PHOTO: Jackie ‘O’ Henderson. INSTAGRAM
Australia’s Top Radio Stars Making Big Waves in the Property Market
Australia’s most beloved radio personalities are not just dominating the airwaves—they’re also making significant moves in the real estate market. With incomes fueled by hosting some of the nation’s most popular shows on networks like Nova, KIIS, Hit, and 2GB, these radio icons are investing in luxurious homes and prime real estate.
From sprawling estates to savvy investments, here’s a closer look at how Australia’s top radio stars are shaping the property landscape.
Australia’s big name radio personalities like to put their money into luxury real estate.
Kyle Sandilands: A Real Estate Mogul in the Making
Kyle Sandilands, co-host of the KIIS FM “Kyle and Jackie O Show,” has cemented his status as a real estate heavyweight.
- Vaucluse Mansion: Kyle and his wife, Tegan Kynaston, purchased a $14 million home in Sydney’s exclusive Vaucluse in late 2023. The property, situated on a 1000+ sqm block, offers stunning views of the harbor, the Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline.
- Glenorie Estate: In 2022, Kyle added an eight-bedroom estate in Glenorie for $3 million, featuring a pool with a slide, ample paddock space, and luxurious amenities.
- Queensland Retreat: Their tropical getaway in Mowbray, Queensland, purchased for $1.3 million in 2020, was recently listed for $2.5 million.
Kyle Sandilands, wife Tegan and son Otto. Picture: Instagram
Jackie ‘O’ Henderson: Luxury Reimagined
Jackie Henderson, Kyle’s co-host, has also made significant strides in the property market.
- Clovelly Home: In 2023, she secured a $13.25 million property in Clovelly, surpassing the reserve price by $1.25 million. Plans for a new luxury residence are underway.
- Previous Investments: Jackie sold her Woollahra home for $13 million in early 2023 and previously offloaded a Vaucluse property for $6.675 million in 2020.
Jackie ‘O’ snapped up a home in Clovelly in 2023.
Henderson’s former Woollahra abode she sold for $11m in 2020.
Abbie Chatfield: From Podcasts to Properties
Former radio host turned podcaster Abbie Chatfield has been building a diverse property portfolio.
- Tamarama Apartment: Abbie purchased a chic two-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s Tamarama in 2022 for $1.758 million.
- Byron Bay Hinterland Cottage: In 2021, she acquired a $1.45 million timber home built with recycled materials, adding a unique touch to her investments.
Abbie Chatfield owns two properties in New South Wales.
The Tamarama apartment Chatfield bought in 2022.
The two-bedroom unit cost the former radio star $1.758m.
Ray Hadley: Retirement in Style
Ray Hadley, a veteran talkback host on 2GB, is transitioning into retirement with premium properties.
- Pretty Beach Waterfront: Ray purchased a five-bedroom home for $2.8 million in 2023.
- Former Dural Farmhouse: Before this, he sold a sprawling estate in Dural for $7.6 million in 2021, featuring dual residences and luxurious facilities.
Ray Hay may enjoy his retirement in his Pretty Beach residence he bought in 2023.
Amanda Keller: Investment and Nostalgia
Amanda Keller, co-host of WSFM’s “Jonesy and Amanda,” blends investments with practicality.
- Newtown Townhouse: In 2023, Amanda bought a $1.923 million townhouse, showcasing a modern aesthetic.
- Culburra Beach Weekender: Amanda’s $1.475 million beachside retreat purchased in 2021 offers coastal charm.
Dave Hughes: Comedian and Real Estate Investor
Dave Hughes combines humor and property acumen.
- The Block Home: Dave purchased a $3.067 million Elsternwick home from the 2017 season of The Block.
- St Kilda Terrace: In 2014, he acquired a Victorian-style property for $2.112 million, showcasing his eye for high-value opportunities.
Dave Hughes rents out The Block property he purchased in 2017.
Carrie Bickmore: A Balanced Portfolio
Carrie Bickmore of Carrie & Tommy fame has managed a balanced portfolio with key sales and acquisitions.
- Byron Bay Residence: Sold in 2023 for $4.3 million, the property was initially purchased for $3 million in 2018.
- Family Home in Ivanhoe: Carrie sold this for $3.71 million in 2022, marking another milestone in her property journey.
Carrie Bickmore has offloaded two properties in the past few years.
Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli: Sydney’s Real Estate King
Michael Wipfli, co-host of Nova’s breakfast show, is a major player in Sydney’s real estate market.
- Rose Bay Mansion: Purchased for $6.5 million in 2019, this six-bedroom estate sits on a sprawling 700sqm block.
- Queens Park Residence: Wippa sold his previous home for $2.4 million in 2019, upgrading to a more luxurious lifestyle.
Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli bought their Rose Bay home for $6.5m in 2019.
Wippa’s former house in Queens Park sold for $2.4m.
He sold the four-bedroom home in June 2019.
Kate Ritchie: From Soap Star to Property Maven
Kate Ritchie, a former Home and Away star and current radio co-host, has made strategic moves.
- Randwick Residence: Purchased for $990,000 in 2003, this property has been a cornerstone of her portfolio.
- Southern Highlands Retreat: Sold in 2021 for $3.2 million, this property combined rustic charm with modern comfort.
Kate Ritchie co-hosts a Nova 96.9 breakfast show.
Ritchie’s former Bellevue Hill apartment she sold for $885,000 in 2020.
She purchased the unit for $355,000 in June 2000.
Chrissie Swan: Melbourne’s Property Queen
Nova FM host Chrissie Swan has focused her investments on Melbourne’s prime locations.
- Hawthorn East Home: Bought for $3.2 million in 2017, it showcases her preference for prestigious suburbs.
- South Yarra Sale: Her former residence fetched $4.05 million in 2018, reflecting significant appreciation.
Chrissie Swan has owned a few properties in some of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs.
This South Yarra home was offloaded by Swan in 2018.
She sold the home for $4.05m.
The Radio Stars’ Real Estate Impact
These high-profile transactions highlight the influence of radio personalities on Australia’s property market. By investing in prime real estate, they not only secure their financial futures but also contribute to market trends.
With diverse portfolios ranging from coastal retreats to urban mansions, Australia’s radio stars demonstrate that success in entertainment can translate into lasting real estate legacies.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU