11 hours ago
Albert Park: Essendon's Andrew McGrath's $2m+ deal
Bombers' vice-captain Andrew McGrath and fiance Emma Laughlin have scored a seven-figure sale for their Albert Park house.
The couple put their renovated Victorian-era residence on the market in March.
Kay & Burton partner James Driver, who had the listing alongside colleague Campbell Kilsby, declined to comment on the price it fetched.
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But industry sources indicated the three-bedroom abode recently sold above its asking range for $2.675m.
McGrath previously told the Herald Sun that he purchased the double-storey pad at 85 Richardson St as his first home, at the age of 21.
Prior to Ms Laughlin moving in, he counted Essendon players Jordan Ridley and Sam Durham among his housemates.
'They're like brothers to me and we spent a lot of time enjoying the house and sharing commutes to work,' McGrath said at the time.
'On days off, we had a lot of trips to the beach, as three athletes we spent a lot of time there in recovery and took advantage of the great cafes nearby.'
In 2016, McGrath joined the Bombers as number one pick in the national draft.
The defender has since collected a number of awards including multiple gongs from his own club, the 2020 Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player award among them.
He also received the 2023 and 2024 Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman award.
In 2022, McGrath played his 100th match for Essendon and was appointed the team's vice-captain the next year.
The Albert Park house's kitchen is fitted with stone benches, Miele appliances and an integrated fridge and freezer.
A gas fireplace graces the living and dining area, while floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lead to a rear outdoor space where McGrath added a deck.
Two ground-floor bedrooms feature wardrobes, ornate ceilings and open fireplaces.
Upstairs, the main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.
Mr Driver said that three sets of buyers competed for the keys during an expressions of interest process before a couple emerged as the successful purchasers.
'There was really strong interest, the property was well inspected from day one by a combination of local and out-of-area buyers,' Mr Driver said.
He said that with the Reserve Bank of Australia widely expected to announce further rate cuts to the nation's official cash rate later this year, more buyers were making offers 'rather than sitting on the sidelines'.
'Consumer confidence has lifted in the property market,' Mr Driver added.
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