John Brumby’s former Footscray home hits the market just three months after changing hands

Former Victorian premier John Brumby’s previous home has changed hands three months after it sold earlier this year.

The former home of a Victorian premier has surfaced on the market, in one of Melbourne’s inner west’s most sought-after streets.

Tucked away at 2 Rippon St, Footscray, former Premier John Brumby’s previous home has hit the market – just three months after it changed hands to new owners.

O Brien Sunshine and St Albans director Benny Nguyen said the listing had already caused a buzz among buyers for its prime location in one of the areas most tightly held streets.

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“The property is unique on several fronts, the facade is beautiful, but the home will need a bit of a freshen up by the new owners,” Mr Nguyen said.

“It’s clean but a bit tired internally – it’s my first listing on this street in 23 years, which just shows how rare it is to find a home in this particular location.”

Mr Nguyen said the double-storey property — recently sold just three months ago for $1.8m — is back on the market due to the new owners needing to relocate for school zoning reasons.

Exterior of 2 Rippon St, Footscray.

The kitchen contains modern appliances and has received a minor update.

With $1.8-$1.88m price hopes the OBrien Sunshine and St Albans director said the home is a quintessential blend of grandeur and practicality.

“The timing of the sale has been strategic – It’s too close to Christmas to run an auction,” he said.

“We’ve only had this on the market since last Thursday, and I already have an offer in writing.

Standout features of the home include a 14.2m lap pool which includes lighting and water features.

The self-contained unit on top of the garage includes a gas stove and space for a dishwasher.

“Interest rates could go either way next year, but if they drop, the market will likely shift from a buyers market to a sellers’ market.”

With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a separate self-contained studio above the garage, buyers could use the space for dual living, a teenager’s retreat, or rental income.

Standout features of the home include a 14.2m lap pool, French doors opening to a landscaped courtyard, a solar panel system and modern kitchen amenities.

Despite the home needing a little bit of an update O Brien Sunshine and St Albans director Benny Nguyen said the home had been kept in a presentable state.

The home also includes a self-contained unit above the garage, perfect for a teenagers retreat or potential rental income.

The home is within walking distance to schools, Victoria University campus, public transport, and new Footscray Hospital precinct.

The listing caps off a year that has seen several high-profile political figures sell their homes.

Former Liberal Party Victorian president and ex-senator Helen Kroger listed her Hawthorn villa for $2.2 –$2.4m but failed to secure a sale after 49 days on the market. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s Altona property at 9 Medford St changed hands in 2022 for $1.26m.