Five charming old banks for sale around Australia
There’s something about old bank buildings that are downright charming. They’re grand, they’re beautiful and they’re chock-full of character.
Whilst some old banks are still used for their original purpose, others have been repurposed for something entirely different — a coffee shop, a B&B, even a family home.
Here are some of the best old banks currently up for sale around Australia.
1. North Sydney, NSW
Occupying a prominent corner position, this landmark North Sydney building combines striking interwar architecture with high-exposure positioning. Built in 1931 as a Bank of New South Wales branch, the property retains its distinctive curved facade and arched windows, now complemented by a flexible layout and existing income stream from a ground-floor tenant. With strong pedestrian traffic, proximity to the Victoria Cross Metro and immediate access to the Pacific Highway, the former bank presents a compelling opportunity for investors wanting to get into one of Sydney’s tightly held corridors.
2. Swansea, TAS
This character-filled former bank in Swansea, on Tasmania’s east coast, has been reimagined as a thriving cafe and restaurant, just moments from the town’s waterfront. Set on a 693-square-metre elevated site, the circa-1912 building blends historic charm with a flexible layout, featuring a main dining area, private dining room, commercial kitchen and a generous courtyard.
3. Mount Barker, WA
Set in the heart of Mount Barker, inland from Albany on the south coast of Western Australia, this distinctive former bank building has been reimagined as a vibrant mixed-use space that now operates as a street art gallery with on-site accommodation. The heritage charm of the original bank, combined with high exposure and growing tourism appeal, presents a rare opportunity for investors keen to take on a piece of history that they can adapt for modern use.
4. Lithgow, NSW
One of the most recognisable CBD landmarks in this Blue Mountains gateway town, this former National Australia Bank building is set across three levels on a 1230-square-metre site. It retains many original features, including ornate plaster ceilings, timber finishes and the original teller counters. With a flexible layout comprising retail or commercial space below and a self-contained apartment above, the building presents a rare opportunity to reimagine a grand historic asset in the heart of the revitalising town.
5. Kyneton, VIC
Set in the heart of Kyneton’s historic streetscape, this grand former Bank of New South Wales building dates back to c1903-04 and was designed by prominent architects Godfrey and Spowers. It originally served as the Bank of NSW when it was built in 1904 and now operates as boutique accommodation. The property, about 90 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, boasts retail components, offering a flexible layout across 11 bedrooms, multiple commercial spaces and expansive grounds.
