Rundown Townsville cottages tipped to be hotly contested

News Corp Australia Network

275-277 Stanley St Townsville City

---

Two rundown cottages in the heart of the Townsville CBD are expected to be hotly contested when they go under the hammer on Saturday.

Based on a comparable sale next door, Ian Clarke of Ian Clarke Real Estate is tipping there will be “better than 10 registered bidders” when the auction for 275 – 277 Stanley St, Townsville City, starts at 10am.

275-277 Stanley St Townsville City

---

“There have been plenty of people poking about when I have not been there,” he said.

“It has been quite wet and I have seen all of the footprints.”

Among those expected to attend the auction are several underbidders who missed out on 273 Stanley St, which was an even more dilapidated cottage that sold for $256,000 after 33 bids.

There were 11 registered bidders at that auction.

“At this one, I am expecting some underbidders but of those pre-registered, they are builders with plans to renovate,” Mr Clarke said.

“There has also been interest from flippers.”

The two cottages sit on a 748sq m block with three titles.

“The Queenslander cottages are in poor condition, both requiring a full renovation in all areas,” the listing says.

But both have tin rooves and traditional features such as tongue and groove timber walls, high ceilings and timber floors.

Both also have kitchens and bathrooms, although one of the cottages has plumbing going nowhere.

They also have two bedrooms each and enclosed verandas.

“Each certainly could be brought back to life with some plucky enthusiasm and effort,” the listing says.

They are located opposite Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral.

Mr Clarke also sold a hoarder house that was described as an “Alladin’s Cave” at West End in October 2021.

That property, which could not be inspected internally, sold under the hammer for $280,000 after attracting 39 registered bidders and 100-plus strong crowd. It was snapped up by a local buyer.

Mr Clarke also sold a “squatters den with a filthy pool” that attracted nine registered bidders in May last year.