Celebrity house flippers to million-dollar property portfolios

They’re some of Australia’s best known household names – but these days, they may actually make more money out of the public eye. 

The likes of Scotty Cam, Larry Emdur, Jennifer Hawkins and Russell Crowe all have impressive property portfolios – and some have made MILLIONS in real estate. 

Flipping houses or amassing collections of stunning homes, they each have turned their passion for property into an incredible side business. 

From turning profits on renovated homes to making millions on investment properties, these A-listers certainly have a knack for real estate.

Jennifer Hawkins 

Buying big: She may have denied that she is a ‘house flipper’ but Jennifer Hawkins has accumulated a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio since winning Miss Universe in 2004. Pictured with husband Jake Wall

She may have denied that she is a ‘house flipper’ but Jennifer Hawkins has accumulated a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio since winning Miss Universe in 2004.

The former Myer model first entered the property market in 2006, two years after she was crowned Miss Universe.

The beauty forked out $469,000 for a double-storey house in Merewether, a suburb located in her home city of Newcastle. 

Modest first home: Property records show Jennifer first entered the market in 2006, purchasing this Merewether home for $469,000

Modest first home: Property records show Jennifer first entered the market in 2006, purchasing this Merewether home for $469,000

On the market: She leased out the three-bedroom, two-bathroom property for much of the time it was in her name, before she eventually sold the residence for $782,000 in 2017

On the market: She leased out the three-bedroom, two-bathroom property for much of the time it was in her name, before she eventually sold the residence for $782,000 in 2017

She leased out the three-bedroom, two-bathroom property for much of the time it was in her name, before she eventually sold the residence for $782,000 in 2017. 

Clearly bitten by the real estate bug, savvy Jennifer added two properties to her portfolio in 2007.

In January, she bought another home in Newcastle’s Merewether area for the sum of $620,000.

Second investment: In January 2007, Jennifer bought another home in Newcastle's Merewether area for the sum of $620,000

Second investment: In January 2007, Jennifer bought another home in Newcastle’s Merewether area for the sum of $620,000

Buying up the neighbourhood! Like her first property close by, the house was double-storey and featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms

Buying up the neighbourhood! Like her first property close by, the house was double-storey and featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms

Like her first property close by, the house was double-storey and featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Jennifer leased out the address for $530 per week, before she sold it in 2015 for $731,000. 

Meanwhile, the second property Jennifer purchased in 2007 was a two-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s Bondi. 

Bondi apartment: Jennifer bought this swanky condo off the plan for $895,000 back in 2007. She and Jake sold it for $1.2 million seven years later

Bondi apartment: Jennifer bought this swanky condo off the plan for $895,000 back in 2007. She and Jake sold it for $1.2 million seven years later

Room with a view: She bought the swanky condo off the plan for $895,000, before living at the address with Jake for several years

Room with a view: She bought the swanky condo off the plan for $895,000, before living at the address with Jake for several years

She bought the swanky condo off the plan for $895,000, before living at the address with Jake for several years. 

It appeared they tired of the eastern suburbs some time later, selling the property in 2014 for $1.2 million. 

By this time, Jen and Jake had already begun to build homes, rather than simply buy them.

Making their dreams a reality: Jennifer and Jake bought a block of land in North Curl Curl and built this stunning mansion on it

Making their dreams a reality: Jennifer and Jake bought a block of land in North Curl Curl and built this stunning mansion on it

Second North Curl Curl home: The savvy couple built this resort-style residence on another block in the same suburb

Second North Curl Curl home: The savvy couple built this resort-style residence on another block in the same suburb

In 2010, the couple purchased a cliff-side block of land in North Curl Curl for a whopping $1.3 million.

They then partnered with renowned architect Koichi Takada to create a stunning three-storey mansion.

The couple sold the North Curl Curl home in 2014, for a jaw-dropping $4.1 million.  

