Shortland Street Star Sells Auckland ‘Mansion’ After Price Drop

Lynette Forday sold her Westmere home for $2.65 million after listing the property for $2.75 million, according to OneRoof. The actor, known for her role as Dr. Grace Kwan on Shortland Street, purchased the six-bedroom Auckland residence in 2012 for just over $1.2 million.

Forday’s Westmere Property Sale and Market Strategy

Lynette Forday brought her West View Road property to market in May last year. After turning down an initial auction offer of $2.65 million, Forday set a listing price of $2.75 million. She told OneRoof in June last year that she was in no rush to sell, noting that most buyer interest at the time was conditional.

Forday’s Westmere Property Sale and Market Strategy

The sale finalized five months later at $2.65 million. Forday told OneRoof she was comfortable with the result, stating, “I went to auction, and I held back and said, ‘no’, and just played the game for a little bit, and then these people came back, and I realised this is the market.”

Pro Tip: When selling in a fluctuating market, consider the “buy and sell” balance. Forday noted that because she was purchasing a new home in the same market, the volatility mattered less.

From ‘Fairyland’ Mansion to Grey Lynn Downsizing

The property, which began as a 1920s workman’s cottage, grew into a sprawling six-bedroom home described by Forday as a “fairyland.” The residence features a wild garden and views of the lake at Western Springs Park and the Auckland Zoo. Forday compared the interior to the Tardis, describing a small exterior that opens into a vast internal space.

Forday told OneRoof she decided to sell because her children have left home. “I’m now a single, fabulous woman, and I no longer need this mansion,” she said. She has since moved into a smaller home in Grey Lynn.

Property Value Growth Comparison

Detail Value/Date
Purchase Price (2012) ~$1.2 million
Final Sale Price $2.65 million
Estimated Increase over a million dollars

Career Transitions and Public Profile

Beyond real estate, Forday has remained active in the entertainment industry. She was gearing up to film the second season of the Queenstown crime drama A Remarkable Place to Die, working alongside Rebecca Gibney. Forday described the role as a “breakthrough” due to the production’s budget and casting choices.

Freeland Estate auction launches with hundreds of items as mansion nears sale

Forday also reflected on her time on Celebrity Treasure Island in 2022, where she experienced a publicized feud with former Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy. Forday told OneRoof she was “baffled” by the dislike, attributing the friction to her “girly girl” persona versus Devoy’s competitive nature.

Did you know? Forday’s role as Dr. Grace Kwan on Shortland Street was a landmark for representation, as she noted it was the role that got a Chinese person on mainstream television.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Lynette Forday sell her home for?
She sold the Westmere property for $2.65 million.

Where did Lynette Forday move after selling her mansion?
According to OneRoof, she has moved into a smaller house in Grey Lynn.

What is Lynette Forday’s most famous acting role?
She is best known for playing Dr. Grace Kwan on the soap opera Shortland Street.

What are your thoughts on downsizing in the current Auckland market? Share your experience in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more celebrity real estate insights.

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