by Chris Keane and Robert Bacic for an amount that surprised and delighted the sellers, they even acquired their next home through us too.
View it here – 60 Cope Street, Lane Cove
To cap off our most memorable sales of 2021, this illustrious property created a significant buzz across the Lower North Shore community. This recently updated luxury home on an exclusive yet incredibly convenient wide-set street is perfectly suited for family life. More than 150 enquiries were generated and seven contracts issued for the six bedroom, three bath property with dark parquet flooring, large backyard and a generously sized mosaic tiled swimming pool. After an impressive two week campaign, Fast forward less than two weeks, the team worked down to the 11th hour and sold the property to a family from London.
“We can say without a doubt that we made the right decision to engage Geoff Smith and his team, Geoff Allan and Kristy Lee. Geoff was proactive, strategic, honest, and he worked hard to get the best deal possible for us. Importantly, he understands the high-end market in Mosman intimately. He knows who the buyer is and has a good gauge of where the market is at and a sense of how it will be heading. Crucially, he delivers what he says he will deliver and pleasingly more than we expected. We believe this is because he was able to gain not only our trust, but that of his prospective buyers and buyers’ agents to bring a win-win deal together for all,” the seller said.
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