Historic Port Adelaide Jaffers Furniture Site Hits Market After 91 Years

A piece of South Australian retail history is now up for sale. The iconic Jaffers Furniture building, which has served as a family‑owned furniture store since its establishment 91 years ago, has been officially listed on the commercial market.

Situated at 22‑23 St Vincent Street, the heritage‑listed site represents a where tradition meets opportunity — a rare listing that hasn’t changed hands since the Jaffer family founded the business back in 1934.

Local real estate agents say the building has drawn interest from a range of buyers, including developers, investors, and entrepreneurs, due to its versatility and prime Port Adelaide location. The property is being offered through a best‑offers campaign ending March 25, 2026.

A Legacy of Local Commerce

Jaffers Furniture was a beloved fixture in the Port Adelaide community for nearly a century, operating as a symbol of family‑run retail and local craftsmanship. With its roots firmly entrenched in South Australia’s commercial history, the business closed in 2025 following the retirement of the last family‑owner after decades of service.

Originally developed from six adjoining cottages that were transformed into showroom space, the property has evolved over the decades but retained much of its heritage character and connection to generations of customers.

The site’s inclusion in heritage registers reflects its historical and architectural significance, with planning recommendations underscoring the need to preserve key external elements while allowing adaptive reuse in ways that respect its character.

Property Highlights & Market Potential

The extensive property spans more than a heritage showroom, featuring workshop areas, offices, and a blend of commercial and residential spaces — including three bedrooms and a living area. Its versatile configuration makes it attractive for developers and investors seeking mixed‑use redevelopment or boutique commercial initiatives.

Industry experts note that Port Adelaide’s property market has already seen increased institutional and private investment in recent years — particularly in industrial and logistics assets — as demand grows for strategic locations near transport infrastructure and business hubs. Recent record property transactions in the broader Port Adelaide precinct underscore this trend.

Port Adelaide’s evolving real estate environment — coupled with heritage opportunities like the Jaffers site — positions the suburb as a compelling option for adaptive reuse and heritage‑driven development. The rarity of a heritage building of this size and prominence hitting the market adds to its appeal for both local and interstate buyers eager to capitalize on the suburb’s future.

Community & Economic Significance

For many Port Adelaide residents, the Jaffers Furniture building carries more than commercial value — it represents decades of local history. Community members and former customers remember the store as part of the town’s collective identity and a symbol of long‑standing small business success. With the building now entering a new phase, there’s widespread anticipation about how its next chapter might contribute to Port Adelaide’s revitalized streetscape and economic activity.

Industry Outlook: Heritage Meets Opportunity

The offering of the Jaffers Furniture site reflects broader trends in hybrid property markets where heritage real estate and adaptive reuse are increasingly valued. With urban areas seeking to balance preservation and modern development, historic commercial buildings like this one are attracting strategic investor interest precisely because of their character, location, and potential for conversion.

Analysts say that heritage listings over potential redevelopment must carefully maintain architectural integrity while allowing for modern functionality — a balance that savvy developers are willing to embrace for projects that can stimulate neighbourhood renewal.