Comedian and actor Joe Salanitri, known for his role in the popular comedy trio Sooshi Mango, has successfully sold his family home in Mt Waverley for a notable $1.18 million. The sale, completed in November 2023, marks a significant milestone for Salanitri and his wife, Georgina, who have lived in the property for over a decade.
The couple’s three-bedroom unit at 1/50 Fairview Road drew considerable interest during the auction, which was conducted by real estate agents Andrew Dimashki and Dexter Prack from Ray White Judd White. The auction began with a strong opening bid of $900,000 and ultimately concluded at a figure that exceeded the reserve price by $80,000. According to Dimashki, at least four bidders vied for the property, reflecting a competitive market.
The unit, conveniently located near Dampier Creek Reserve, Essex Heights Primary School, and Mt Waverley Secondary College, features polished floorboards and a spacious, light-filled lounge and dining area. Salanitri expressed his surprise at the selling price, stating he was calm before the auction but “couldn’t believe” the final outcome. Georgina shared her emotional connection to the home, noting the family’s fond memories and how much they cherished the area.
“Our family, including our two children, loved living here,” she said. “But it was really nice to see it sell to a beautiful family with young children.” The couple’s decision to sell stemmed from a need for more space, particularly for the numerous costumes Salanitri has in storage for his performances with Sooshi Mango.
The kitchen, a highlight of the property, is equipped with stone benches, a 900mm Ilve oven, a LG dishwasher, and a spacious walk-in pantry. Salanitri humorously addressed speculation about their next move, quipping, “People think we’ve sold and are moving to Toorak, but we’re staying in Mt Waverley.” He added, “I have got to make sure I take the cash I have buried in the backyard” before relocating.
With plans to celebrate the successful sale, Salanitri mentioned a family outing to their own restaurant, Johnny, Vince, and Sam’s Ristorante, where they would enjoy champagne and gnocchi. The couple’s next steps involve finding a new home that accommodates their growing family needs.
As the Melbourne real estate market continues to show signs of recovery, Dimashki noted that this week marked the busiest auction week in the city since March 2024. His branch has scheduled 91 auctions for November, a significant increase compared to the usual 50 to 60 auctions, indicating growing seller confidence in the real estate landscape.
This sale not only highlights the Salanitri family’s personal journey but also reflects broader trends in the Melbourne property market, where demand remains robust. As Sooshi Mango continues to thrive, both on stage and in the community, Salanitri and his family look forward to their next chapter in Mt Waverley.
