Smart buys: homes for less than $1.6 million

38 Marlborough Street, Drummoyne
$1.45 million +
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car space

This well-maintained Federation house looks to be more affordable than Drummoyne’s $1.68 million average for houses of this size because  it is on a reasonably busy road. However, it is set back from the street on a 500-square-metre block. The house’s handsome period features include a leadlight bay window, claw-foot tub, high decorative ceilings, and fireplaces. There  is a study or fourth bedroom, too.

Inspect: Sat, 2pm-2.30pm; Wed, 5pm-5.30pm
Agent: BresicWhitney, 0416 301 650
Auction: November 21

38 Henson Street, Summer Hill
$1.5 million +
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

A four-bedroom terrace across the train line sold for $1.99 million in May. Both have been superbly renovated but that terrace is traditional Victorian while this one is sleek and modern. It has an additional bathroom with Villeroy & Boch fittings, cathedral ceilings and a loggia-style study attached to a master bedroom. There is rear parking for two cars.

Inspect: Sat, 11am-11.30am; Thu, 5.30pm-6pm
Agent: Cobden & Hayson, 0416 223 699
Auction: November 28

70 William Street, Redfern
$1.45 million +
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car space

Houses this size cost about $1.7 million in Redfern these days, but not many can boast the cool industrial style that this tri-level terrace gained five years ago. Just the façade and original brickwork remain, while timber from a bowling alley, downlights recycled from the Melbourne Tennis Centre, custom-made steel doors and Bluestone tiles give it a brand new life.

Inspect: Sat, 10.45am-11.15am
Agent: Belle Surry Hills, 0425 305 455
Auction: November 28

15 Kent Road, North Ryde
$1,325,000 +
4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 car space

Across the street a three-bedroom house in original condition traded for $1,575,000 in September. This house has an additional bedroom or study and was recently renovated, but is on a smaller, 519-square-metre block. The house has a travertine-tiled entrance, a skylit lounge room, downlights, and polished timber floors. There is  a lovely paved courtyard and level lawns at the rear.

Inspect: Sat, 3.15pm-3.45pm
Agent: McGrath Ryde, 0404 071 511
Auction: November 21