A four-bedroom character home in Newtown has sold for $950,000 – the highest price for a sub-1,000 square metre block in the suburb in six months – after a 23-day campaign by Darren Cooper of RealWay Property Partners in Toowoomba.
The result at 13 Bothwell Street exceeded the vendor’s expectations and the $899,000 price guide, attracting multiple strong offers from families drawn to the character feel and investors seeking future development upside.
Strategic approach to unconventional layout
Darren’s strategy centred on encouraging early in-person inspections to overcome initial perceptions about the home’s unique layout.
“The home’s unique character and sense of space, especially the high ceilings and original features from its former school conversion, really came through when buyers experienced it firsthand, far more than any floor plan or photos could convey online,” Darren said.
The property’s two bathrooms and four car spaces complemented the converted school building’s distinctive interior, which required buyers to see it in person to appreciate its potential.
Town planning background unlocks premium
Darren used his town planning expertise to provide clear guidance on the local government’s neighbourhood character and heritage overlays.
“I directed buyers to the relevant council rules and requirements so they can undertake their own due diligence prior to purchase,” he said.
“This helped buyers understand the full potential of the two lots, including future development possibilities.”
The campaign combined premium listings on realestate.com.au with feature upgrades, Domain advertising, and targeted social media campaigns on Instagram and Facebook to reach both character home enthusiasts and industry buyers.
Buyers secure long-term investment
The successful buyers were a family investing in Newtown’s character area for the long term, with the zoning and two titles providing confidence in future opportunities.
According to Domain, Newtown’s median four-bedroom house price is $672,000, with 196 home sales in the past year.
The vendors praised Darren’s approach to the sale.
“The vendors were absolutely delighted that we achieved $950,000 – that was beyond our expectations,” Darren said.
“They particularly valued the expert advice that turned the property’s perceived challenges into a premium result.”
About the agent
Darren Cooper brings more than 20 years of property industry experience across Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, with a career beginning in town planning before spanning project management and real estate. Now based in Toowoomba with RealWay Property Partners, he specialises in using his planning background to advise clients on land use, design and market trends, with a particular focus on helping first-time buyers strategise their entry into the property market. Visit Darren’s website or call Darren on +61498989654.
