Twelve months on, what happened to 2018's biggest dumps?

Forget the glossy images and language you’d see on most property listings. These homes were up for grabs for those who dare to take on the renovation adventure.

We take a look at some of the most dilapidated homes listed for sale in 2018, and where they are now.

47 Birch Street, Marsden QLD

Affectionately titled Brisbane’s worst house, this home was so run-down that potential buyers wanting to inspect weren’t allowed inside the property due to safety concerns. There was obscene graffiti on the walls that hadn’t already been kicked in, and the floating floorboards had been stolen from the property.

The home sold under the hammer in June for $253,000, with a whopping 40 registered bidders showing up at auction. The buyer said they’d eventually live in the home, but would first take their time renovating in a long-awaited “personal project”.

Since then, no formal planning or development applications have been lodged with the local council for this address.

44 Harris Street, Balmain NSW

This terrace in Sydney’s inner west is undoubtedly a case of “the worst house on the best street”. Despite being only a few streets away from the harbour with city skyline views, the home was unliveable in its current state. The double brick build with a robust framework meant the house had plenty of potential for the right renovator.

Advertised initially with a price guide of $1.65 million, the terrace ended up exceeding expectations and selling for $2.045 million in March 2018.

Since then, several council applications have been made to restore the home to its former glory. Development applications from October 2018 to May 2019 were approved for alterations and additions to the existing dwelling, the addition of a carport to the rear and associated works, including removal of a tree.

11 Glenlyon Avenue, Shepparton VIC

This home was certainly a blast from the past, boasting particularly ’70s interiors that the listing said was “almost beyond redemption”. Despite that, the house was roomy with three bedrooms and had strong enough foundations for a renovation.

One buyer certainly saw the potential and bought the house via private treaty for just $140,000 in March 2019. Since then, they have renovated the home, adding a bedroom. Inside, the home has had a much-needed facelift, with new cabinetry in the kitchen and a lick of paint to help the home feel much less of a dump.

The buyer sold the home in October 2019 for $200,000, with those renovations helping them gain an extra $60,000.

11 Bonnefin Road, Hunters Hill NSW

The 1182-square-metre block meant that, despite its condition, this home’s asking price was a whopping $3 million to $3.3 million. It sold in September 2018 after being held by the same family for 50 years. The house was advertised as a good foundation for a complete rebuild, subject to council approval.

A year after buying the property, the new owners have done just that. A designer has submitted a development application to demolish the original dwelling and construct a new one, this time with a pool.

4 Boomerang Street, Haberfield NSW

A great opportunity to gain access to the tightly-held, Federation suburb of Haberfield, this four-bedroom home was built in the early 1900s and was marketed as ready to be “restored, reinvigorated and given a new lease of life”. The excellent location helped the home sell for $1.91 million at auction in November 2018.

Since then, much progress has been made. A development application was lodged and approved in February 2018 for alterations and additions to an existing dwelling including the rear. A further construction certificate was obtained last September for the same work. Since then, the bare bones of a new house have been built on the site.