Rare Dept of Defence house blocks to go under the hammer

Vacant land anywhere close to the city is rare as hen’s teeth so when 17 house blocks go under the hammer at once it’s something to crow about — particularly in this hot spot.

The 17 blocks at Hawthorne Parade, Haberfield, were the site of the former Haberfield Army Reserve Depot.

Vacant land anywhere close to Sydney’s CBD is rare as hen’s teeth so when 17 house blocks go under the hammer at once it’s something crow about — particularly in this hot spot.

McGrath Estate Agents has been appointed by the Department of Defence as exclusive selling agent for one of its most prized residential land holdings in the popular inner west suburb of Haberfield.

McGrath CEO John McGrath describes the site of the former Haberfield Army Reserve Depot as one of the most significant residential land offerings to be released to the market in inner Sydney in recent years.

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McGrath CEO John McGrath says it’s one of the most exciting offerings in his 40-year career. Picture: Julian Andrews

“I’ve been in real estate for over 40 years and this is one of the most unique and exciting offerings we’ve had the pleasure of bringing to the market,” he said.

The site at Hawthorne Parade (with entry from Darragh Lane) comprises 17 level lots ranging in size from 500 sqm to 1,044 sqm, totalling 10,760 sqm on offer.

With McGrath national general manager of sales and auctioneer Troy Malcolm presiding, bidding for the lots is expected to range from $1.6m to $2.85m at the auction set for the evening of March 27.

Mr McGrath said vacant land in the area was extremely rare.

“Haberfield is a coveted residential precinct and the opportunity to buy prime vacant land like this has rarely been available to buyers wanting to build their dream homes,” he said.

The 17 level lots range in size from 500sqm to 1,044sqm, with bidding expected to range between $1.6m to $2.85m.

“Haberfield is one of Australia’s proudest heritage suburbs with almost all the original Victorian and Federation homes intact, having been carefully preserved and now protected by a local heritage conservation order.”

Long referred to as “the garden suburb”, Haberfield was established in 1901 as a retreat from cramped inner city living.

It is known for its wide, tree-lined streets and large garden blocks.

McGrath’s Michael Tringali, a long-term resident of Haberfield and a property specialist in the area, describes it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

“The mix of beautiful period homes, parks and surrounding cafes and restaurants make Haberfield one of Australia’s most liveable suburbs,” Mr Tringali said.

McGrath national general manager of sales and auctioneer Troy Malcolm will put the blocks under the hammer on March 27. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

The Hawthorne Parade site is a five-minute walk from the Light Rail and less than 600m from Haberfield’s Town Centre when accessed from the O’Connor Street walkway. Leichhardt’s popular Norton Street Village and Market Place are four minutes’ drive away. “We have a strong community culture that celebrates great coffee and amazing Italian food,” Mr Tringali said.

“This is a suburb that recognises its deep European ties and welcomes everyone.”

PropTrack puts the median price for four-bedroom houses in Haberfield at $3.5m, up 11.1 per cent over the past year.

Originally published as Rare Dept of Defence house blocks to go under the hammer