A family home of more than 50 years that was ripped in half when a gumtree fell during a wild storm last year is one of the nation’s top auction properties this week.
Located at 12 Elinga St in Jindalee, the substantial house on a 1153sq m block topped the list in Queensland and was the third most viewed auction listing in Australia, according to realestate.com.au.
The wild storm that swept over Brisbane on October 26 last year Pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
“While the home was originally a much-loved single-level four-bedroom residence, the property sustained significant damage during the October 2025 storm when a large gum tree fell through the centre of the home,” the listing by Ray White Centenary agents Steven Kremer and Scott Gemmell says.
“Owned and held by the same family for over 50 years, the home was originally designed and built by the owners and has been a much-loved part of their lives.
“While they would ideally have liked to restore and repair the home following the storm damage, at this stage of life the scale of the work required simply isn’t something they are able to undertake.
“As a result, they have made the difficult decision to move on and pass the opportunity to the next custodian.”
12 Elinga St Jindalee was held by the same family for over 50 years
The Insurance Council of Australia declared the hailstorm that impacted wider Brisbane on October 26 last year a “significant event” after receiving over 11,000 claims in the 48 hours that followed.
At the time, the ICA also warned homeowners to ber wary of “disaster chasers” who sought to profit from insurance claims.
Giant hail fell during the wild storms on October 26 last year. Higgins Storm Chasing
The Jindalee property was just one of many homes damaged by the wild weather event.
It goes to auction at 10am on Sunday (March 29).
The damage to 12 Elinga St Jindalee after a large gumtree cam down on the house
The marketing agents said that property offered several possible pathways, from a buyer with a trade background who could repair the existing house, those looking for a blank canvas and investors who may see the potential in repairing the house or landbanking.
An aerial view of the damage
“Regardless of the approach taken, the underlying fundamentals remain strong – a large landholding in a quiet cul-de-sac position within the tightly held Centenary suburbs,” the listing says.
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There are holes in existing ceilings
Listing photos reveal the devastating damage to the home, with tarps still visible on the garage.
Ceilings in other rooms have beeen completely removed
From the front, the house looks relatively intact but there are signs of the damage on the roof.
But it is inside that the true impact the tree had on the house becomes evident with a massive cavern carved through the centre of the home.
Ceilings have also been removed, and there are gaping holes in others.
But the kitchen appears to have been relatively unscathed despite what appears to be water damage on the ceiling.
The kitchen survived but there appears to be water damage in the ceiling
“We’ve seen a lot in real estate but you’re about to see the tragedy for this family,” Mr Gemell says in the listing video.
“Well, it’s devastating. But for you as the buyer, it is an opportunity. And they do understand that.”
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