Hoarder's Former Sydney Home Sells for Over $1.8 Million
A rundown property on Sydney's Northern Beaches, once the residence of a man who lived in his front yard due to extreme clutter, has reportedly been sold for $1.81 million.
A property in Killarney Heights on Sydney's Northern Beaches, known for its former owner's unusual living situation, has reportedly sold for $1.81 million. The 710-square-meter block, with an 18-meter frontage, was marketed for its potential for renovation or redevelopment.
While the final sale price was not officially disclosed, an industry insider told The Daily Telegraph that the property changed hands for $1.81 million on September 12. Real estate data indicated it was the most-clicked property in New South Wales scheduled for auction in the week prior to its sale.
The property gained notoriety from a 2012 Land and Environment Court case involving its previous owner, Joachim Ulrich. At that time, Ulrich had been living in the front yard because the house had become completely filled with accumulated items. By 2012, the exterior of the property was covered in belongings, including VHS tapes, bowls, glass bottles, and kitchen appliances, spread across the overgrown lawn.
Neighbors had reportedly complained to the local council about the property's condition, leading to an order for Ulrich to clear the accumulated material. When he did not comply, the matter escalated to the NSW Land and Environment Court. Justice Rachael Pepper noted at the time that Ulrich had organized the items into piles and had ingeniously constructed sleeping quarters and an outdoor living area in his front yard, where he conducted daily activities like cooking, eating, reading, and watching television.
Justice Pepper determined that the extensive collection of items posed a public health risk, attracting rats and mosquitoes. A Google Maps image from 2025 appeared to show belongings still present across parts of the front yard. Listing photos from 2026 indicated that the outdoor area had been mostly cleared, although some debris remained visible in the front yard. Inside, the home presented as largely empty, with rooms showing significant signs of wear and tear, including bare timber floors, stained walls, and boarded-up windows.