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Jennifer Hawkins builds opulent home for mystery client

<p dir="ltr">Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins and her husband Jake Wall are building a mega mansion in the exclusive suburb of Whale Beach - but it’s not for them.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple, who own design and construction firm J-Group, are reportedly building the large home for a mystery client who bought it for just under $30 million, per <em><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/pictures-show-epic-scale-of-jennifer-hawkins-30m-whale-beach-mansion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">realestate.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">A 1950s home that sat on the 3200-square-metre lot was knocked down last year, with plans already approved by the local council for a three-storey, five-bedroom house with a gym, yoga room, theatre, half-basketball court, sauna and a four-car garage, to take its place.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-220550e2-7fff-2957-05a6-13576cba0a5d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Before the celebrity couple had plans for it, the sprawling block already had a taste of fame, with the double block once belonging to the soprano singer Joan Sutherland.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChRJd4Xpw7N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChRJd4Xpw7N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by J GROUP PROJECTS (@jgroupprojects)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Back in February, the couple’s company shared a rendered image of what the Whale Beach home would look like, complete with views of the waters of Dolphin Point.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wall and Hawkins have been active in the property world, having purchased a $6 million ‘knockdown’ in Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2020, the couple offloaded a Newport property for an eye-watering $24.5 million to Mike Cannon Brookes, the co-CEO and co-founder of Atlassian.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-20c398e9-7fff-568a-d2d4-af9dc187f976"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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The hidden dangers of investing in property

<p dir="ltr">When it comes to investing in property, there are several things that can jeopardise the perfect sale to add to your portfolio. </p> <p dir="ltr">While it's important to be aware of the risks, there are also a few hidden “dangers” that each buyer needs to feel out on an individual basis. </p> <p dir="ltr">In order to make the best decisions, keep a lookout for these secret dangers in investing in property and how to properly manage them. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Buying in your local neighbourhood</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Despite emotional attachment, investing in the neighbourhood you live in may not be the best idea for long-term capital growth. </p> <p dir="ltr">If there are over 10,000 real estate markets across Australia, statistically speaking the odds are very low that the property for sale right next door is your best choice.</p> <p dir="ltr">In order to make the best choices, it’s best to analyse and compare markets from all over the country to make the perfect pick and to minimise risk. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Relying on “friendly” real estate agents</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">While a lot of agents are there to guide you through the selling and buying process, it's easy to fall for a real estate agent’s charm. </p> <p dir="ltr">Just remember, they are working for the vendor, and their best interest is maximum profit for their client. </p> <p dir="ltr">The same goes for non-independent buyer’s agents who effectively are just sales agents for developers. </p> <p dir="ltr">Do your own research and comparisons on any investment, or seek the help of a truly independent buyer’s agent to assist you in the process. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Not considering the risks in investment</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Buying property is a risky game, as vacancy, bad tenants or even interest rate rises can throw a spanner in the works. </p> <p dir="ltr">Engaging with professionals can help mitigate the risks, and help you be more aware of the harsh reality of investing. </p> <p dir="ltr">It’s important to embrace these risks and learn how to reduce them, not shy away from them.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Short term vs. long term</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Buyers, investors and estate agents can tend to be reactive to what is happening in the market right now, and focusing on short term gains. </p> <p dir="ltr">The key to success in property is to take a long-term approach and ignore all the short-term noise.</p> <p dir="ltr">Starting with a plan first, then actively seeking out properties that suit your investment criteria will move you away from just being another property speculator to a true investor.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Ellen DeGeneres’ multimillion-dollar property portfolio REVEALED

