We all know that the housing market has been tough as of late.

But for one retired couple in NSW, the situation is even more dire — because they’ve been locked out of their own home for years, unable to even set foot inside.

Ilya and Menka, who are both in their 80s, migrated to Australia from Macedonia over 50 years ago.

They raised their family in a large home in Wollongong, but after both retirees underwent major surgery — Menka had a triple bypass and open heart surgery while Ilya had his knees replaced — they decided it was time to downsize into something smaller and easier to manage.

With help from their son Sash, the couple purchased a two-bedroom apartment with a media room and two parking spaces off the plan at City Shores Shellharbour for $705,000 back in August 2019.

Seniors Ilya and Menka are facing an unfortunate housing issue. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

Much to the family’s surprise, in March 2021, real estate agents from Harrison Property they transacted with called them up for a meeting.

Sash claims they were told that all other units initially up for sale at the complex were pulled off the market

‘They told me that (Housing NSW) had made an offer to lease all units,’ he said.

After, the family was offered a refund with an additional $10,000 compensation — something they did not accept as they were already set on moving into the home.

‘The value of the property would most certainly increase. We bought it almost a year before,’ Sash said.

‘I’ve still got to buy my parents something different, and with the prices going up, it wouldn’t have been a good thing to do.’

Representatives for Harrison Property said the matter was pending in court and stressed that ‘despite bona fide attempts to resolve the matter’, no conclusion could be reached.

Almost a year since their unit was built, the family could do nothing but regret how things turned out.

‘It should not be like this. This is very serious,’ Ilya said.

‘I don’t want (to wait) too long… Nobody cares. People (are suffering).’

In the meantime, Sash and his parents can only look on at their purchased unit. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

A glance at other units in the building indicates other occupants — who the family would have called neighbours — have already moved in.

This isn’t lost on Sash, who just wants his money’s worth for his parents’ comfort.

‘They ask me every week what’s happening with the unit. It’s been sitting there, vacant, for eleven months now.’

‘I bought it to downsize my parents’ (home), I bought it in good faith. I would still like the unit.’

Hopefully, Sash and his parents can get a fair outcome.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple bought a unit off the plan at Shellharbour, NSW, but were told they couldn't move in because Housing NSW offered to lease the entire block.
• The family was offered a refund and an additional $10,000 in compensation, but they refused.
• The couple's son says the housing crisis meant they wouldn't be able to find another suitable home.
• The case has reached court, where it remains pending.

If you have time, you might want to check out other real estate horror stories, such as this renter who got a note from a ‘predatory’ agent or this couple who lost $40,000 to a scam.

What do you think of this story? Are Sash and his family right to assert what they bought with their money?

Or should they have just accepted the refund and compensation given and moved on?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

 

[Macarj]

The should stick to their guns $10,000 compensation is no where near good enough the way property goes up

 

[Pommyoz]

Never, never buy off the plan. Surely it's a well known fact, if you can't see it and touch in the flesh, it doesn't exist!!
Get the money and run miles away from a disaster.

 

[JayKay]

Take the offer while it's there, otherwise they might end up with nothing.
Doesn't matter how much they want to live there.....if the big companies say no, they won't.
They'll lose all their money to lawyers if they try to fight it.

 

[gayle222]

We all know that the housing market has been tough as of late.

But for one retired couple in NSW, the situation is even more dire — because they’ve been locked out of their own home for years, unable to even set foot inside.

Ilya and Menka, who are both in their 80s, migrated to Australia from Macedonia over 50 years ago.

They raised their family in a large home in Wollongong, but after both retirees underwent major surgery — Menka had a triple bypass and open heart surgery while Ilya had his knees replaced — they decided it was time to downsize into something smaller and easier to manage.

With help from their son Sash, the couple purchased a two-bedroom apartment with a media room and two parking spaces off the plan at City Shores Shellharbour for $705,000 back in August 2019.

