Daniel Johns, the acclaimed former frontman of the iconic Australian rock band Silverchair, has experienced a setback in his plans to sell his multimillion-dollar Merewether property. The anticipated auction of his first home, initially scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed, putting a hold on a significant potential payday for the musician.
Johns, now 45, purchased the house located in Merewether, a beachside suburb of Newcastle, for a modest $360,000 in 1996, early in his career with Silverchair. He had intended to auction the property off with a price guide of $2.6 million, hoping for a substantial profit reflecting the booming real estate market and the property’s prime location. Real estate agent Chasse Ede from Presence Real Estate, handling the sale, had initially aimed for even higher, with expectations around the $3 million mark. However, the auction has been rescheduled to Saturday, according to reports from realestate.com.au, indicating a revised strategy to secure a successful sale.
Daniel Johns pictured, former Silverchair frontman's home auction delayed
The Ranclaud St residence holds historical significance for Johns as it was the first property he acquired at the age of 17. This purchase came shortly after Silverchair, the band that catapulted him to fame, signed their groundbreaking three-album deal in 1994. The band, formed when the members were still in high school, quickly rose to international stardom, making Johns a household name in the 90s rock scene.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house, first listed in February, boasts features appealing to families and individuals alike. It includes multiple spacious living areas and a large attic space that could be converted into an additional room, offering flexibility and room for expansion. Described as being in a ‘prized beachside location’, the property is noted for its understated style, a contrast to the often extravagant homes associated with celebrities. Its key selling points are its spaciousness and a simple, functional backyard, emphasizing comfortable living in a desirable coastal setting.
Image of the Merewether home Daniel Johns bought in 1996 for auction
While this property represents Johns’ early success, he has continued to invest in Merewether real estate over the years. Just months after purchasing the Ranclaud St home, he bought another property in the same suburb for $645,000. In 2000, he further expanded his portfolio, acquiring a five-bedroom home in Merewether for $1.4 million, which remains his primary residence.
Real estate agent Chasse Ede revises auction plans for Daniel Johns' property
The news of Johns’ property sale comes after recent insights into Silverchair’s history were shared by his former bandmates, Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou. In their joint memoir released last year, Gillies and Joannou recounted the circumstances surrounding the band’s eventual demise. They described a tumultuous period marked by internal conflicts and creative differences, culminating in an ‘indefinite hiatus’ announced after their performance at the Groovin’ The Moo festival in 2010. Despite the band’s breakup, Silverchair’s music continues to resonate with fans globally, and Daniel Johns remains a significant figure in Australian music history.
Image showing the understated backyard of Daniel Johns' Merewether home for sale
The rescheduled auction of Daniel Johns’ Merewether home is now keenly awaited. The sale not only represents a personal financial transaction for the artist but also offers a glimpse into the early chapter of his extraordinary career with Silverchair, connecting his personal history with the band’s legacy in the Australian cultural landscape. Whether the delay will impact the final sale price remains to be seen, but interest in this property, tied to the Silverchair frontman, is undoubtedly high.
