The South Coast residence of convicted rapist and former state parliamentarian Gareth Ward has been sold, finalising a property transaction that concluded significantly below its marketed price point.
Sale Details and Price Negotiation
The four-bedroom home at Meroo Meadow, near Nowra, settled late last year for $1.05 million. This final figure fell short of the publicly listed expectations. Initially offered for sale in 2025 without a published price guide, the property later entered the market with a $1.3 million asking price. This was subsequently adjusted to "offers invited" and a reduced price hope of $1.2 million.
Property records indicate the home spent 69 days on the market before the sale was secured. The selling agent, Bianca McMillan from Integrity Real Estate Nowra, declined to provide commentary on the transaction when approached for details.
Background: Legal Conviction and Political Fallout
The sale follows Ward's dramatic fall from grace. In July 2025, the then-sitting MP for Kiama was found guilty on four charges related to the sexual abuse of two young men, aged 18 and 24 at the time of the offences.
Judge Kara Shead sentenced him to a maximum term of five years and nine months in prison, with a non-parole period of three years and nine months. The sentence was backdated to late July. Ward's legal defence is reported to have cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars, and he has signalled an intention to appeal the conviction.
Despite being charged in 2022, Ward was re-elected in the 2023 state election. His subsequent resignation from parliament triggered a by-election in the seat of Kiama, which was won by Labor candidate Katelin McInerney.
Property Features and Previous Transaction
Built in 2007, the single-level home sits on a 650-square-metre block and was marketed as an "immaculately presented and thoughtfully designed" entertainer's delight. It is positioned a short drive from the Princes Highway, with convenient access to local amenities, transport, and shopping.
The residence features a sizeable study, a large central kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an island bench, combined living and dining areas, a separate family or rumpus room, and a double lock-up garage with internal access.
Ward originally purchased the property in October 2011 for $450,000, a transaction that took just 26 days to complete. The recent sale at $1.05 million represents a significant capital gain over his 14-year ownership period, despite the final price being below recent expectations.
