A remarkable home of the past in Paddington has changed hands, with a local family securing a historic property that had sat untouched for three decades.
The two-bedroom home at 31 Perrott Street attracted significant attention when it went to auction last Monday, drawing a crowd of 150 onlookers eager to witness the sale of what many considered a neighbourhood curiosity.
The property, which occupies a prominent 473-square-metre corner block with elevated views, had remained within the same family for over 100 years before going under the hammer. However, it had been vacant since the 1990s, creating an air of mystery that captured local imagination.
Stories circulated among residents about the abrupt departure of the home’s last occupants, with some claiming the dining table remained set as if the family had simply stepped out one day and never returned.
Ray White Paddington’s Max Hadgelias, who co-handled the sale, described the auction turnout as one of their largest on record. The bidding opened dramatically at $2.75 million, immediately reducing the field of 15 registered bidders to just four serious contenders.
Within minutes of being declared on the market at $2.95 million, the property sold for $3.1 million to purchasers who plan extensive renovations.
According to Hadgelias, the successful buyers were drawn to both the location and the sweeping views the elevated position provides. The local family outbid interest from Brisbane, interstate, and international buyers who had inspected the unique property.
The extended vacancy followed the death of a family member in the 1990s, after which the property remained empty whilst the family deliberated over its future. Hadgelias noted that the home represented such a treasured family asset that the decision to sell took considerable time.
Preparing the long-abandoned house for public inspection proved no small task, requiring a two-person crew working for two weeks to make it suitable for viewing. The interior revealed decades of accumulated belongings, with items dating back to the 1960s, 70s, and 80s creating an almost museum-like atmosphere.
Despite its lengthy vacancy, the property’s interior paintwork had weathered surprisingly well, though the exterior showed clear signs of neglect from Brisbane’s harsh weather conditions.
The abundance of period furniture and household items attracted considerable interest from antique enthusiasts, though these contents were not included in the sale. The vendors retain ownership of these items and will decide which pieces to keep before potentially selling the remainder.
The sale formed part of a busy week for Brisbane auctions, with 177 properties scheduled across the city. Preliminary results showed a clearance rate of 56 per cent from 107 reported outcomes, with 11 auctions withdrawn from the programme.
For Paddington residents, the sale marks the end of an era for a property that had become part of local folklore, whilst simultaneously representing the beginning of a new chapter as the historic home prepares for restoration and renewed occupancy.
The successful transaction demonstrates the continued appeal of Paddington’s character homes, even those requiring significant investment to restore them to liveable condition.
Published 28-July-2025
