Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes struggles to find tenants for her Bondi semi

Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes is struggling to find tenants to rent her $1300-a-week rundown two-bedroom Bondi semi she bought in 1984 for $93,000.

Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes is having a hard time finding tenants to pay her asking price of $1300 a week to lease a rundown two-bedroom Bondi semi she scooped up in 1984 for a paltry $93,000.

Today, similar sized houses in the beachside suburb list for more than $3.4 million.

The 84-year-old British and Australian veteran actress, best known for her role as Professor Sprout in the magical franchise, says in a post believed to be on her official Facebook page: “Rush to rent this gorgeous Bondi property in Cox Avenue … $1300 per week/2 Bedrooms”.

The outdated eastern suburbs home with tiny barred windows and private backyard is a 12-minute walk from the iconic Sydney beach and was first listed 23 days ago.

One incredulous fan replied to her announcement: “$1300 a WEEK? Nope.”

Another wrote: “Oh Miriam! $1300 for a two bedder with no car space is unfortunately not affordable for most of the population. #CosiLivi”.

One chimed: “Wow rent is so expensive now. Glad I’m in the bush”.

The property was scheduled for inspection on Thursday, and on Saturday at 12.15pm.

There are no listed development applications lodged with Waverley Council for any developments or change of use since Ms Margolyes bought the property.

The leasing agent with Raine & Horne Double Bay, who is dealing with the 95sq m home, said: “$1300 a week is average for the area, she’ll have no problem renting it.”

Its realestate.com.au listing describes the home as being located in a premier Bondi cul-de-sac.

Miriam Margolyes bought her Bondi home for $93,000 in 1984. Picture: Supplied

The Harry Potter star says she thinks about death a lot these days.

“This beautifully presented semi-detached home showcases timeless character and elegant period features,” it states.

“Perfectly positioned just minutes from vibrant shops, cafes, and the iconic Bondi Beach, it offers the ultimate coastal lifestyle.”

It boasts timber floorboards throughout, two “well-sized” bedrooms, a spacious gas kitchen, tidy, well-maintained bathroom, a separate laundry room and private rear courtyard.

Cambridge graduate and BAFTA-winning actress Margolyes is registered as disabled and relies on sticks, a walker, and a mobility scooter to facilitate her movement while battling spinal stenosis, arthritis, and rheumatism.

Margolyes at a Tasmanian beach filming documentary series Australia Unmasked.

In 2023, she underwent surgery to replace an aortic valve to avoid more invasive open heart surgery, and only weeks ago said she believed she didn't have long to live.

She told London’s The Times newspaper in May: “When you know that you haven’t got long to live – and I’m probably going to die within the next five or six years, if not before – I’m loath to leave behind performing.

“It’s such a joy. I yearn to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough.”

The Age of Innocence and Babe star also jokingly said on a UK Table Manners podcast: “I’ve got a cow’s heart now.”

“Well, not the whole heart,” she explained, adding, “I’ve had an aortic valve replaced by a cow’s aortic valve.

“I don’t know how common it is. I’d never heard of that operation. But it saves you from having open heart surgery, which would be infinitely more invasive.”

The two-bedroom semi with private rear courtyard has been on the rental market since May 28. Picture: Supplied

Although the operation was a success, Margolyes, who lives mostly in Clapham in south London with her partner Heather Sutherland, says she still suffers pain and physical limitations.

She says she now thinks about death a lot.

She said: “When you’re young, you never think about death. You just think about your next f..k basically. I think about death a lot.

“Now every morning when I get up I think, ‘Hmmm, another day’, which maybe I wasn’t expecting.”

Margolyes also has a spectacular residence called Yarrawa Hill in Robertson, in the NSW Southern Highlands, which she rents out for $A500 per night for two people.

The actress was unavailable for comment.