PHOTO: FILE
A derelict and squalid residence located in West Auckland has been sold at a surprising price of $675,500, leaving numerous New Zealanders astounded.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Ranui was forced into an auction, and now, it is in the possession of the auction winner, who will have the opportunity to realize their renovation aspirations.
Real estate agent Kristina Walsh shared a video on TikTok showcasing the grimy exterior and sordid interior of the abandoned house, leaving many social media users thoroughly disgusted. Graffiti adorns multiple walls within the property, and sizable patches of ominous mold have infiltrated from beneath the carpet and wallpaper.
@kristinawalsh_realestate Replying to @vita it wasn’t #flooded as far as we’re aware.
The kitchen counter is obscured beneath a shroud of what appears to be deceased insects, while the pantry harbors heaps of decaying food, including faded cereal boxes and an empty KFC bucket. In various corners of the rooms, piles of rubbish, soiled clothing, and disheveled bedding can be observed alongside broken furniture. The house also contains stained pillows, an old teddy bear, and tattered curtains within one of the bedrooms with brown-stained carpets.
According to Walsh, there are several factors contributing to the property’s unexpected selling price. She acknowledged that the real estate market has undergone significant changes, having moved beyond its previous low point, with investors and developers displaying increased activity compared to six months ago. Additionally, the property’s value was bolstered by its location outside the flood-affected region that affected Luanda Drive and Urlich Road in Ranui earlier in the year.
Ray White, the real estate agency, aimed to generate as much competition as possible through their campaign and marketing efforts to secure the best outcome for the property’s sellers. In her view, this particular property was challenging to price, making an auction the most suitable method for its sale.
Social media, according to Walsh, is a valuable platform for real estate advertising. She noted that prospective buyers are seeking genuine, unfiltered content rather than the traditional, generic approach to selling houses. New Zealanders have a penchant for renovation projects and enjoy sharing their opinions on houses in conditions similar to this one.
The TikTok video, which garnered nearly 130,000 views, received a substantial amount of attention, with users expressing various reactions. Some found the state of the property deplorable, while others thought it required more than just a thorough cleaning – a full demolition and reconstruction, in their opinion. A few users humorously suggested a mere $2.50 for the house, while others speculated that the selling price could exceed the $675,500 mark.
@kristinawalsh_realestate Replying to @Aaron @Mark Kindell and anyone else who wanted to see the #auction at 9 Luanda Dr, #Ranui #sellwithkristina #weirdwestie #westie #westierealestate #queenofwestauckland #propertynz #nzrealestate #loveyourhome #westaucklandrealestate #aucklandrealestate #lovemyclients #realestate #clientsforlife #queenofranui @Melvin and Alyshia
When the sale price was eventually disclosed to her TikTok audience, many New Zealanders were surprised by the outcome, with some praising the strong market response and the enthusiastic bidding process. Walsh found the comments on the video to be truly entertaining and believed they contributed to the phenomenal turnout, with over 20 registered bidders participating in the auction.
SOURCE: NEWSHUB