<p dir="ltr">Ellen DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi have a well-known passion for property, and have made a reputation as some of the most prolific buyers and sellers of South Californian homes.</p> <p dir="ltr">During DeGeneres’ 17-year run on<span> </span><em>The Ellen Show</em>, the duo have built a portfolio of properties<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://nypost.com/article/a-look-inside-all-of-ellen-degeneres-homes/" target="_blank">reportedly</a><span> </span>worth $630 million or $NZD 670 million ($USD 450 million) that has been separate from her TV earnings.</p> <p dir="ltr">Currently, DeGeneres and de Rossi own the Rancho San Leandro and Dennis Miller homes, both in Santa Barbara, California, and worth a total $90 million ($NZD 96 million).</p> <p dir="ltr">Here is a run-down of the pair’s<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/a-timeline-of-ellen-degeneres-and-portia-de-rossis-600-million-property-portfolio-1114593/" target="_blank">extensive</a><span> </span>property portfolio, past and present.</p> <p><strong>Current: Rancho San Leandro</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7847122/ellen1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/62e5da2f557b4e40900739d2e958d091" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Zillow</em></p> <p dir="ltr">After initially buying the Montecito home for $US 7.2 million in 2017 and selling it for $USD 11 million a year later, the pair eventually bought it back for a whopping $AU 20 or $NZ 21 million ($US 14.3 million) - almost double what they first bought it for.</p> <p dir="ltr">The property, which dates back to the 1800s, features two homes - one of which is one of the oldest and most authentic adobe homes in California.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7847121/ellen2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/84b0747e696d437a8a1b4f1eef64d89c" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Zillow</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The adobe home has a single master bedroom with its own ensuite, as well as two bathrooms, a kitchen, breakfast room, and subterranean wine cellar.</p> <p dir="ltr">The second ‘Monterrey’ house is slightly larger with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a dining area, formal library, gym, and terrace with a fireplace.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Current: Dennis Miller’s Cape Dutch compound</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If you thought $20 million was a lot for a house, the $AU 70 or $NZ 74 million ($US 49 million) Ellen dropped on this private compound will leave you gobsmacked.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7847120/ellen3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/72815ea69d334591bb78208ee7834462" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Slim Paley (Instagram)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Though the number of bedrooms and bathrooms on the 4.3-acre estate is unknown due to its private listing, we do know that it features a guest house, infinity pool, pool house and a barn.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dirt.com/entertainers/performers/dennis-miller-house-montecito-1203349300/" target="_blank"><em>Dirt</em></a>, a 9,000-square-foot mansion also sits on the property, and has been built in the South African Cape Dutch architectural style.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7847119/ellen4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c96d19fe59f24363a2bbadab4c08cce7" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Slim Paley (Instagram)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Outside, the buildings surround a lily pond complete with fish and a rowboat, and there are walkways, organic vegetable gardens, and hidden outdoor seating areas the couple is sure to enjoy.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Sold 2021: Adam Levine’s former Beverly Hills home</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7847118/ellen5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f0cf3d21553a40e3b66cdd6279b448a8" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Mansion Global</em></p> <p dir="ltr">DeGeneres and de Rossi sold the 1930s home, formerly belonging to popstar Adam Levine, in early 2021 for $AUD 66 or $NZD 70 million ($US 47 million).</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7847117/ellen6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f44deb50ddb94b42899035edd8d6f414" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Mansion Global</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Despite selling it for $US 6.5 million below their initial asking price, the couple still made a tidy $US 2 million profit on the two-storey, five bedroom, five bathroom home.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Sold 2020: Ariana Grande’s English Tudor mansion</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Originally two barns built in Surrey in the 1770s and brought to the US in the 1980s, the home is a legitimate English Tudor property that the couple intended to flip for a profit.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7847116/ellen7.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ef239d4f762a44dcbf575092550a6590" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Realtor.com</em></p> <p dir="ltr">According to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/ellen-degeneres-and-portia-de-rossi-flipping-montecito-california-home-214527" target="_blank"><em>Mansion Global</em></a>, this home was the first they bought with the intention of renovating and selling without living in it.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7847115/ellen8.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c590d8ade7814bdcb0ffa55e3d4dc309" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Realtor.com</em></p> <p dir="ltr">After their handiwork was complete, the pair sold the home to Ariana Grande for $AU 9.5 million or $NZ 10.1 million ($US 6.75 million) in 2020, making a $US 3.15 million profit.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @portiaderossi (Instagram)</em></p>

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See inside Adele’s $41.5 million property portfolio

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pop icon Adele has shared an inside look into her property portfolio, revealing that she has invested millions in Los Angeles real estate but can’t quite afford London’s hefty prices.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 33-year-old, who has a reported net worth of $USD 200 million, has snapped up three properties in the last five years in the exclusive neighbourhood of Hidden Valley.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The kind of house I have in LA I could never afford in London. Ever,” the British singer told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/adele-british-vogue-interview" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vogue</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her most recent purchase, a 513-square-metre, four bedroom home, was from her friend and next-door neighbour Nicole Richie, which she paid USD $10 million for earlier this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pop star bought her first home in Beverly Hills for $USD 9.5 million, before going on to purchase a second home for $USD 10.5 million shortly after splitting from husband Simon Konecki in 2019.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s widely believed that Konecki lives in the home, which is across the street from Adele’s other two properties, so that the pair can raise their eight-year-old son close together.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The exclusive community - located inside a gated enclave - is aso home to fellow A-listers Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lawrence and Katy Perry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take a look inside the singer’s deluxe portfolio and everything they offer.</span></p> <p><strong>#1 Hidden Valley Road (2016)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The four-bedroom home designed by Scott Mitchell opens with a two-storey foyer, and comes with a library on the second floor.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845901/adele1-0.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/58a89ca9577944859c9d12230ed9f73c" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Realtor</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Features of the home include two formal living rooms - one with a fireplace and the other with floor-to-ceiling windows - as well as a chef’s kitchen, an expansive family room and breakfast area, and a bonus room usually reserved as a gym.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845899/adele1-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/df02202242a3420b84d9119a988556a1" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Image: Realtor</em></span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845898/adele1-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b10f8c08b7a947e7a17bb1e5075797ea" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Image: Realtor</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Outside, the property includes a treehouse, an outdoor train set, a pool, and a dog run.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845900/adele1-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e041985bcfd64b37b8138b2a6784ab1b" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Image: Realtor</em></span></p> <p><strong>#2 Hidden Valley Road (2019)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dubbed an “art collector’s paradise”, the contemporary home features high ceilings and plenty of natural light.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845896/adele2-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8c7973ecd0974be486a3a1bdecc93cfd" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Image: Realtor</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The home boasts a sunken living room, a 2000-book library, custom-made furniture, and a jacuzzi in the main bedroom’s ensuite, as well as a private balcony and custom walk-in wardrobe.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sitting on more than 3000 square metres, the house is surrounded by expansive lawns, fruit trees, a solar-heated pool, and a large driveway</span></p> <p> <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845897/adele2-0.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/87973c84ae13448b83fc354838829ad2" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Image: Realtor</em></span></p> <p><strong>#3 Lime Orchard Road (2021)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The mini-mansion wraps around a park-like backyard, with a large lawn accented with stone pavers that lead to a stone patio with an inset pool and separate spa.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other features include a basketball court and a large hedge offering maximum privacy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, photos of the home are hard to find since Adele bought the home from Richie and her husband, Joel Madden, in an off-market deal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Madden and Richie made a tidy profit on the property after purchasing it for $USD 6.7 million back in 2015.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @adele (Instagram)</span></em></p>

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