2 Birrell St, Bondi Junction sold for $3.125 million, $625,000 above reserve.
An original gem in Bondi Junction has attracted 20 registered bidders and sold for $3,125,000 — $625,000 above reserve — at a hotly contested auction.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom circa 1910 Federation Queen Anne-style home on a 405 sqm block at 2 Birrell St had been the home of the late Mavis and Les Coutinho for almost 50 years.
“It went through the roof,” said Raine and Horne Bondi Beach agent Hannan Bouskila.
“It’s a heritage item and I thought that might hold it back, but obviously it didn’t.
“There doesn’t seem to be a big difference in price between pre- and post-COVID-19 when it comes to houses and semis in the area … if anything, some of the houses are doing even better than they were before because of the shortage of good properties available.”
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The huge open-plan living space at the rear of the property opens to a north-facing back yard.
Buyers loved the period charm of the front rooms,
Despite the 20 registrations for Wednesday night’s auction, I counted just five or six who were able to get a bid in.
With auctioneer Jake Moore of Cooley’s presiding, bidding opened at $2.2 million, rising initially in $25,000 increments.
There was one knockout bid attempt of $80,000, but by the end it was down to $5000 offers.
I spotted buyer’s agent Michael Clulee of 1 Group Property Advisory there bidding for the successful purchasers, understood to be an eastern suburbs couple.
The heritage restrictions mean it can be difficult to get council approval for dramatic structural renovations.
This room could serve as one of the bedrooms.
The bathroom is in need of a makeover — or will probably be moved in a future internal renovation.
But the freestanding home had a lot going for it — a parkside location, fine period craftsmanshi and a north-facing garden and garage with access via St James Rd.
And the buyer should have no issue reconfiguring the internal space to convert the current kitchen to an ensuite for the neighbouring bedroom.
A likely spot for a new kitchen is the current location of the existing bathroom and laundry, which adjoins the huge living/family room.
Bouskila said the property had attracted 150 groups through open homes.
“It was phenomenal,” he said.
The north-facing back yard was a big part of the appeal.
The location was another big factor.
“Good properties — especially houses and semis — are doing exceptionally well.”
Mavis passed away in April at the age of 93, while her husband preceded her by 12 years aged 80.
Family friends wrote in Les’s obituary: You were always the first couple on the dance floor and both lit up the dance floor with your wonderful moves.”.
Bouskila said he had also recently had a very strong result for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom semi on a 238 sqm block with no parking at 92 Wellington St, Bondi Beach, which sold for $2.4 million in a private treaty campaign.
“That result wasn’t far off what we could have got before COVID-19,” he said.
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