Roosters star Jake Friend wants to be cashed up in time for the bargains he believes will be on the market next year. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images)
Sensing there will be a few bargains to be had next year, Roosters star Jake Friend has put his Randwick apartment with panoramic city skyline views up for sale.
The stylish two-bedder with two-bathrooms and double garage at 12/105 Frenchmans Road — which also has Centennial Park views — has a $1.5m price guide for a September 16 auction with LJ Hooker Double Bay’s David Malouf.
“I thought rather than increasing our debt, I’d rather have money to play with because there could be opportunities next year,” Friend, 30, told the Wentworth Courier in an exclusive interview.
“Because of the virus and people having to survive on Jobkeeper, if that does stop, people may have to sell.
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The living room opens to a covered veranda with an in-built barbecue.
A highlight is the city skyline view.
“It’s hard to tell, but for myself I prefer to be in less debt and have money to work with.”
CoreLogic records show Friend bought the apartment for $1.32m three years ago.
He and his fiance, Jenna Kallin, lived there for the first 18 months and then did a major renovation.
A few smart minor structural changes were ingenious.
They created a loft study or reading room, by adding a wall along the side of a stairwell.
And they improved the master suite by creating a walk-through wardrobe leading to the ensuite.
“And basically we updated everything,” Friend said.
The apartment has been extensively renovated since Friend bought it for $1.32m three years ago.
It now boasts up-to-the-minute luxury finishes.
“This was our first project, now it’s time to move onto the next one.”
The couple currently own and reside in Drummoyne — renting out the apartment for $1050 a week recently CoreLogic shows — but they’re now contemplating their next property move, possibly a house or a semi.
“We’re not sure yet,” Friend said. “We’ll see what we get for this, and there’s a bit of work to be done at Drummoyne so we’ll possibly do something there.
“But the goal is to get some money in the bank and see if any opportunities come up in the near future.”
Both bedrooms also open to a balcony.
There are two marble bathrooms.
Friend also owns the Randwick cafe High St Society, with two others: Underbelly actor Les Hill and mate Dave Martin, who also owns another eatery, Coogee Courtyard.
In April, there were reports indicating he was worried he may have to let some of the eight staff go because of the pandemic.
“It’s now ticking along nicely,” Friend said. “We’ve actually done pretty well, being across from the hospital during this period with plenty of nurses and doctors coming to visit.”
His contract with the NRL premiers runs out this year, but he’s confident of re-signing with them in the near future. “I’m hoping to over the next month,” Friend said.
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