Renovators, architects and design enthusiasts flock to watch Grand Designs Australia in droves – but how do the houses fare when they hit the real-estate market?
As it turns out, the results are as mixed as the property market itself. Some homes are making themselves a substantial amount of capital, while others appeal to a unique category of buyer and have sat on the market for some time.
Many have not been up for sale since they featured on the show – no doubt the owners are enjoying their luxury dwellings.
For those yet to find a buyer, however, time will tell whether they have overcapitalised.
Lake Bennett House
Series 1, episode 5 (November 2010)
890 Chinner Road, Lake Bennett, Northern Territory
This was an unusual episode of Grand Designs, seeing owners Trevor and Francoise Sullivan with their two children living in an “open sided shed on 33 bushy acres” for 17 years. Money was tight but they had a cyclone-proof tropical tree house design in mind.
The show saw viewers donate $20,000 to the family in 2010.
The home sold in 2012 for $370,000, before transacting again in 2014 for $495,000, discounted from a list price of $509,000.
Cottage Point House
Series 1, episode 8 (December 2010)
5 Notting Lane, Cottage Point, NSW
The home was purchased in 2005 for $1,700,000.
It was then completely designed by architect Richard Cole, and by the time Grand Designs shared the home was the largest residential home in the suburb.
Owned by Drew Muirhead at the time of airing, the home was turned into an incredible five-bedroom, five-bathroom Bali-inspired resort at a budget of $3 million to $3.5 million.
Set on 1300 square metres and featuring access to a private beach and boat shed, as well as a deep water jetty, it also included an infinity edge swimming pool, private nightclub and spas.
In May 2013, it sold for $3.35 million.
Indented Head House
Series 1, episode 9 (December 2010)
13 Calimo Place, Indented Head, Victoria
Bought in 2008 for $475,000, Ian McDonald and Rob Wilhelm had a $1.8 million construction budget to create a home overlooking Port Phillip Bay on Bellamarine Peninsula.
It’s currently on the market with Fletchers Bellarine. Selling agent Felix Hakins said the home is looking in excess of $2.5 million and that buyer enquiry has been picking up from offshore and Melbourne buyers – particularly with the latest interest rate cuts.
He said it was “such a unique property” and that there’s the possibility of achieving income through using the home as holiday accommodation.
Battery Point Glass House
Series 2, episode 9 (May 2012)
62 Napoleon Street, Battery Point, Tasmania
Owners Greg Kay and Trish Knight re-shaped an 1890s cottage into a three-bedroom, three-bathroom dream home – spreading it out over two blocks.
Initially, the plan was to “subdivide, sell the heritage cottage at the front of the block and build a new house at the back, facing the water,” according to the Lifestyle Channel.
When this wasn’t accepted by council, they upsized – building both blocks into one home and taking advantage of the opportunity.
They owned one of the blocks since the 1980s and bought block 62 in 2009 for $1,358,000.
It’s now seeking offers over $5 million – down from $5.5 million in 2014.
Richmond Inner City
Series 4, episode 5 (November 2013)
79A Rowena Parade, Richmond, Victoria
The three-bedroom, four-bathroom Richmond house was designed by neilarchitecture on behalf of Darren and Ruth Rogers prior to having the home on Grand Designs in 2013.
They built the home from a block of land, down a laneway. Records show the block was bought in 2009 for $920,000. In total, the cost was estimated at $3.3 million.
In December 2013, it was on the market for rent asking $2800 per week.
Mt. Eliza Modern
Series 5, episode 2 (October 2014)
9 Brulu Close, Mount Eliza, Victoria
This beautiful four-bedroom, four-bathroom home was bought for $1 million in late 2008.
Complete Home notes they were $400,000 over budget in the build, with time delays and issues with Council.
The house has very recently hit the market, with a price guide of $1.8 million plus.