View attachment 9801

Seniors Ilya and Menka are facing an unfortunate housing issue. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

Much to the family’s surprise, in March 2021, real estate agents from Harrison Property they transacted with called them up for a meeting.

Sash claims they were told that all other units initially up for sale at the complex were pulled off the market

‘They told me that (Housing NSW) had made an offer to lease all units,’ he said.

After, the family was offered a refund with an additional $10,000 compensation — something they did not accept as they were already set on moving into the home.

‘The value of the property would most certainly increase. We bought it almost a year before,’ Sash said.

‘I’ve still got to buy my parents something different, and with the prices going up, it wouldn’t have been a good thing to do.’

Representatives for Harrison Property said the matter was pending in court and stressed that ‘despite bona fide attempts to resolve the matter’, no conclusion could be reached.

Almost a year since their unit was built, the family could do nothing but regret how things turned out.

‘It should not be like this. This is very serious,’ Ilya said.

‘I don’t want (to wait) too long… Nobody cares. People (are suffering).’

View attachment 9800

In the meantime, Sash and his parents can only look on at their purchased unit. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

A glance at other units in the building indicates other occupants — who the family would have called neighbours — have already moved in.

This isn’t lost on Sash, who just wants his money’s worth for his parents’ comfort.

‘They ask me every week what’s happening with the unit. It’s been sitting there, vacant, for eleven months now.’

‘I bought it to downsize my parents’ (home), I bought it in good faith. I would still like the unit.’

Hopefully, Sash and his parents can get a fair outcome.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple bought a unit off the plan at Shellharbour, NSW, but were told they couldn't move in because Housing NSW offered to lease the entire block.
• The family was offered a refund and an additional $10,000 in compensation, but they refused.
• The couple's son says the housing crisis meant they wouldn't be able to find another suitable home.
• The case has reached court, where it remains pending.

If you have time, you might want to check out other real estate horror stories, such as this renter who got a note from a ‘predatory’ agent or this couple who lost $40,000 to a scam.

What do you think of this story? Are Sash and his family right to assert what they bought with their money?

Or should they have just accepted the refund and compensation given and moved on?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

It is a very sad situation that I’m sure at their age they don’t need. However I feel the offer that was made to refund and $10,00 was fair. It’s a shame their greed has got in the way. I just hope commonsense prevails soon for this family

 

[Esma Rose]

Yes, greed CAN get in the way for people. I'd accept their offer & run a mile. If you fight it you'll lose. They know every trick in the book that you sadly DON'T. Keep it in mind that a particular age group you fall into, cannot take the stress & strain no matter what. They'll throw the dice to comfort "their side" every time. That is their job. All of us @ some stage in our lives get caught up with red tape & it can strangle you. How many times do we comfort oneself by saying, "Why didn't I walk away with less?" Your health plays such an important part in all our lives. Better to have it than moan about who wins. Brainpower & a pair of hands to still work with, plus your health is a blessing. One looks in the mirror & with pure honesty loves what they see. Think about it.

 

[Woronora]

We all know that the housing market has been tough as of late.

But for one retired couple in NSW, the situation is even more dire — because they’ve been locked out of their own home for years, unable to even set foot inside.

Ilya and Menka, who are both in their 80s, migrated to Australia from Macedonia over 50 years ago.

They raised their family in a large home in Wollongong, but after both retirees underwent major surgery — Menka had a triple bypass and open heart surgery while Ilya had his knees replaced — they decided it was time to downsize into something smaller and easier to manage.

With help from their son Sash, the couple purchased a two-bedroom apartment with a media room and two parking spaces off the plan at City Shores Shellharbour for $705,000 back in August 2019.

View attachment 9801

Seniors Ilya and Menka are facing an unfortunate housing issue. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

Much to the family’s surprise, in March 2021, real estate agents from Harrison Property they transacted with called them up for a meeting.

Sash claims they were told that all other units initially up for sale at the complex were pulled off the market

‘They told me that (Housing NSW) had made an offer to lease all units,’ he said.

