Add CategoryLooking for an affordable property to transform into your dream home? There are still plenty of modest options out there begging for a stylish renovation.
With some hard work, a dash of creativity and careful budgeting, these five ‘ugly ducklings’ – all priced at $600,000 or less – could be reimagined into fabulous swans.
We’ve even enlisted some helpful renovation advice on each property from The Block’s 2014 winner, Shannon Vos.
1. A premier block in Blackett
Western Sydney is one of the last areas in the city where you can snap up a low-cost home to renovate into something special.
Consider this classic three-bedroom home at 7 Cleary Place in Blackett.
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The solid brick home has good bones. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Set upon a level 689sqm block, its solid brick construction offers a superb blank canvas for renovation.
It comes with timber floors, separate lounge and dining rooms and a large alfresco pergola.
Mr Vos said it wouldn't take much to make this home really sing. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
It also enjoys excellent granny flat potential, subject to council approval, for those seeking extra income opportunities.
Shannon Vos' tip: “This would look fantastic with some new exterior cladding to highlight the mid-century lines. Already offering beautiful timber floors inside, it wouldn’t take too much to turn this into a Pinterest-worthy home.”
It has a price guide of $599,000 to $629,000.
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2. Make your mark in Melbourne
Another excellent option that’s only 15km north of Melbourne CBD is 21 Katandra Crescent, a cute three-bedder in Broadmeadows.
There's a good block size to play with. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
It’s an ideal starter home with endless transformation potential, offering a formal lounge and separate dining, an idyllic backyard, and a SOLIS solar panel system to help reduce energy costs.
With approximately 565sqm of land to play with, there’s enough space for a modest extension.
A new kitchen would add huge appeal, Shannon Vos said. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
It’s also moments to schools, trains and Essendon Airport.
Shannon Vos' tip: “A top opportunity to work with the abundance of natural light, this home would look great with timber floors, washes of whites and pops of pastels throughout. And a new kitchen would create huge appeal.”
It has a price guide of $450,000 to $495,000.
3. Exciting possibilities in Queensland
If the warmer climate is more your vibe, consider this three-bedroom home at 13 Horton Street in the peaceful suburb of Kingston.
This home has oodles of charm waiting to be unlocked. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Wonderfully elevated and sitting upon a level 789sqm parcel, the mid-century abode already has council approval for a secondary dwelling or granny flat in the large backyard.
Or if you have grander plans in mind, the adjoining property at 11 Horton Street is also available for purchase from the same owner.
Shannon Vos is fond of the classic archways. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
It’s well located, just 20km southeast of Brisbane CBD.
Shannon Vos' tip: “The masonry first floor offers a perfect base for building an iconic Queenslander. I’d love to see the archways restored to their former glory.”
It has an asking price of $495,000
4. Mid-century appeal in the Adelaide ‘burbs
Compared to other capital cities, Adelaide is still quite affordable.
It’s no surprise you can snap up a gem so close to the CBD, like this one at 46 Robert Avenue in Broadview.
It wouldn't cost much to lift the exterior of this home, Shannon says. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Set in a quiet cul-de-sac, it boasts a generous land size of 501sqm and a classic 1950s-style home ripe for a transformation.
It has three bedrooms, a spacious lounge, separate dining, and a rumpus room leading to a large rear courtyard.
The home has some good bones. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The kitchen has also recently been given a modest upgrade.
Shannon Vos' tip: “A new fence, a coat of paint, and this home’s front could look quite quaint. The kitchen just needs a feature splashback to really lift the space – maybe a textured tile, or something with a pop of colour.”
It heads to auction on 2 February with a guide price of $470,000.
5. The little Perth cottage that could
Exceptionally located and laden with charm, this quaint three-bedroom home at 136 Armadale Road in Rivervale is less than 8km from Perth’s CBD.
This cottage has big potential, according to Shannon Vos. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Perfectly liveable in its current condition, you could easily make it your home while you add some contemporary upgrades.
The condition allows a would-be renovator to live in the home while working on it. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
A wonderful family opportunity, it’s well located to schools, public transport, restaurants and shops.
Shannon Vos' tip: “Smaller homes offer fewer problems, so a simple cottage should be a breeze for any aspiring renovator. I love the dark timber floors and would love to see them paired with a soft warm white interior and extended windows to let the light and leafy aspect in.”
Offers are invited from $429,000.