Joe Salanitri Sells Melbourne Family Home for $1.18 Million
Joe Salanitri, a star of the Sooshi Mango comedy group, has successfully sold his family home in Mount Waverley, Melbourne, for $1.18 million. This marks the end of over a decade spent living in the three-bedroom unit. The property was auctioned on Saturday, and Joe walked away with a significant profit.
The auction started with an opening bid of $900,000, leading to a competitive bidding war that eventually saw the property sell for $80,000 above its $1.1 million reserve price. The sale highlights the strong demand for properties in the area and the appeal of the home's unique features.
Joe, known for his work with his brother Carlo Salanitri and friend Andrew Manfre, has become a well-known figure in Australian comedy. Their viral skits celebrating Italian and Greek culture have brought them widespread recognition. The trio has also toured internationally, hosted the Saucy Meatballs podcast, and run a successful restaurant in Melbourne’s Lygon Street.
“Who would not want to be part of comedy history? You can brag to your friends,” joked the auctioneer during the event.
The property features contemporary architecture, spacious rooms, a light-filled lounge and dining area, and a kitchen equipped with stone benches. These elements contributed to its popularity among potential buyers. The home is also conveniently located near various amenities, including Dampier Creek Reserve, dining options, schools, and public transport.
After the sale, Joe expressed that he was “pretty calm” before the auction but admitted he couldn’t believe the profit he made. He shared these sentiments with Realestate.com.au.
The decision to sell was driven by the need for more space, particularly for the extensive collection of costumes used in Sooshi Mango’s performances. Despite rumors that the family might be moving to Toorak, Joe confirmed they will remain in Mount Waverley.
With his trademark humor, Joe added, “Before moving, I've got to make sure I take the cash I've buried in the backyard.”
The family plans to celebrate the sale with a trip to their Lygon Street restaurant. According to the auctioneer, 47 families inspected the property during its campaign, showcasing the vibrant nature of Melbourne’s real estate market.
Located in Mount Waverley, 23km from the CBD, the property offers a thoughtful open-plan layout and a large backyard with “plenty of concrete.”
Speaking to the Herald Sun about their renovations, Joe joked, “I have made sure I boosted the concrete in the backyard, and that's been watered constantly.”
On a more serious note, the comedian mentioned that the couple had “done up the garden” and modernized the façade of what was originally a modest mid-20th-century home. Highlights include polished floorboards and a beautiful kitchen featuring stone benchtops and a breakfast nook.
Other attractive features include an entertainers’ courtyard and a private front yard with synthetic turf.
Joe’s comedy team, Sooshi Mango, regularly parodies Greek and Italian culture in their skits, often portraying nonnas and ethnic dads in their viral videos. In 2023, the trio made a dramatic career shift after opening Johnny, Vince and Sam's, an Italian-themed restaurant in Melbourne’s Lygon Street entertainment precinct.
Modelled after a “typical” Nonna’s home-kitchen, the eatery has proven so popular that the trio had to expand their space and add a new dining room. The name of the restaurant comes from three characters—“Ethnic Dads”—that the boys created for their comedy act.
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