Fake prince's Brisbane riverfront apartment sells at realistic price
The palatial Brisbane River apartment of the fake Tahitian prince Joel Morehu-Barlow has been snappily sold – at a price understood to have matched its purchase by Morehu-Barlow, who is accused of embezzling more than $16 million from Queensland Health.
His New Farm apartment, touted for upcoming auction, sold in an off-market deal that will reap the public trustee about $5.65 million.
Public Trustee official Tony Steinmetz, confirmed to the Brisbane Courier Mail the property known as the River House was under contract.
The sale is unconditional and will settle in February apparently to a buyer who had been interested in buying it when it last sold in 2010.
Steinmetz says approval for the deal was sought from the Supreme Court.
The unit was to be taken to auction with Johnston Dixon Quality Property awaiting repairs to be carried out.
Morehu-Barlow paid $5.65 million in 2010.
Steinmetz says it was decided to accept the early offer for the property as the offer exceeded three valuations. It would also save the expense of a marketing campaign.
The River House is part of the Pietra development built by Tom Dooley Developments in Moray Street. It has three bedrooms, five bathrooms and a wine cellar.
