For many decades, the Miliado family’s three-acre property located in Salisbury, Adelaide, remained untouched, even as the surrounding area experienced rapid suburban growth and development. The land was originally purchased in the 1950s, and for more than 30 years, the family steadfastly refused to sell it.
This decision was driven by their desire to honor their late parents’ wishes to preserve both the land and its legacy. The property, featuring a modest house built in 1955 along with its original interiors, stood out amidst a neighborhood that had become filled with sleek, modern homes. It came to symbolize a form of resistance to the increasing pressure of urban development.
However, after the passing of their parents, the Miliado family faced emotional and financial challenges that ultimately led them to make the difficult decision to put the land on the market. The property was advertised as a “rare land holding,” which attracted significant attention from potential buyers. At the auction, around twenty developers competed for the property, driving the final sale price far beyond the initial estimate of AUD 3.6 million to over AUD 6 million.
While the sale brought much-needed financial relief to the family, it also marked the closing of an important chapter in their history. The land is now scheduled to be redeveloped for residential purposes, which highlights the ongoing tension between preserving heritage and accommodating urban expansion. This transition reflects the broader challenges faced by many families and communities dealing with growth and change in rapidly developing suburban areas.
