John Brumby’s former Footscray home hits the market just three months after changing hands

A former Victorian premier’s million-dollar western suburbs home is up for grabs just months after it changed hands. SEE INSIDE

David Bonaddio

@daveobigbro

2 min read

December 17, 2024 - 6:00AM

Former Victorian premier John Brumby’s previous home has changed hands three months after it sold earlier this year.

The former home of a Victorian premier has surfaced on the market, in one of Melbourne’s inner west’s most sought-after streets.

Tucked away at 2 Rippon St, Footscray, former Premier John Brumby’s previous home has hit the market – just three months after it changed hands to new owners.

O Brien Sunshine and St Albans director Benny Nguyen said the listing had already caused a buzz among buyers for its prime location in one of the areas most tightly held streets.

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“The property is unique on several fronts, the facade is beautiful, but the home will need a bit of a freshen up by the new owners,” Mr Nguyen said.

“It’s clean but a bit tired internally – it’s my first listing on this street in 23 years, which just shows how rare it is to find a home in this particular location.”

Mr Nguyen said the double-storey property — recently sold just three months ago for $1.8m — is back on the market due to the new owners needing to relocate for school zoning reasons.

Exterior of 2 Rippon St, Footscray.

The kitchen contains modern appliances and has received a minor update.

With $1.8-$1.88m price hopes the OBrien Sunshine and St Albans director said the home is a quintessential blend of grandeur and practicality.

“The timing of the sale has been strategic – It’s too close to Christmas to run an auction,” he said.

“We’ve only had this on the market since last Thursday, and I already have an offer in writing.

Standout features of the home include a 14.2m lap pool which includes lighting and water features.

The self-contained unit on top of the garage includes a gas stove and space for a dishwasher.

“Interest rates could go either way next year, but if they drop, the market will likely shift from a buyers market to a sellers’ market.”

With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a separate self-contained studio above the garage, buyers could use the space for dual living, a teenager’s retreat, or rental income.

Standout features of the home include a 14.2m lap pool, French doors opening to a landscaped courtyard, a solar panel system and modern kitchen amenities.

Despite the home needing a little bit of an update O Brien Sunshine and St Albans director Benny Nguyen said the home had been kept in a presentable state.

The home also includes a self-contained unit above the garage, perfect for a teenagers retreat or potential rental income.

The home is within walking distance to schools, Victoria University campus, public transport, and new Footscray Hospital precinct.

The listing caps off a year that has seen several high-profile political figures sell their homes.

Former Liberal Party Victorian president and ex-senator Helen Kroger listed her Hawthorn villa for $2.2 –$2.4m but failed to secure a sale after 49 days on the market. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s Altona property at 9 Medford St changed hands in 2022 for $1.26m.