Sydney's oldest brothel Tiffany's Girls up for sale amid decline in sex venues

Sydney's oldest brothel - a series of lavishly decorated rooms hidden behind the unassuming façade of a compact terrace house - is up for sale with uncertainty about its future.

Tiffany's Girls on Albion St in the inner suburb of Surry Hills has hosted thousands of pleasure-seekers since it first opened in the early 1970s.

Billing itself as 'the best brothel in Sydney', its website claims it 'sets the standard for excellence in adult services'. 

'Whether you're a first-time explorer or a seasoned visitor to the city, our distinguished brothel offers an unforgettable experience.

'Our brothel has consistently curated an exceptional roster of escorts, each chosen for their grace, allure, and intimate expertise.'

Inside there are 14 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, with pictures of the interior revealing heavy red velvet curtains, gold statues of ancient goddesses, throne chairs, large Jacuzzis and mirrors on the ceiling. 

But the future of Tiffany's Girls, along with a number of other long-running Sydney establishments, is unclear.

The rise of OnlyFans and other online streaming services means sex workers don't always feel the need to work in brothels any more, the Albion St establishment's owner Parry Bitsikas told the Sydney Morning Herald. 

'During Covid, brothels went through a big transition,' said Bitsikas, who is not involved in the day-to-day running of the brothel.

'Now the girls want to do their own thing on OnlyFans, run their own businesses in their own flats… but a brothel provides the one thing a phone can't: security in a safe environment.' 

As a result, the site encompassing five terraces and an adjoining corner building, all 10 minutes from the city, could be worth more than $13million in an area quickly being transformed by high-rise apartment developments. 

'I don't know what will happen to this site, to be honest. It's a true island in Surry Hills, it wouldn't take much to have it rezoned for high-rise apartments,' Bitsikas said.

Property data shows the site last sold for $1,124,750 in September 2006.

For what it's worth, Bitsikas told the Herald that while the business had changed a lot, there was still money to be made in brothels.

'It was the world's first business, and it will be the last.'