Mt Waverley: new house with basketball court sells at auction
A swish basketball court built in the backyard at this brand new Mt Waverley home was an unusual perk that attracted plenty of buyers at a hot auction, which shot to top dollar.
Hoop dreams came true for a family who snapped up a Mt Waverley home with half a basketball court in the backyard.
The newly-built property at 13 Joy St sold for $2.58 million after four bidders played off against each other for the keys.
Residential building developer Joseph Uccellini said this was his biggest project yet, designed to target an Asian demographic.
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“I personally hate swimming pools, but I wanted a feature in the backyard that would catch the eye,” Mr Uccellini said.
“Basketball is huge in China so I thought it was the right sport to choose. It’s also why I chose to make it red.”
Campaign photos of the impressive court have also been requested by the NBL to use in their advertising campaigns, according to the auctioneer.
A Tesla Powerwall battery and double glazing meant the house had a six-star energy rating, which should lower power bills.
“When you build something of this size it chews through energy,” Mr Uccellini said.
“I may not make any extra money from installing it but it’s the right thing to do, to make a house like this sustainable.”
His clever design tactics paid off, with four Asian families raising their hand for the five-bedroom home on the day.
The property hit the market at $2.53 million after a half time break, and two parties went back-and-forth before the hammer fell to a group already living in the area.
Ray White Mt Waverley agent Jay Warnak said the family planned to upsize into the house.
“They have been here about four or five times already and been taken through the house privately too,” Mr Warnak said.
“Our underbidder was actually representing another buyer who was on the phone from Japan.”
The new home was only finished a month ago, despite initial plans to have it completed by August.
More than 120 people watched on as 40 bids were placed across a drawn-out auction.
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Originally published as Mt Waverley: new house with basketball court sells at auction