Stubborn Zammit family in Australia back in the spotlight for refusing developers

The Zammit family of Quakers Hill, Sydney, have once again captured public attention for their unwavering refusal to sell their sprawling 20,000 sqm property to developers, despite offers now rumoured to be as high as €37 million.

Their determination to hold on to their cherished family home has made them both a local symbol of resistance and an international talking point.

The story began a year ago when the Zammits rejected a staggering €30 million offer from developers eager to incorporate their property into a major housing project named The Ponds.

As the development forged ahead, rows of identical grey homes were constructed all around the Zammit estate, leaving their lush, green haven as a stark anomaly amid a sea of high-density housing.

In contrast to the surrounding neighbourhood, which features tightly packed blocks and carbon-copy designs, the Zammit property boasts an expansive lawn and a 200-metre driveway. Its charm lies in its uniqueness, a trait that has garnered widespread admiration.

A recent Facebook post hailed the family as a “symbol of uniqueness and resistance,” sparking an outpouring of support. Comments ranged from expressions of admiration to shared tales of similar struggles with developers.

The family’s decision to hold firm has proven to be a shrewd one. Since their story first made headlines, property values in Quakers Hill have surged, with median house prices rising 8.5 per cent over the past year alone. If they were to sell now, the family could command an additional €6 million, bringing their potential windfall to €37 million.

This isn’t the first time the Zammits have considered selling. Reportedly, back in 2015, they weighed their options but ultimately decided against parting with their beloved home. At the time, their potential payout was significantly lower.

The median home price in Quakers Hill, which stood at around €432,460 a decade ago, has since risen to €724,062 – a dramatic 67 per cent increase.

Despite the allure of these eye-watering figures, the family remains steadfast. Last year, Diane Zammit, reflected on how the neighbourhood has changed, noting the loss of space and individuality that once defined the area. “Every home was unique, and there was so much space – but not any more. It’s just not the same,” she told news.com.au.

While developers continue to persist, the Zammits’ resistance has earned them the admiration of many locals. Some neighbours reportedly prefer the family not to sell, as their property helps maintain the cul-de-sac’s character.

If sold and redeveloped, the land could potentially accommodate 40 to 50 houses, dramatically altering the dynamic of the area.

Real estate experts have also praised the family’s resolve. Taylor Bredin, an agent said, “the fact that most people sold out years and years ago, these guys have held on. All credit to them.”