From Jennifer Hawkins’ big win to Russell Crowe’s $45million struggle and Lleyton Hewitt’s failed sale: The celebrity property hits and misses of 2024

From Jennifer Hawkins' big win to Russell Crowe's $45million struggle and Lleyton Hewitt's failed sale: The celebrity property hits and misses of 2024

As a seasoned observer of the high-stakes world of real estate, I must say that the lives and fortunes of these celebrities seem to be as intertwined with property as a vine is with its trellis.

2021 has seen some of Australia’s most prominent figures, spanning the realms of both film and sports, make notable property market transactions, yielding a variety of outcomes.

While some cashed in on booming sales, others faced challenges amid a cooling housing market.

A number of stars saw substantial earnings, including Isla Fisher, Sophie Monk, and Daniel Johns, who all enjoyed considerable gains from their financial ventures.

Actress Isla made over a whopping $750,000 profit on an investment property she sold in Sydney.

However, others including Russell Crowe and Ian Thorpe, struggled to sell.

The Winners: Celebrities Who Cashed In

From Jennifer Hawkins' big win to Russell Crowe's $45million struggle and Lleyton Hewitt's failed sale: The celebrity property hits and misses of 2024

Isla Fisher:

Actress Isla Fisher, previously married to comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and divorced this year, recently sold her Woollahra property for a sum of $930,000.

Fisher originally purchased the unit for just $171,500 in 1995 during her early Home and Away days.

The charming 1930s property, initially listed with a $1 million guide, found a buyer after being pulled from its September auction.

Jennifer Hawkins:

Previously crowned Miss Universe and representative of Myer, she has been gradually reducing her substantial investment holdings. Recently, she disposed of a three-bedroom property located in Minmi, Lake Macquarie, for $840,000 – this sale aligns perfectly with the estimated price range.

Hawkins originally purchased the 664sqm property in 2008 for $345,000, shortly after landing her $4million deal with Myer.

This sale is part of a series of properties sold by the supermodel, which include houses located in Curl Curl, Whale Beach, Newport, and Merewether, Newcastle.

Sophie Monk:

In a turn of events, the popular host of Love Island Australia has offloaded a spacious five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence situated in her childhood hometown of Helensvale, a vibrant suburb on the Gold Coast.

Located within the prestigious Riverdowns Estate, this expansive 4,018 square meter riverfront property sold for $1.76 million, only a month after it was listed on the market.

Back in the ’90s, I got my hands on a gem that underwent a stunning transformation! Now, this beauty boasts five cozy bedrooms, three modern bathrooms, and an incredible feature – a private boat ramp leading straight to the river!

The kitchen also overlooks the outdoor alfresco area and large swimming pool.

The Helensvale property was vacated by tenants who rented the home for $1,200 per week.

Sophie still owns a Mermaid Beach unit that she purchased for $165,000 in 2003.

2020 saw her acquisition of a $2.25 million property that mirrored the elegance of the Hamptons, nestled on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

Daniel Johns:

I, a devoted fan, share that the ex-lead singer of Silverchair has bid farewell to his spacious four-bedroom residence situated close to Merewether Beach. This prized property found a new owner at a price tag of $2.75 million.

Back in 1996, when Daniel was still a teenager, he acquired the property at a cost of $360,000. This investment has yielded a substantial profit, although it fell slightly short of the estimated $2.9 million valuation.

In 1996, John purchased a house not long after he turned 17 years old, following the signing of a three-album contract with his band in 1994.

The house with four bedrooms and two bathrooms can be found in the coastal suburb of Merewether, approximately a 2-hour drive north from Sydney.

It boasts multiple sprawling living spaces and a large attic space for an extra room.

This celebrity home, quite modestly presented, stands out due to its uncomplicated backyard and generously sized living areas, making it an appealing choice.

It was the first investment property for Johns who splashed out $645,000 on another Merewether home a few months later.

The Setbacks: Unsold Listings and Price Cuts

Russell Crowe:

Despite rumors of a high price ranging from $42 million to $45 million, the opulent apartment of the Academy Award-winning actor in Woolloomooloo has yet to find a buyer.

