The Daily Mail reported on April 8 that property developers planned to bid $600,000 for Auburn's "semi-property", but the offer was rejected by Chinese homeowners. The latter said he would not consider selling his home without $1 million.
According to the report, the old man, David, who only speaks Cantonese, spent $330,000 in 2004 to buy a three-bedroom apartment on Park Rd in the Auburn district.
In 2017, a fire destroyed half of the house. The damage was demolished in 2018 and bought by AB Developments in 2020.
David was then approached by the developer to buy the other half of the house for $600,000. But David said he wouldn't consider selling without $1 million. The standoff between the two sides has now split the house in two.
(Image source: Daily Mail)
Meanwhile, the NSW Building Commission issued a stoppage order on 21 December after the developer failed to submit important fire protection, structural and building documents on time, resulting in all construction of the apartment building being postponed indefinitely.
The Daily Mail reported that the construction site had been abandoned and workers were barred from entering the site.
(Image source: Daily Mail)
"The architectural design of the development did not contain the necessary details to complete the required building works," the cease-and-desist order stated. ”
"Participate in and continue to carry out these works...... This can seriously affect the actual performance of these building components. Significant harm or loss may be caused to the occupants or potential occupiers of the development. ”
AB Developments accepted the result and said they would update their plan and then resubmit the application for the order to be revoked.
(Image source: Daily Mail)
David's humble home, meanwhile, was erected in a vacant lot a few meters away, in stark contrast to the unfinished building next door. The unique shape of the "semi-house" has also sparked heated discussions on the Internet recently.
One local wrote: "It's nice to stand strong even though it's only half a house. ”
A second netizen wrote: "He can add windows on that side of the house to get more light and air circulation." ”
(Image source: Daily Mail)
Someone commented: "Sometimes, people want to live in a simple, memories-filled house...... Instead of living in a square box without love and warmth. ”
It was also said that David would have to face years of construction while the value of his house was declining.
Now he can enjoy people peeking at his yard and house from all angles, and also endure the cars filling the streets. One dissenting person wrote. Another said: "Maybe you can make a good deal instead of clinging to aging fiberboard and smelly plywood." ”