Deakin Charity House Project expected to raise more than $1 million

The auction of two properties in Canberra’s inner south next month could result in the single largest donation to charity in the ACT.

A number of stakeholders within the territory’s property and construction industries have joined forces to build and sell two houses as part of the Deakin Charity House Project, launched on Monday.

The sale of the two properties at 63 and 65 Buxton Street in Deakin is expected to raise more than $1 million for children with a disability, with the majority of funds to be donated to Canberra’s Boundless all abilities playground.

Hands Across Canberra and Hartley Lifecare will also share in the proceeds.

The ACT Land and Development Agency has contributed two adjoining, separate title in-fill parcels of land to the project.

Existing buildings were demolished last year and have been replaced with a one-level house and a two-storey house, both designed by AMC Architecture.

A number of Master Builders Association members, led by Renaissance Homes, have constructed the new homes, with resources and elbow grease donated or supplied at a low cost.

Master Builders ACT executive director Kirk Coningham said the project was the third of its kind – and by far the biggest.

The sale of two other charity houses, one in Harrison in 2006 and another in Franklin in 2013, raised a total of more than $850,000.

“This could be the largest single charity donation Canberra’s ever seen,” Mr Coningham said.

“A whole lot of people in the construction sector in the ACT are keen to contribute to the community; this is giving them a huge opportunity to do so.”

Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Manuka agent Mario Sanfrancesco said the single-level, three-bedroom house would suit a range of prospective buyers including families and downsizers.

The two-storey, five-bedroom house next door could house a growing family.

“They’re in a lovely, tranquil street within Deakin and are a very short walk from the Deakin shops and very close to highly regarded schools in the area,” Mr Sanfrancesco said.

“They are not only architectually-designed to suit the streetscape and maximise solar orientation – they’re also designed for very easy living.

“There’s a shortage of homes for sale in the inner south at the moment. These are going to be landmark properties, which are contributing to a great cause.”

The houses at 63 and 65 Buxton Street in Deakin will hit the market on Thursday.

Both properties will be open for inspection on Saturday, October 15 and will be auctioned through Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Manuka on Saturday, November 5, on-site.