A Toowong home that fell victim to a serious termite infestation has successfully found new owners, going under contract after being listed for offers above $850,000.
The three-storey property at 38 Richer Street became an unexpected renovation project when the current owners discovered extensive termite damage during the early stages of their planned improvements. The discovery forced them to partially gut sections of the home to properly address the pest invasion.
Doug Disher Real Estate agent Toby Disher handled the unique sale, presenting the property’s circumstances with refreshing honesty. The listing acknowledged the challenging situation the owners faced when their renovation dreams were derailed by the unwelcome discovery.
After professional pest control specialists dealt with the termite colony and installed appropriate preventative measures, the owners found themselves at a crossroads. They could either continue with extensive repairs and renovations, or pass the opportunity on to someone better equipped to handle such a comprehensive project. An unexpected job offer overseas ultimately helped make their decision.
The architecturally designed home boasts multiple outdoor entertaining areas and living spaces across its three levels. The middle floor features polished timber flooring, while the upper level houses a parents’ retreat. Polished concrete can be found on the ground level.
However, the termite damage was clearly visible in listing photographs, showing sections where decking boards had been removed and interior wall sheeting stripped away during the treatment process. The extensive nature of the infestation required significant intervention to ensure the property was properly remediated.
Despite the obvious challenges, the property attracted considerable attention from potential buyers. The sale includes all renovation materials and fixtures that were originally intended for the owners’ planned improvements. These items comprise bathroom fittings such as basins, mixers, shower components, toilets, mirrors and vanities, plus flooring materials including premium Kwila decking and Gastone Carrara White tiles for floors and walls.
The property sits on a 379-square-metre block with an interesting access arrangement – shared access from Richer Street and 24 metres of frontage along Horrocks Street, potentially allowing for separate private access to be created in the future.
Location-wise, the home enjoys proximity to several prestigious educational institutions. It’s positioned within walking distance of Stuartholme School and falls within the Rainworth State School catchment area. Families also have convenient access to Brisbane Boys’ College and the Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT), while The University of Queensland lies less than five kilometres away by road.
The unusual nature of the sale clearly resonated with Brisbane property hunters, with the listing becoming the most-viewed residential property advertisement across Queensland during its first week on the market.
For someone with the right skills and connections, this property represents an opportunity to take on a comprehensive renovation project with many materials already included. The challenge of restoring a termite-damaged home may seem daunting to some, but for buyers with experience in property renovation, it could prove to be a rewarding project with significant potential once complete.
The successful sale demonstrates that even properties with pest history can find appreciative buyers when priced appropriately and marketed with transparency about their condition.
Published 21-August-2025
