Nine amazing renovation opportunities on offer right now

If you’ve ever seen a great renovation on a brilliant old property and thought, “why didn’t I do that?” or watched The Block thinking, “I could do that”, then one of these properties might be for you.

They are historic gems, hidden in Sydney’s hottest suburbs or tucked away in regional towns, just waiting for a makeover to bring them back to life.

“I think nearly everyone dreams about renovating a property like that,” says interior architect Mairead Murphy.  “There’s something so romantic about finding that old building and returning it back to its former grandeur.”

But even if you find a bargain, Murphy warns you should always expect the unexpected with old buildings. “Have some fat in the budget,” she says. “There will be layers of surprises waiting for you.”

We take a look at nine of the best renovator’s dreams from around the state.

184 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst

This terrace has terrific bones, but is in need of a facelift. Original features including polished floorboards, mantles and a cast iron fireplace are ready to be dusted off and spruced back to life.

In the heart of Sydney, the Darlinghurst position is minutes to the CBD and Kings Cross Train Station, making a finished renovation very appealing to buyers down the track. The vendors are looking for more than $950,000 at auction next month, but that could be a bargain, given the location.

27 Alexander Street, Paddington

Sydney stylist and author Sibella Court may have styled her home fabulously with her version of “shabby chic”, but this old shop is primed for a refined reno.

The treasure-hunted and salvaged fittings Ms Court has dotted throughout the home would sit stylishly besides a tasteful new kitchen and bathroom, which would not set you back much beyond the $1,650,000 plus asking price.

102-104 Waminda Avenue, Campbelltown

Cransley cottage is one of the oldest homes in Campbelltown, believed to have been built around 1882.

The sandstone property has been lovingly cared for and sits on a manicured 2312 square-metre block, but is ready to enjoy its next 130 years of life with a modern makeover.

18-20 Selwyn Street, Barry

This one is a little out of the way, but who wouldn’t want to renovate a church? About 266 kilometres west of Sydney, and a 40-minute drive from Bathurst,  the nearest larger town, Barry will offer you a peaceful lifestyle at an affordable price. In fact, the  asking price for this little gem is just $215,000.

The building, which  was formerly Saint Therese Church still features the original gothic windows and cathedral beams.

187 Brougham Street, Woolloomooloo

You may recognise this Woolloomooloo pad. It was the property that had the British media in a flap over the appearance of “ghosts” in the listing’s photographs. But it’s hardly surprising these photos got everyone’s attention, given the eclectic look of this old terrace.

Old plasterwork, raw walls and stained glass provide a rare canvas full of character. It would be ideal for a renovator with an eye for the unusual and at least $1.25 million to spare on the canvas to start with.

22 Glebe Street, Yass

Talk about a home with history. Old Linton was built in 1857 by an emancipated convict and was later home to the legendary grazier, A. B. Triggs, known as “The Sheep King”. 

The home has been meticulously kept and wouldn’t need a massive revamp, but the possibilities are endless with 46 rooms, including a ballroom that can seat 100 people.

Yass is about 280 kilometres south west of Sydney and 59 kilometres from Canberra. 

16 Samuel Street, Surry Hills

It wouldn’t be too often you’d get a terrace in Surry Hills with a price guide around $900,000 plus, but just think what a few $100,000 could add to the hardwood floors and high ceilings of this gem. The corner block side is within walking distance to the CBD and Central Station.

39 Werona Ave, Killara

Why not cash in on the cache of modernist architecture? The bones of this circa 1938 home represent classic post-WWII Australian architecture, which have become sought after for revival in recent years.

The grand home features a marble entry foyer, retro tiling and a spiralling staircase wrapped inside the curves of a modernist dream.

45 Kent Street, Millers Point

Part of Alfred Terrace – a row of six Georgian-style sandstone block terraces – was built between 1868 and 1870 for prominent Sydney solicitor and politician Sir George Wigram Allen.

Metres from the harbour, the historic home offers views towards Observatory Hill Park. You’ll need at least $1,725,000 at next week’s auction, but the final renovated product in the heart of Sydney could be worth a lot more.