Allie Coutts sold a 1970s chamfer board house in Stafford Heights, Brisbane, for $1,040,000 after less than two weeks on the market, drawing more than 24 groups to the first open home.
Allie knew the home’s original condition would divide opinion.
The 1970s chamfer board house at 22 Heston Street had three bedrooms, one bathroom, an original kitchen and three car spaces. Its only update was a stylish work-from-home studio, set up as a beauty salon with a separate entrance.
The vendor had held the property as an investment in recent years and was ready to move on to a more substantial home.
A crowd built before launch
An off-market campaign came first. A dozen active buyer’s agents had already been through two other Stafford Heights listings of Allie’s, and they brought that interest to Heston Street.
The $1 million price point was the next lever. The vendor was already across recent sales evidence for homes in original condition, so there was no need to convince them of the number.
“I was confident that at a million dollars, we would have a lot of attention from both renovators and tradies who have the skills to improve,” Allie said.
The first open home drew more than 24 groups. First-home buyers and upgraders filled the house, alongside four renovators looking for a project in the area.
The sale came after less than two weeks on the market.
Local upgraders win, and demand stays active
The buyers were local upgraders. Their finance was in place and they were flexible on settlement. Allie said they are excited to start a new family life in the home.
The price was negotiated up from their initial offer and settled at $1,040,000 by private treaty.
The vendors were thrilled at the outcome.
“They were hoping to clear a million dollars after their various expenses, and that has been more than delivered,” Allie said.
The underbidders are telling in their own way. About a third have bought elsewhere, many in cheaper suburbs further from the city. Allie said many had hoped to buy under $1 million.
The other two thirds are still searching in Stafford Heights.
A family-friendly pocket
Heston Street sits in a quiet, elevated, family-oriented pocket of Stafford Heights, about 8–10 km north of Brisbane’s CBD. The suburb is known for leafy streets, established post-war homes on relatively generous blocks for a suburb this close to the city, and nearby bushland reserves. Westfield Chermside and the Prince Charles Hospital precinct are close by.
Allie said that stability was part of the appeal.
“It is a very family-friendly, stable neighbourhood where kids are still riding their bikes and independently going to school,” she said.
About the Agent
Allie Coutts is a Brisbane agent with Atlas Brisbane. Having lived overseas for 14 years and worked with people from many backgrounds for two decades, Allie brings a calm, attentive approach shaped by a teaching background. Allie has guided more than 1500 people through periods of change, listening closely to what matters to each vendor before shaping a campaign. Visit Allie’s website for more information or call Allie on 0459317039.