Departing AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and his wife Laura have sold their luxurious Melbourne home for $8million - with the couple recently buying a $13.5million home in the same suburb.

McLachlan, who will be stepping down from his role in late April or May this year, initially listed his Prahan house for sale with a price guide of $10million to $11million.

The lavish residence, on one of the suburb's best streets, was later bumped down to $8.8million to $9.3million after a slow down in demand for properties priced over $10million.

The property has doubled in value over the last decade however, with records showing that McLachlan and his wife bought the house for $4million in 2012.

The high-end six-bedroom home is one of just two homes in the suburb with a tennis court.

The luxe 1189sq m property also features a swimming pool, an al fresco entertaining area, a butler’s pantry, a double garage and an open-plan living room with a bar.

A selling agent in 2022 described it as being in walking distance from 'every conceivable amenity you could want' and said it would suit a family home buyer.

The couple recently purchased a double-storey mansion for $13.5million in the same exclusive neighbourhood.

McLachlan is nearing the end of his stint as AFL chief executive after spending nine years at the helm.

He started in the position in 2014 and was planning to leave a few years ago, but agreed to stay on in the role when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. 

The AFL is yet to announce who will be replacing McLachlan, becoming the competition’s fourth CEO in the last 26 years.

Front runners for the role include legal counsel and AFL executive Andrew Dillon, GWS boss David Matthews and and Sydney CEO Tom Harley.