BALMAIN

Client Brief vs Client Outcome:

Brief: Returning to the Balmain Peninsula

Our client, an artist, was searching for a character-filled home with period features and a beautiful back garden to inspire her craft. Having sold her house on the Lower North Shore, she was eager to return to a community-focused area, close to dog parks, cafes, and other amenities. The Balmain peninsula and adjoining suburbs —where she had previously lived—became the focus of her search.

Our client expected: –

to buy a period home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and living area that flows to a lovely garden …we secured a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom Federation semi a casual living/dining area that looks out to an attractive garden.
to buy in a quiet street in an area with good community vibes, close to amenities and dog parks…we bought a house in the widest street in Balmain, a short stroll to both Darling Street Rozelle and Darling Street Balmain.

CLIENT BRIEF vs OUTCOME

CLIENT BRIEF	CLIENT OUTCOME
House	House
Minimum 2-Bed, 1 Bath, 1 car space / off street parking	2-Bed, 1 Bath, Off Street Parking in Balmain’s widest street
Good sized brick home, at least 100sqm internal space with windows on at least one side of house	Brick Semi, 196sqm total land size, with windows in every room with the addition of French Doors to the side of the Formal Living Room
Nature Light is important	Windows in each room and sliding doors off the casual living/dining area ensures plenty of natural light
Period / Ornate Features are preferred	Federation semi with ornate ceilings, original fireplaces and plenty of other period features
Good sized garden with shade is essential, with trees and garden beds. Big enough to ‘potter’ in and also dog friendly.	The home’s established, generously sized garden is a major asset, featuring a paved dining area, mature trees, and vibrant garden beds.
Open to non-structural renovations over time	The front of the property (bedrooms and formal living) in in excellent condition but the back provides scope to reconfigure and add value. Being a traditional Balmain house, the bathroom is off the kitchen currently, so a future makeover will see the bathroom move closer to the bedrooms and living room, whilst modernizing the kitchen/dining area.

Search:

Our client focused her search on specific Inner West and Lower North Shore suburbs, particularly period-style semis, cottages, and terraces on the Balmain peninsula. While several off-market and pre-market properties were viewed, they either lacked the garden appeal she sought, didn’t have the right flow (i.e casual living look out to the garden) or were too close to noise sources. After missing out on a Rozelle cottage to another buyer, we identified the perfect Balmain semi and were determined to secure it for her.

Evaluate:

We conducted multiple inspections, including private viewings with our client’s architect to assess renovation potential and costs. A thorough review of the building report ensured the older property was structurally sound with no major issues. We also spoke with neighbours and confirmed that the street had a long-established, welcoming community.

Negotiate :

The property was set for auction, but our client was keen to secure it beforehand. Midway through the sales campaign, we gauged the competition and submitted a compelling offer. It was high enough to outbid the competition and convincing enough for the vendor to accept pre-auction. The outcome was well within our client’s budget, leaving room for a full renovation of the property’s rear.