Sneaky way family who refused $60million offer to relocate could be forced to leave

A family who have long refused to sell their prime property have seen the money offered skyrocket and suggestions on how they could be forced to leave.

Despite already being surrounded by thousands of homes, the highly private Zammit family has steadfastly held on to their sprawling 20,000 sq m estate near Quakers Hill, in Sydney’s west.

Their house cuts through a huge block of new development, abruptly turning from thoroughfares to cul-de-sacs, with houses wedged hard against the fence.

The family was offered $40 million to sell to developers less than two years ago, but Sydney’s rampant property market has now reportedly seen that figure rise to a phenomenal $60 million.

But amid all the talk about how to continue resisting the money, some social media commentators believe authorities will use a sneaky way to evict the family.

The online chatter is that the Zammit’s will come under pressure as their rates are increased to a point where the family can no longer afford their home.

“If they don’t sell out in time, the adjusted municipal rates will eventually get them,” one commenter said.

‘Yes, that’s how they’re going to do it! Rezone and then apply higher rates accordingly until they squeeze them out financially,” said another.

Their house (pictured) cuts through a huge block of new development, abruptly turning thoroughfares into cul-de-sacs

A third replied: ‘Many people I know were eventually forced to sell their dream homes due to the rise in council rates.’

Although the Zammits refused to budge, developers bought all the land around them to build a new suburb called The Ponds.

However, commentators from around the world have praised the family for staying put.

“Good job, why should developers get rich,” one person wrote.

Another said: ‘Don’t bow down to the greedy big business.’

Incredible photos show the transformation of the block over the years, which was once surrounded by farmland

The house is now in the middle of a new development in The Ponds area near Quakers Hill, where thousands of high-density detached houses have been built.

Home prices in Quakers Hill are expected to increase by about 8.5 percent through 2024, according to PropTrack.

That alone would have netted the Zammits another $4.25 million on top of their previous high-level offers.

Ten years ago the average home in Quakers Hill cost about $700,000, but that rose 67 percent to $1,172 million by the end of last year.

The Zammits have refused to discuss the offer made to them to move, but they say the land is unrecognizable since they moved in 20 years ago.

“It used to be farmland dotted with little red brick houses and cottages,” Diane Zammit, 50, previously told Daily Mail Australia.

‘Each home was unique and there was so much space, but not anymore. It’s just not the same.’

Beautiful aerial photographs showed the enormous changes in the area since the family moved there.

Australian buyer’s agent Ella Cas said the plot was worth so much because it could be divided into 46 or 56 plots, depending on how conservative or “greedy” the developer was.

Zammit’s property offers breathtaking views west of the Blue Mountains, with the spectacular Newnes Plateau visible in the distance, yet is only a 40-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD.

It has a lush green lawn and a 650-foot driveway, making it stand out even more than its neighbors: row after row of indistinguishable houses in small blocks.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Blacktown Council for comment.