Battle on home front
A DISPUTE between housemates and co-owners of a luxury hillside Cairns home has escalated into a legal battle.
Part-owner Erika Kaegi lives on the lower two floors of the Fig Tree Dr home in Caravonica, while couple David and Janette Harkin reside on the top floor.
In documents filed by Ms Kaegi in the Cairns Supreme Court, she said the group initially had a “good relationship” but the situation had since deteriorated “to the point where I wish to move out and sell the property”.
The documents said Mr and Mrs Harkin had subsequently said they wanted to buy her share of the property and were awaiting on finance from their son living in the US.
But Ms Kaegi’s legal representatives have said the process was taking too long and have applied for a trustee to be appointed to sell the house immediately.
They have alleged Ms Kaegi’s share was worth $600,000 and in a letter sent to the Harkins in February asked whether their son could come up with the cash within a month.
In a letter penned by Mr Harkin to Ms Kaegi’s lawyers he said the one month deadline was “rubbish”.
“I will not comment on her asking price until I have a professional valuation,” he wrote. “In the meantime I’m seeking legal advice as the issue seems to be escalating.
“One month is rubbish … and expensive … good for you people.”
According to the documents Ms Kaegi’s lawyers sent the Harkins a final offer in May.
In an earlier letter Mr Harkin said he had discussed wanting to use his son’s funds to buy Ms Kaegi’s share with her “on numerous occasions”.
“We are pursuing that via brokers etc, but with the current banking, financial, political, real estate climate in our country it will not be as Erika would like. A bit of patience is required.”
The matter is set to be heard in court today.