Relic weatherboard safe from wrecking ball after seven-figure sale

An old weatherboard in Melbourne is safe from the wrecking ball following a $1.4 million sale.

The property in Oakleigh is a relic of the suburban life.

Floral carpet, florid wallpaper, laminate kitchen and a wood-burning fireplace speak to another era. The house has a heritage overlay, so although it may be updated somewhat, it cannot be torn down and replaced by a slick new build.

SOLD - $1,427,000

25 Hatter Street, Oakleigh VIC 3166

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As such, young couples seeking to renovate the house – which retains intricate details and plenty of personality – were in the mix to win the keys.

It sold for $1,427,000, blitzing its reserve of $1.2 million.

Ray White Oakleigh’s Jonathan Eaves looked after the deal, which contributed to Domain’s Melbourne clearance rate of 61.3 per cent.

He said in his agency’s weekend auction report that the house – a deceased estate – is protected from development.

“It was a busy campaign with 80 inspections, mainly of young couples looking to renovate,” he said.

“The house has a pretty facade with a heritage overlay that means you can’t knock it down and rebuild.

“The street is a very pretty street with lots of young families.

“The property was a  deceased estate, and the family lives in the country and wanted it sold. “It’s a very strong price per square m rate for an unrenovated house.”

Oakleigh’s median house price stands at $1,365,000 – an increase of 4.6 per cent over 12 month, Domain data shows.