Lebanese couple in tears as buyers vow not to demolish Melbourne home
A couple who lived in their Maidstone house for over 40 years reacted emotionally after buyers promised to keep the property standing.
A Lebanese couple in Melbourne experienced an emotional farewell on Saturday, October 24, 2026, when their Maidstone home sold at auction for A$960,000. According to a Times of India report, the buyers promised not to demolish the house, which brought the owners to tears.
The four-bedroom property at 26 Marsh Street had been the family home since the couple arrived in Australia from Lebanon in 1982. Nelson Alexander auctioneer Ryan Currie told realestate.com.au that the couple raised four children in the house over more than 40 years.
The house, situated on a 586-square-metre block, attracted interest from developers due to its redevelopment potential. While several developers inspected the site, none attended the auction. A local family intending to demolish and rebuild the house was the underbidder.
The successful purchasers intend to live in the existing home rather than knocking it down. After the auction, the couple met the buyers and reacted emotionally when they were told the house would be retained.
The sellers are planning to downsize to a low-maintenance property in Taylors Lakes. The final sale price of A$960,000 was A$50,000 above the published reserve of A$910,000.