In a move that is garnering significant interest among property developers, two families with deep roots in the South Sydney Rabbitohs heritage have decided to sell their neighbouring cottages in Mascot, Sydney. The Piggins and Kennedy families, both of whom have left indelible marks on the Rabbitohs’ honour board, have been neighbours for almost 70 years. Their decision to sell their properties as a single lot is expected to attract the attention of townhouse developers and potential investors looking to tap into the thriving property market in Sydney.

The properties, located on Linden St, Mascot, span a generous 1400 sqm and are listed with The Agency. The auction is slated for October 14. For those seeking to get help buying in Sydney, this presents a unique opportunity.

The Kennedys first moved to Linden St in 1955, when Clem Kennedy, a former halfback for the Rabbitohs, and his wife Mary purchased their home. Kennedy, who had begun his rugby career with South Sydney in 1939, paid £3400 for the property. His rugby career was briefly interrupted when he was called up for active duty during World War II in 1941. Despite contracting malaria while serving in the Kokoda Track campaign, Kennedy was able to return to rugby at the end of the war and even played for both NSW and Australia representative sides. The couple raised three children – Maureen, Geraldine, and Clem Jr – in their Linden St home. Clem Sr passed away in 2010 and Mary in 2022.

Next door lived the Piggins family who had purchased their property for £66 (A$127) back in 1914, coincidentally the same year Souths won their third premiership out of a total of 21. The property was initially bought by George Leslie Piggins — a wickerworker and grandfather to Souths legend George Piggins — and his wife Elizabeth. It later became home to their son, Wally, his wife Minnie, and their seven children — Albert, Jeff, George, Wal, Stan, Kim and Lyn. Lyn currently holds the land title to the 700sq m portion of the property.

George Piggins, born in 1944, had a notable rugby career with Souths, playing 118 games between 1967 and 1978. He was awarded the Dally M Coach of the Year in 1986 and 1989. He also served as club president and was instrumental in the Rabbitohs’ re-inclusion in the National Rugby League in 2002 following their exclusion at the end of the Super League war.

George Faris from The Agency, a Souths supporter himself and a Sydney Buyers Agent, stated that this sale presented an exciting chance for redevelopment or for multi-generational living. The neighbourhood has seen a surge in townhouse construction, with recent completions on Middlemiss St and the former Arcadia Nursery site on King St.

According to PropTrack, the median house price in Mascot stands at $1.69m, marking a decrease of 6.7 per cent over the past year. However, this has not dampened the spirits of developers and potential buyers, who see this sale as an opportunity to invest in a location that is steeped in history and promises future growth.

For those interested in this unique opportunity, engaging a Northern Beaches Buyers Agent or a Lower North Shore Buyers Agent could be beneficial. The sale of these properties not only represents a promising investment opportunity but also marks the end of an era for two families whose histories are intertwined with one of Australia’s most iconic rugby teams.