In 2003, Crowe acquired the Finger Wharf property for approximately $14.35 million. It is said that he enlisted the help of McGrath Double Bay agents, Will Manning and Luke Hogan, in order to finalize an undisclosed deal outside the traditional market.

Located at Finger Wharf, a high-end neighborhood known as Woolloomooloo, approximately 2 kilometers from the Central Business District (CBD), Crowe’s apartment spans an entire level within a luxury building.

According to reports, Crowe hasn’t made any updates to the apartment since purchasing it back in 2003 for a price of $14.35 million.

This remarkable building encompasses a sizable area of about 1,000 square meters, and it was originally conceived as a space for four distinct private dwellings.

Featuring 11 bedrooms, it is situated on the forth floor of the exclusive Finger Wharf development.

Ian Thorpe:

Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe encountered another setback in the real estate sector this year, placing his Woollahra apartment back on the market following its unsuccessful auction sale last year.

Despite starting at $3.5 million, the house was subsequently lowered to $3 million, yet it remained unsold.

Ian bought the property for $2.75million in 2017, and is now hoping for an almost $1million profit.

To The Sydney Morning Herald, court representative Courtney Wong disclosed that the five-time Olympic gold medalist has decided to put the property up for sale due to his intention to move to a smaller residence.

Courtney mentioned that the house stands out among the six buildings, since it’s strategically located at the rear, offering a quieter location, being distant from the main road.

‘It’s completely private and secluded,’ he added.

Regardless of its $3.7 million cost, the real estate agent mentioned that this property serves as an excellent stepping stone for individuals who currently cannot afford a home.

Lleyton and Bec Hewitt:

The famous tennis player and his actress spouse, Bec, couldn’t manage to sell their expensive Burleigh Heads house worth $4.3 million. Despite holding an auction, they were not successful, so they have kept the coastal property listed for sale.

This spacious four-bedroom, three-bathroom house resides within a highly coveted area of Queensland, where the typical home value exceeds $5 million.

Listing agent Carol Carter from Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty had teased that there was interest from overseas buyers ahead of the auction in October.

She mentioned that there’s been considerable attention towards the prominent real estate, with potential buyers hailing from Germany and the UK as well.

Carol mentioned to realestate.com.au that there’s been plenty of curiosity, but it’s challenging to gauge the level of enthusiasm since people usually prefer to maintain privacy with their thoughts and feelings.

The stunning property is nestled on a spacious 539 square meter plot and offers three expansive bedrooms with en-suites, including a sumptuous master suite, all located on the top floor.

The grand master suite boasts a personal skylight, a freestanding stone bathtub, and built-in heating systems for added opulence and distinctive luxury details.

Rebel Wilson:

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that sentence like this: “I recently learned that Rebel Wilson, known for her role in Pitch Perfect, decided to take back her previous Balmain home from auction. It seems the market didn’t quite respond as enthusiastically as we had hoped.

A spacious apartment, housed within an old soap factory converted into residential units, is currently up for weekly rental at a price of $1,200. This apartment comes with a hefty price tag of $2.3 million if you’re interested in buying it.

It remains uncertain whether or when Rebel will re-list her lavish property for auction. However, it appears that she took it off the market following counsel from her real estate advisor.

Earlier this year, Rebel decided to put up a property she had owned since 2015, which she bought for $1.88 million, on sale with an asking price of $2.3 million.

On two stories, this apartment, resembling a house, offers approximately 130 square meters of living space, featuring two balconies and a rooftop terrace accessible from the kitchen on the upper level.

From my perspective as a devoted admirer, I find myself captivated by the breathtaking panorama of the CBD skyline and Anzac Bridge that graces this culinary haven. The workspace boasts exquisite Carrara quartz stone countertops, adding an element of opulence with its luxurious breakfast bar.

Two bedrooms and a study space fill out the entry level of the unit, with the master bedroom boasting a sprawling walk-in robe and en suite.

Electric vehicle owners are bound to be delighted upon discovering a charging facility set up within the secure, two-tiered parking structure of the building.

2024-12-22 03:23