BREAKING: In an astonishing real estate move, a small red-brick home in Rhodes, Sydney, has sold for a staggering $8.1 million. This sale marks a significant moment for the owners, Yuen Yee Lai and John Kwong Lee, who have capitalized on the booming property market after years of developer interest.
The property, which has been a long-sought-after gem, was auctioned off just days ago, attracting a crowd of around 170 bidders. Veteran real estate agent Vanessa Kim described the sale as unprecedented, noting a diverse array of interested parties, including aged care companies, fitness centers, and childcare groups. “Before we put the property on the market, I thought maybe only developers would be interested,” Kim stated. “After I did some advertising, we had people from all different kinds of backgrounds messaging about the house.”
This tiny home, nestled between towering skyscrapers, is set to be transformed into a hotel following its demolition, as reported by various sources. The developers behind Rhodes Central, a significant shopping center nearby, had previously attempted to purchase the property for $20 million when it was still under construction in the mid-2010s—a bid that was declined by the owners.
Since re-entering the market earlier in 2025, the property has witnessed a dramatic surge in value, driven by the rapid development surrounding it. The auction, held on Saturday, drew significant attention, with eight bidders competing fiercely for the prime location.
Despite the sale price, the Rhodes house represents only a fraction of Lai and Lee’s extensive property portfolio, which includes five additional properties across Sydney’s inner-west and the city itself. According to estimates from CoreLogic and realEstimate, their total portfolio could be worth up to $14.25 million. Their holdings include two apartments in Rhodes, a manor house in Strathfield, a high-rise apartment in Haymarket, and a luxury waterfront apartment in Barangaroo. The latter, purchased for $940,000 in 2014, is now valued at nearly $2 million.
The Strathfield property, one of their earliest acquisitions, has seen its value triple since they purchased it for $2.7 million in December 2009. The sale of the Rhodes house has sparked a buzz on social media, particularly on r/AusPropertyChat, where users expressed surprise at the sale price. “The seller is so lucky. They’ll be set for life,” commented one user, while another noted they had underestimated the property’s development potential.
While both Lai and Lee have been contacted for comments regarding this landmark sale, they have yet to respond. The implications of this sale extend beyond just a financial transaction; it highlights the escalating demand for prime real estate in Sydney and the increasing values of properties in rapidly developing areas.
As the story unfolds, potential buyers and investors will be closely watching the changes in the Rhodes area, particularly with the new hotel development on the horizon. This sale serves as a clear indicator of the thriving property market in Sydney, making it a hot topic for buyers and real estate aficionados alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