After, the family was offered a refund with an additional $10,000 compensation — something they did not accept as they were already set on moving into the home.

‘The value of the property would most certainly increase. We bought it almost a year before,’ Sash said.

‘I’ve still got to buy my parents something different, and with the prices going up, it wouldn’t have been a good thing to do.’

Representatives for Harrison Property said the matter was pending in court and stressed that ‘despite bona fide attempts to resolve the matter’, no conclusion could be reached.

Almost a year since their unit was built, the family could do nothing but regret how things turned out.

‘It should not be like this. This is very serious,’ Ilya said.

‘I don’t want (to wait) too long… Nobody cares. People (are suffering).’

View attachment 9800

In the meantime, Sash and his parents can only look on at their purchased unit. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

A glance at other units in the building indicates other occupants — who the family would have called neighbours — have already moved in.

This isn’t lost on Sash, who just wants his money’s worth for his parents’ comfort.

‘They ask me every week what’s happening with the unit. It’s been sitting there, vacant, for eleven months now.’

‘I bought it to downsize my parents’ (home), I bought it in good faith. I would still like the unit.’

Hopefully, Sash and his parents can get a fair outcome.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple bought a unit off the plan at Shellharbour, NSW, but were told they couldn't move in because Housing NSW offered to lease the entire block.
• The family was offered a refund and an additional $10,000 in compensation, but they refused.
• The couple's son says the housing crisis meant they wouldn't be able to find another suitable home.
• The case has reached court, where it remains pending.

If you have time, you might want to check out other real estate horror stories, such as this renter who got a note from a ‘predatory’ agent or this couple who lost $40,000 to a scam.

What do you think of this story? Are Sash and his family right to assert what they bought with their money?

Or should they have just accepted the refund and compensation given and moved on?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

I think it is appalling that they cannot move into the unit that they had already purchased before the change of use ruling on units

 

[Pam White]

I think it would be better to take the money. If the builders want to rent all the units you could end up with some not so nice tenants. At the very least, there could be a revolving list of renters. Buy somewhere else with owner/occupiers. Your parents will be more settled.

 

[Tricia]

We all know that the housing market has been tough as of late.

But for one retired couple in NSW, the situation is even more dire — because they’ve been locked out of their own home for years, unable to even set foot inside.

Ilya and Menka, who are both in their 80s, migrated to Australia from Macedonia over 50 years ago.

They raised their family in a large home in Wollongong, but after both retirees underwent major surgery — Menka had a triple bypass and open heart surgery while Ilya had his knees replaced — they decided it was time to downsize into something smaller and easier to manage.

With help from their son Sash, the couple purchased a two-bedroom apartment with a media room and two parking spaces off the plan at City Shores Shellharbour for $705,000 back in August 2019.

View attachment 9801

Seniors Ilya and Menka are facing an unfortunate housing issue. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

Much to the family’s surprise, in March 2021, real estate agents from Harrison Property they transacted with called them up for a meeting.

Sash claims they were told that all other units initially up for sale at the complex were pulled off the market

‘They told me that (Housing NSW) had made an offer to lease all units,’ he said.

After, the family was offered a refund with an additional $10,000 compensation — something they did not accept as they were already set on moving into the home.

‘The value of the property would most certainly increase. We bought it almost a year before,’ Sash said.

‘I’ve still got to buy my parents something different, and with the prices going up, it wouldn’t have been a good thing to do.’

Representatives for Harrison Property said the matter was pending in court and stressed that ‘despite bona fide attempts to resolve the matter’, no conclusion could be reached.

Almost a year since their unit was built, the family could do nothing but regret how things turned out.

‘It should not be like this. This is very serious,’ Ilya said.

‘I don’t want (to wait) too long… Nobody cares. People (are suffering).’

View attachment 9800

In the meantime, Sash and his parents can only look on at their purchased unit. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

A glance at other units in the building indicates other occupants — who the family would have called neighbours — have already moved in.

