Liveability, appeal key to Inner city Sydney heritage restoration: HTW
Heritage property renovators are encouraged to be as creative as possible within any heritage constraints while refreshing for appeal and necessity according to Herron Todd White, whose latest residential market report concentrates on residential heritage market in inner Sydney.
HTW says the council must consider the effect of any proposed development in the area surrounding heritage items or conservation areas, this ensures an appropriate context for heritage items and that owning a heritage listed property can bring other advantages such as protection of an item.
"Owners are typically not permitted to render the front facade, demolish and rebuild or build up and they are encouraged to be as creative as possible in their restorative thinking to make the property both liveable and appealing," HTW said.
"The way the dwelling looks from the street will usually have to be maintained, from the chimney to the roof line. You can have a Federation front and go completely contemporary with an extension or addition at the rear.
"There are higher restoration costs for craftsmanship especially when period features such as decorative ceilings, cornices and ornate fireplaces are to be retained and also heritage specialist fees."
The report noted the recent sale of ten properties at Millers Point owned by the NSW Government that went up for auction.
"A heritage listed terrace at 40 Argyle Place, Millers Point sold on 25 February 2016 for $2.75 million and comprises a two storey, circa 1887 Victorian Terrace with 4-bedrooms and 1-bathroom with no car accommodation on 128 square metres of land. The property is in need of a full restoration," it said.
"9 Pickering Lane, Woollahra sold on 20 November 2015 for $2.025 million and comprises a circa 1880 single level neo-Georgian sandstone cottage with 2-bedrooms and 1-bathroom and no car accommodation on 152 square metres of land. The property has retained the front façade with an architecturally designed extension at the rear."