Sold: Jennifer and Jake sold the North Curl Curl residence for around $5 million in 2016

Sold: Jennifer and Jake sold the North Curl Curl residence for around $5 million in 2016

Superstructure: Jake's J Group Projects documented the building of the couple's mega-mansion in Newport

Superstructure: Jake’s J Group Projects documented the building of the couple’s mega-mansion in Newport

In the meantime, Jen and Jake bought another block of land in the same suburb and had already commenced building another incredible mansion. 

They paid $1.66 million in 2013 for the block, which had an old weatherboard house on it. 

The couple demolished the house, before Jake’s company J Group project again collaborated with Koichi Takada to build another home.

Living the good life! The couple then traded up to a mansion located in Sydney's exclusive Northern Beaches suburb of Newport

Living the good life! The couple then traded up to a mansion located in Sydney’s exclusive Northern Beaches suburb of Newport

Cha-ching! Jennifer and Jake sold the stunning mansion for $20 million in June 2020, six months after listing it on the market

Cha-ching! Jennifer and Jake sold the stunning mansion for $20 million in June 2020, six months after listing it on the market

Jennifer and Jake sold the North Curl Curl residence for around $5 million in 2016. 

The couple then traded up to their latest pad, a mansion located in Sydney’s exclusive Northern Beaches suburb of Newport. 

The home was built on a plot of land bought for $4 million by the couple in 2014.

Jennifer and Jake sold the stunning mansion for $20 million in June 2020, six months after listing it on the market. 

Russell Crowe 

Loads! Kiwi-Australian actor Russell Crowe (pictured) has an extensive property portfolio in Australia. The Daily Telegraph reports that the Oscar winner may well be 'one of NSW's largest private land owners'

 Loads! Kiwi-Australian actor Russell Crowe (pictured) has an extensive property portfolio in Australia. The Daily Telegraph reports that the Oscar winner may well be ‘one of NSW’s largest private land owners’

Kiwi-Australian actor Russell Crowe has an extensive property portfolio in Australia. 

The Daily Telegraph reports that the Oscar winner may well be ‘one of NSW’s largest private land owners’. 

This month, it was rumoured he is selling his lavish pad in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo. 

According to The Sydney Morning Herald’s Private Sydney, rumours are rife the 57-year-old will be putting the expansive waterfront property on the market and could very well fetch a whopping $40million for it.

Pricey: This month, it was rumoured he is selling his lavish pad in Sydney's Woolloomooloo. He will be putting the expansive waterfront property on the market and could very well fetch a whopping $40million for it

 Pricey: This month, it was rumoured he is selling his lavish pad in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo. He will be putting the expansive waterfront property on the market and could very well fetch a whopping $40million for it

Money: He first purchased the pad back in 2003 for $14.35million and is believed to have refused an offer of $25million for it back in 2017

Money: He first purchased the pad back in 2003 for $14.35million and is believed to have refused an offer of $25million for it back in 2017

Russell’s place features 11 bedrooms, having combined four properties in the complex, and even has its own 35-metre marina berth. 

He first purchased the pad back in 2003 for $14.35million and is believed to have refused an offer of $25million for it back in 2017.   

Also in 2017, he doubled his money through the sale of his Kingsford unit block. 

Sold: In 2017 he doubled his money through the sale of his Kingsford unit block. He made $3.2 million for the apartment building he originally paid $1,454,000 for in 2001

Sold: In 2017 he doubled his money through the sale of his Kingsford unit block. He made $3.2 million for the apartment building he originally paid $1,454,000 for in 2001

He made $3.2 million for the apartment building he originally paid $1,454,000 for in 2001. 

The film star bought the property 15 years ago when he was part of the rock group 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts.

He had allowed his band mates to live rent-free in the three-storey, four-unit building for an extended period of time.

