Summer Hill Transformation
From long-term vacancy to a suburb-record sale.
Purchased for $2.05 million, this Summer Hill property had been vacant for 11 years and required extensive remedial, structural and external work.
A $650,000 full-property renovation was completed in four months, repositioning the home for the local buyer market while retaining the character appropriate to its heritage setting.
The property sold for $3.37 million in August 2025, achieving a suburb-record result.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
A commercially focused renovation within a heritage conservation area. The property had strong underlying potential, but its condition and existing layout limited its appeal to the market.
The renovation began with essential remedial work, including a complete roof replacement. Internal structural changes were then made to create a second bathroom and open-plan living, improving the functionality of the home while respecting its original character.
The scope was developed with the end buyer and resale position in mind. Construction costs, buyer expectations and likely market impact were assessed together, allowing investment to be directed towards the areas that would make the greatest difference.
PROJECT RESULTS
Purchase price
$2.05 million
Renovation investment
$650,000
Sale price
$3.37 million
Gross value uplift
$1.32 million
Gross uplift above renovation investment
$670,000
Renovation timeframe
Four months
THE TRANSFORMATION
Reworked for modern living without losing its character
The revised layout improved flow and connection between the living spaces, while the additional bathroom strengthened the practicality of the home for its target buyer.
Finishes were selected to create a cohesive, contemporary interior without removing the warmth and character expected of a Summer Hill property.
Externally, the landscaping, retaining walls, levelled backyard and new driveway improved usability, presentation and the overall first impression of the home.
SCOPE OF WORKS
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Complete roof replacement
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Internal structural alterations
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Additional bathroom
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Open-plan living
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Full internal renovation
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Major landscaping
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New retaining walls
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Backyard levelling
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New driveway
THE OUTCOME
The completed renovation transformed a property that had stood vacant for 11 years into a well-resolved, market-ready home.
Delivered within four months, the project achieved a $1.32 million gross increase in value from purchase to sale, including $670,000 above the renovation investment before other project costs.
The property sold for $3.37 million in August 2025, demonstrating the impact of a renovation strategy grounded in construction experience, market understanding and disciplined investment.
Front exterior of the completed Summer Hill property, featuring restored brickwork, refreshed period detailing, landscaped lawn and a new driveway
The Summer Hill home before renovation, showing the original brick façade, front pathway, lawn and established trees
Rear view of the Summer Hill property before renovation, showing the original verandah, roofline, lawn and outdoor area
Front exterior of the completed Summer Hill property, featuring restored brickwork, refreshed period detailing, landscaped lawn and a new driveway