Kotara front facade property overview

Transforming a Kotara Gem: From $920K Purchase to $1.455M Sale

Building Wealth in Kotara: $535K Market Uplift in 12 Months

C.A.R.E StrategyNewcastle Region

Project Snapshot

Property 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 car
Project Length 9 Months
Type of work Structural + Cosmetic + Functional
Purchase Price $920k
Reno Investment $235k
Sale Price $1.455m
Equity Gained $300k
Uplift $535k

Quick Snapshot

A single-income earner wanted to grow wealth through property in Newcastle’s competitive market. Facing a dated Kotara home with untapped potential, we guided a $920K purchase, a $235K renovation, and a $1.455M sale, delivering just shy of $300K in profit in under a year, and setting a suburb record for a 3 bed, 2 bath.

Meet the Client

Sarah (name changed for privacy), a single-income earner in her 40s, dreamed of financial freedom through property investment. Living in Newcastle, she wanted to leverage a well-located home to build equity and fund future income-generating assets fast, but she needed expert guidance to navigate the process.

The Challenge

Sarah faced a tough Newcastle property market, where finding a home with strong value-add potential within her $920K budget was daunting. The Kotara property she eyed was a dated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home with a cramped layout, old finishes, and no standout features, making it unappealing to buyers and limiting its profit potential.

Before & After Gallery

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My Strategy

We combined emotional support and project management with a strategic plan to ease Sarah’s stress and maximize returns:

  • Empathetic Guidance: Listened to Sarah’s goals and provided clear, jargon-free advice to build her confidence.

  • Market Expertise: Identified the Kotara property’s potential due to its prime location, walking distance to Westfield Kotara and Kotara Station, yet quiet and private.

  • Holistic Approach: Managed the purchase, renovation, and sale, ensuring every step aligned with her wealth-building vision.

What We Did

  • Purchase: Negotiated a $920K private sale for the Kotara home, securing it below market value.

  • Renovation ($235K): Transformed the property in under a year with high-impact upgrades: an open-plan living area with a 4.8m cathedral ceiling, exposed trusses, a sleek kitchen, glass sliders to a covered deck, a home cinema room, a wine cellar, and a north-facing backyard with firepit. Trades included roof refurbishment, ducted A/C, and cypress pine flooring.

  • Marketing & Sale: Staged the home as a magazine-worthy retreat, highlighting features like Nero tapware and proximity to Merewether Beach (7km). A targeted campaign led to a competitive auction, selling for $1.455M.

Project Gallery

Kotara Back Deck AfterKotara Lounge After Kotara Hero ImageCinema / Media Room KotaraWine Cella Kotara

"Looking back, the best part was unlocking about $500 K equity in well under two year, giving me the freedom to leap into something even bigger. The team handled everything from purchase to future planning, and I felt unstoppable. I am so grateful and loved working with Joris every step of the way. Imagine what that kind of support could do for your next move."

Sarah - 2025