Ten grand to even take a LOOK inside Melissa Caddick’s home
The luxury home belonging to alleged fraudster Melissa Caddick is up for sale, but prospective buyers will need to fork out a $10,000 deposit to view the property.
Ms Caddick is believed to have died after disappearing from the home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2020, shortly after it was raided as part of an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
The Dover Heights home has been listed by auction house Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty.
Liquidator Bruce Gleeson said he was hopeful that its sale would make a major contribution to paying the $23 million sum Ms Caddick allegedly stole from 72 victims of a Ponzi scheme.
"Since obtaining vacant possession in late May 2022 and receiving orders enabling us to proceed with a sale, we have undertaken certain maintenance and minor improvements to amplify the property's luxurious appeal," Mr Gleeson said.
Ms Caddick bought the home in 2014 for $6.2 million, with a recent estimate from Mr Gleeson’s firm valuing it at more than $10 million.
Sydney Sotheby’s has made the $10,000 refundable ‘entry fee’ a requirement to deter nosy neighbours and those following the ongoing inquest into Ms Caddick’s disappearance.
The strategy seems to have worked so far, as Sotheby’s estate agent Michael Pallier said prospective buyers had already booked in to pay the deposit within hours of the house being listed.
Errol Diamond, Ms Caddick’s former next-door neighbour, told the ABC that the refundable deposit will help distinguish interested buyers from those having a snoop, and that he was interested in seeing it himself.
"I think we will pay to have a look at it. Stunning view. I think we'll go for it," he said.
"I think [the refundable $10,000 deposit] will be the difference between genuine buyers and sticky beakers."
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home won’t be the last of Ms Caddick’s belongings to be auctioned either.
"We are also well advanced and close to finalising an application to the Federal Court which will seek sale orders regarding the designer jewellery, clothing, and artworks," Mr Gleeson said.
"It is our intention to have an investor briefing to provide a detailed update on the Receivership and Liquidation status in late October 2022."
Images: Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty