Almost everything is more expensive these days and it seems even death isn’t exempt.
Burial plots in popular locations are now worth a pretty penny, so some families are cashing in.
On Facebook Marketplace, a double burial plot at Waverley Cemetery is listed for sale for $100,000.
It’s described as having been “used once in 1911,” with ocean views and in a quiet Sydney neighbourhood.
But tourists and locals have grave concerns about the price tag.
“I think that’s ridiculous,” one woman said.
“We’re not from here, but regardless of where it is that sounds disgraceful to be honest,” a UK couple said.
Another burial plot with the same ocean view is listed for $55,000, discounted from $70,000.
It also allows for exclusive use for two people to be left undisturbed forever.
At Waverley Cemetery, those eternal burial plots are no longer on offer.
Instead, Waverley council sells interment rights to a site, for a period of 25 years at a cost of $30,100.
After that length of time, families have to pay thousands of dollars more in ongoing renewal fees if they want to keep their loved one in the same spot.
It also says there are limited sites still available and the cemetery maintains a wait list.
Ben Kelly from the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association said the cost of graves at Waverley Cemetery were quite high.
“Waverley Cemetery is a beautiful, historic cemetery it’s over 150 years old, with extremely limited capacity left,” Kelly said.
“So when the spots do come available they are obviously of a premium.
“Prices have gone up with the cost of living, cost of land, cost of maintaining the cemeteries – all of that has gone up,” Kelly said.
“As the population grows these cemeteries are filling up and they are creating new ones but they are further and further away.”
(9 NEWS)
