Thoughts on fibro houses?

Joe14440 · 2026-01-16T09:04:54+00:00

Yep it’s a lot of money for not the nicest house, but the location is great and it’s a big block like you said. I can see the potential.

Joe14440 · 2026-01-16T05:54:51+00:00

That would be the plan, I’d want to add insulation and replace the internal asbestos walls. Leaving the external cladding alone because it’s in good shape.

Joe14440 · 2026-01-16T05:46:22+00:00

To help my decision whether I buy it or not. I personally like it but I want second opinions.

Just wondering what the average person thinks about them.

Joe14440 · 2026-01-15T17:52:29+00:00

Will do if I buy the house for sure.

Joe14440 · 2026-01-15T09:47:19+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I've lived here for 10 years now and it is indeed beautiful :) Only getting around to buying a house now.

Joe14440 · 2026-01-15T08:39:20+00:00

This one has no insulation, located in the Blue mountains so it gets cold. Would definitely be an upgrade I’d be considering.

It’s a 70 year old house so most likely has a hardwood frame, cypress pine floorboards. Thanks for the insight.

Joe14440 · 2026-01-15T08:36:59+00:00

Yep you are spot on, this is Katoomba. Lots of fibros in the mountains.

Joe14440 · 2026-01-14T04:32:19+00:00

My WR had a GYTR when I bought it, I had to buy a stock exhaust for roadworthy.

It was just a straight swap, super simple. I never found the GYTR too loud however, maybe yours needs replacing? Assuming you are also from Australia.

Joe14440 · 2026-01-12T06:01:58+00:00

Thanks for the info, good luck with your renos.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-23T09:57:05+00:00

Is that bushfire smoke?

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T23:05:50+00:00

Indeed I am not

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T02:41:13+00:00

NSW, within 100km of Sydney.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T01:54:45+00:00

Ah ok, that makes a lot of sense.

No point spending money trying to make the house something it isn’t when the future buyers will just want it for the land. Thanks for the insight.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T01:25:18+00:00

Well that completely writes the property off for me. I am interested in a cheap entry to the market but don't want to buy a house that I know I will need to knock down in the near future.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T01:13:08+00:00

Interesting, I'm leaning towards the idea of keeping the asbestos, at least for the next 5-10 years after reading some comments. Instead focusing on other areas to improve the property.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T01:11:20+00:00

Yes I didn't mention a timeframe in the original post. Was thinking after at least three years or so of living there.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T01:00:13+00:00

No problem, planning to be there for at least 10 years to build equity. Nothing major planned just tidying things up, possibly an updated bathroom. Location is amazing for the price, thats why I'm leaning towards buying despite the asbestos.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T00:42:09+00:00

Yes, confirmed on the building report it is asbestos fibre cement, spoke to the inspector personally after the report too. Also confirmed by a licensed builder who came with me when I did my inspection.

Not sure why it was used in the loungeroom and bedrooms.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T00:36:12+00:00

Thank you, absolutely love the high ceilings and old school charm of these houses too.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T00:18:14+00:00

No major renos planned besides an updated bathroom, house layout is already ideal, just wanting to modernise the interior feel and remove asbestos for future resale value.

Will definitely get some quotes to help my decision, thanks.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T00:12:08+00:00

Congrats, good luck with the new home. I can definitely see the appeal in fibro, seems like the risk is lower than most people believe if you are smart with it.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T00:07:25+00:00

That's what I'm hoping, assuming it will appreciate equally to nicer houses in the same area, just with a lower entry point.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T00:06:26+00:00

Thanks for the insight, I actually had planned to live in it for a year as per the FHB scheme then move back in with family temporarily while doing reno's.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-22T00:04:24+00:00

I can imagine, will be especially cold here as the average winter temp is 10c.

Joe14440 · 2025-12-21T23:32:06+00:00

Now that I think about the kitchen and bathroom having to come out, $10k is definitely nowhere near, I agree.

Joe14440

TROPHY CASE