DOWNSIZERS Sharon and Mark Gavioli are yet to find a home built to the same quality as their restored Colonial-era house in Nundah.
Their sprawling single-level home on a generous 1,239sq m lot is a rare gem in an area known for its diverse housing profile.
The Gaviolis have cherished raising their family of seven children in their character home at 121A Eton Ave, but are ready to move into a smaller dwelling.
The property is marketed via an expressions of interest campaign with Cayle Blaxland, of McGrath Estate Agents — Wilston.
“I’ve always loved the older-style homes. They are so solid, and you really just can’t compare it to a new home in terms of the quality of the materials,” said Mrs Gavioli, a healthcare manager.
“We also loved living on one-level — because the house was not high, we created the space so the kids could be out in the garden and we had that connection to nature.”
Yet they have embraced the progression of their neighbourhood, and are looking across the northern corridor at small-lot homes, new build opportunities, and high-end townhouse developments.
“I thought it would be hard to let go, but we don’t need the space anymore, and it is beautiful to think another family will get to enjoy the home as we have,” Mrs Gavioli said.
They purchased the circa 1880s house for $330,000 in October 2001 and carried out a major renovation over two years from 2009, creating an open-concept floorplan with sliding doors opening onto wide al fresco entertaining spaces, while retaining character features including hoop pine floors and VJ walls.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show 392 new homes were approved to be built in Nundah over the five-year period to 2021, or 6 per cent of the 6365 total dwellings.
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A mortgage for a house typically takes 12 years to pay off in Nundah, based on an analysis of median house prices and household incomes by SuburbTrends.
Mr Blaxland said newer developments in the district were generally located close to public transport hubs, and away from “dedicated low-density tree-lined streets” reserved for family houses on larger blocks.
“The community needs to embrace well-designed multi-residential dwellings the best they can, as of course they are only driving the value of larger existing properties higher, and in a lot of instances removing or progressing the older neglected homes that are typically the local eye-sore,” he said.
“Council also have their role to play in ensuring the quality of these developments are screened appropriately, approving practical dwellings that will not only house more of us, but will do so in an aesthetically pleasing way for everyone – fortunately we have come a long way from the classic old brick 8-packs which aren’t the epitome of style!”
PropTrack data shows house prices in Nundah were up 2.8 per cent over the last 12 months to $1.11m.
The post Downsizers to swap rare gem character home for the right fit appeared first on realestate.com.au.