This isn’t lost on Sash, who just wants his money’s worth for his parents’ comfort.

‘They ask me every week what’s happening with the unit. It’s been sitting there, vacant, for eleven months now.’

‘I bought it to downsize my parents’ (home), I bought it in good faith. I would still like the unit.’

Hopefully, Sash and his parents can get a fair outcome.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple bought a unit off the plan at Shellharbour, NSW, but were told they couldn't move in because Housing NSW offered to lease the entire block.
• The family was offered a refund and an additional $10,000 in compensation, but they refused.
• The couple's son says the housing crisis meant they wouldn't be able to find another suitable home.
• The case has reached court, where it remains pending.

If you have time, you might want to check out other real estate horror stories, such as this renter who got a note from a ‘predatory’ agent or this couple who lost $40,000 to a scam.

What do you think of this story? Are Sash and his family right to assert what they bought with their money?

Or should they have just accepted the refund and compensation given and moved on?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

The unit was bought in good faith let them live there

 

[viviennemary1951]

We all know that the housing market has been tough as of late.

But for one retired couple in NSW, the situation is even more dire — because they’ve been locked out of their own home for years, unable to even set foot inside.

Ilya and Menka, who are both in their 80s, migrated to Australia from Macedonia over 50 years ago.

They raised their family in a large home in Wollongong, but after both retirees underwent major surgery — Menka had a triple bypass and open heart surgery while Ilya had his knees replaced — they decided it was time to downsize into something smaller and easier to manage.

With help from their son Sash, the couple purchased a two-bedroom apartment with a media room and two parking spaces off the plan at City Shores Shellharbour for $705,000 back in August 2019.

View attachment 9801

Seniors Ilya and Menka are facing an unfortunate housing issue. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

Much to the family’s surprise, in March 2021, real estate agents from Harrison Property they transacted with called them up for a meeting.

Sash claims they were told that all other units initially up for sale at the complex were pulled off the market

‘They told me that (Housing NSW) had made an offer to lease all units,’ he said.

After, the family was offered a refund with an additional $10,000 compensation — something they did not accept as they were already set on moving into the home.

‘The value of the property would most certainly increase. We bought it almost a year before,’ Sash said.

‘I’ve still got to buy my parents something different, and with the prices going up, it wouldn’t have been a good thing to do.’

Representatives for Harrison Property said the matter was pending in court and stressed that ‘despite bona fide attempts to resolve the matter’, no conclusion could be reached.

Almost a year since their unit was built, the family could do nothing but regret how things turned out.

‘It should not be like this. This is very serious,’ Ilya said.

‘I don’t want (to wait) too long… Nobody cares. People (are suffering).’

View attachment 9800

In the meantime, Sash and his parents can only look on at their purchased unit. Screengrab Credit: A Current Affair

A glance at other units in the building indicates other occupants — who the family would have called neighbours — have already moved in.

This isn’t lost on Sash, who just wants his money’s worth for his parents’ comfort.

‘They ask me every week what’s happening with the unit. It’s been sitting there, vacant, for eleven months now.’

‘I bought it to downsize my parents’ (home), I bought it in good faith. I would still like the unit.’

Hopefully, Sash and his parents can get a fair outcome.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple bought a unit off the plan at Shellharbour, NSW, but were told they couldn't move in because Housing NSW offered to lease the entire block.
• The family was offered a refund and an additional $10,000 in compensation, but they refused.
• The couple's son says the housing crisis meant they wouldn't be able to find another suitable home.
• The case has reached court, where it remains pending.

If you have time, you might want to check out other real estate horror stories, such as this renter who got a note from a ‘predatory’ agent or this couple who lost $40,000 to a scam.

What do you think of this story? Are Sash and his family right to assert what they bought with their money?

Or should they have just accepted the refund and compensation given and moved on?

Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!

The way these folks have been treated is just wrong! How can they not be allowed to move into their own home? Something needs to be done to rectify this horrid mistake.