The Specialty Field of Selling Early Canberra Homes
Many times, our early Canberra homes of the early 20th century are incorrectly referred to as “heritage listed homes”. However, it should be noted that in Canberra, we have a very small number of individual residences that can be identified as “heritage listed”. We have Heritage Precincts and it is the actual Precinct that is heritage listed – not every one of the individual homes in that Precinct. As is often the case, in most Heritage Precincts, there are less than 5 or 10 residences identified as heritage listed. The rest of the homes in these Heritage Precincts are merely located in a Heritage Precinct. A big difference.
If I see one more agent describe a home in a Heritage Precinct as heritage listed, I think I will scream. Speak to Philip Leeson, Architect, about this if you’d like it explained further. I’ve seen listings saying a home is heritage listed, and it is two streets away from where that Precinct is even located.
I was told once that we should sell to our strengths. Homes in a Heritage Precinct need to be treated, renovated, and sold in a different way to regular residential homes. I have that skill-set. I understand exactly how to renovate and sell these homes as I have lived experience.
I have had the privilege of being an owner – or more correctly a temporary custodian – of a home in the Blandafordia 5 Heritage Precinct in Furneaux Street, Forrest. I spent 10 wonder years renovating that home with dropped and cracked horse-hair plastering ceilings, with 23 different types of cornices, skirting boards and architraves that changed over a 90 year period. I sold this treasure in the year the home turned 100, to find a lovely new custodian, fully understanding of the magnificence of the history they purchased.
Looking at the actual uplift of the building file and former stamps on old Titles to find out who previously owned the home is essential. Five agents who had this home to sell previously had no idea who the previous owner was. Imagine my surprise when I discovered one Arthur Tange Esq lodged extension plans for my home in 1957. (The architect behind the merger of Airforce, Army and Navy into one, and referred to as a Mandarin in our 1950s/1970s public service history). Find that piece of information resulted in front page coverage by Allhomes during the sale campaign. Here is the article, that had a repeat print run 8 months after the campaign.
For those homes not specifically heritage listed, homes in a Heritage Precinct often only need to ensure the facade is kept as it was in the 1920s when it was first built. No extensions out the front, no matter how big your parcel of land. No solar or evaporative cooling units on the roof, unless they are out of street sight, and a few other requirements that Philip Leeson can give you guidance on.
As a result, you can completely do what is legally approved by ACPTLA when you renovate inside. I’ve seen a magnificent home in a Heritage Precinct not sell over a period of 6 months because the unknowing owner completely gutted everything inside to reveal a magnificent contemporary renovation that could compete with any new build in the Inner South. However, the potential buyers, like me, who adore the look in a home in a Heritage Precinct walked into that home to purchase, and left shortly after as they didn’t want a shiney new contemporary home. They wanted an internal renovation to complement and pay respect to the external facade. If ever you’re thinking of renovating, please call me for guidance.
You can also visit my former home to see the photos of my renovation:
The pavers are 1920s bricks, not the 1960s red bricks (there is a circle that makes a difference to identify what era the brick is – and yes, 1920s bricks are more expensive to purchase). The art deco features were used to reflect the era. A modern kitchen can still reflect a previous era with the right hardware. Small things that all matter.
Feel free to contact me if ever you wish to sell (or renovate) one of these treasures.