Cheap properties go up for action in Aussie town amid housing crisis

Struggling to find a home? One iconic Aussie town is auctioning off 16 properties, and buyers are expected to walk away with bargains.

As Aussies struggle amid rising interest rates and the current housing crisis, for those willing to leave the urban sprawl, there are bargains to be had in Coober Pedy.

The opal mining town in central South Australia has a total of 16 properties going under the hammer in two weeks’ time, and according to some reports, blocks in the area start from a base of around $5000, with three-bedroom homes valued between $30,000 to $550,000.

The district council is holding the mass auction as it seeks to recoup money from years of unpaid rates.

A variety of properties are on offer, from underground homes and unfinished dugouts to rundown buildings and vacant land.

The town is famous for its underground homes, built to escape the brutal heat.

This property at 481 Brewster St is an incomplete dugout with around 1500sq m land. Picture: realestate.com.au

Lot 399 Jones St is a block of land of around 887sq m. Picture: realestate.com.au

Warren Andrews from Andrews Property told realestate.com.au there was a broad range of properties up for sale and he expects “a lot of interest”.

“They’re properties the council has got significant arrears on,” he said. “The council don’t take these things lightly, it’s normally an extreme last resort.

“There’s quite a menu.”

According to Mr Andrews, buyers, including investors, from across the country, were often interested in Coober Pedy properties, with the latest run of auctions no exception.

He said the scale of the sale would be refreshing for the town.

“The flipside is we’re going to have 16 properties with brand new owners that will come and breathe new life into the town,” he said.

Lot 1 Jelly Crescent is a rustic three-bedroom dugout on a 4403sq m block. Picture: realestate.com.au

This property at 463 Stuart St sits on around 1000sq m and is in need of some work. Picture: realestate.com.au

The tiny town of 1500, about nine hours north of Adelaide, punches above its weight in terms of notability.

Once lauded the “opal capital of the world”, the town became renowned for its below-ground homes, or “dugouts”, where miners and other locals could escape the scorching desert heat and sun.

Situated on the Stuart Highway, on the edge of the Great Victoria Desert, it is also a popular destination for tourists.

Lot 248 Bean St is in need of some work and comes with various sheds on the 748sq m block. Picture: realestate.com.au

Coober Pedy has been the stage for numerous Hollywood productions – most recently, a 2021 film adaptation of Mortal Kombat. Picture: Todd Garner

Hollywood has also cashed in on the town’s unique desertscape over the years with the area used as locations for Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Kangaroo Jack and a 2021 film adaptation of Mortal Kombat.

According to the Andrews Properties website, the condition of the properties varies from needing significant work to a fully functional commercial office on the main street used as an opal store.

The District Council of Coober Pedy says bidders can attend the auction on a Zoom call but must register their interest before 5pm local time on May 2.

A 10 per cent deposit must be paid by successful bidders and settlement is set at 30 days.