Can the front house impact resale?

jbarber · Aug 26, 2019 11:10 am

Hi there

We are looking at purchasing a rear subdivided lot of around 480m2.

The existing house which has street frontage, is an old weatherboard home, which looks pretty run down and from the street, looks pretty horrible.

My partner and I plan to build on the rear lot a 4 bedroom modern rendered house.

I was wondering what sort of impact the look of a front house can have on the resale value of a house located at the rear of a block if any? Can anyone shed some light here?

Thanks

Forg · Aug 26, 2019 3:39 pm

I think the only way it's going to reflect resale is if potential buyers are concerned about the people living there … eg. if it looks a bit rundown, whether the people living there can afford upkeep, infestations of things you don't want a neighbour to be infested with, whether they'll both keeping their weeds under control, etc. I don't think any resale problem would be with the building itself.

ginzak · Aug 26, 2019 5:45 pm

I believe a rear subdivided block is not a desirable option unless it offers benefits such as less traffic noise or enhanced views. Also if a house in the front is run down it certainly might take the appeal to certain buyers if a run-down property in front.

Having said that you should look at how long are you planning to hold onto your property. If you are holding it on for long term the rundown house may be replaced with a modern home in the future adding value to your property as well.