Spacious: The Gladiator star, who is the co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, also owns a sprawling 400-hectare property in Nana Glen, near Coffs Harbour in NSW

Spacious: The Gladiator star, who is the co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, also owns a sprawling 400-hectare property in Nana Glen, near Coffs Harbour in NSW

The block went up for sale at the end of 2017 when Russell is understood to have told his friends who lived there it would be used ‘as part of a divorce settlement’ with ex-wife Danielle Spencer. 

The former couple were married in 2003 and separated in October, 2012.  

Likewise in 2017, Russell sold his Darlinghurst warehouse, which operated as the Riley Street Gym, for $17 million.

The Gladiator star, who is the co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, also owns a sprawling 400-hectare property in Nana Glen, near Coffs Harbour in NSW.

Costly: In 2017, Russell sold his Darlinghurst warehouse, which operated as the Riley Street Gym, for $17 million

Costly: In 2017, Russell sold his Darlinghurst warehouse, which operated as the Riley Street Gym, for $17 million

The property, which has been hit by bush fires before, also features it’s own chapel where he married ex-wife Danielle in 2003.

Back in June, Russell announced his plans to build a $400milllion Hollywood film studio in the area, in Coffs Harbour.

Russell, alongside business partners Peter Montgomery and Keith Rodger, will be building a new film studio called Pacific Bay Resort Studios and Village which will span over 100 acres. 

Scott Cam 

Lots! Humble TV tradesman Scott Cam (pictured) has been quietly building a multi-million dollar property empire

Lots! Humble TV tradesman Scott Cam (pictured) has been quietly building a multi-million dollar property empire

Humble TV tradesman Scott Cam has been quietly building a multi-million dollar property empire. 

Among them is an Art Deco apartment in Port Melbourne that was renovated on The Block in 2016. 

The 58-year-old, who has hosted The Block for a decade, secretly splashed $2.2 million on the bolthole in 2017, and lives there for four months of the year. 

TV history: Among them is an Art Deco apartment in Port Melbourne that was renovated on The Block in 2016. The 58-year-old, who has hosted The Block for a decade, secretly splashed $2.2 million on the bolthole in 2017, and lives there for four months of the year

TV history: Among them is an Art Deco apartment in Port Melbourne that was renovated on The Block in 2016. The 58-year-old, who has hosted The Block for a decade, secretly splashed $2.2 million on the bolthole in 2017, and lives there for four months of the year

Snapped up: The apartment, which was built as part of a challenge on the show, wasn't auctioned off during The Block's finale, but rather was placed on the market after the show had wrapped. Pictured: an apartment inside the complex

Snapped up: The apartment, which was built as part of a challenge on the show, wasn’t auctioned off during The Block’s finale, but rather was placed on the market after the show had wrapped. Pictured: an apartment inside the complex

The apartment is located inside the former J. Kitchen & Sons Art Deco soap factory, and was renovated as part of a challenge on The Block. 

The apartment, which was built as part of a challenge on the show, wasn’t auctioned off during The Block’s finale, but rather was placed on the market after the show had wrapped.

Scott boasts an impressive property portfolio, including a lavish $6.5 million trophy home in Sydney’s exclusive suburb of Vaucluse. 

Fancy: Scott boasts an impressive property portfolio, including a lavish $6.5 million trophy home in Sydney's exclusive suburb of Vaucluse

Fancy: Scott boasts an impressive property portfolio, including a lavish $6.5 million trophy home in Sydney’s exclusive suburb of Vaucluse

Uptick: The Channel Nine star purchased the Mediterranean-style mansion for $4.6million in 2012, and it is now believed to be worth at least $6million

Uptick: The Channel Nine star purchased the Mediterranean-style mansion for $4.6million in 2012, and it is now believed to be worth at least $6million

Pricey: Other properties include a $2 million renovated home in Rosebery

Pricey: Other properties include a $2 million renovated home in Rosebery

Houses: He also owns a a coastal residence at Narrawallee (pictured) on the NSW South Coast and a property at a farm near Mudgee

Houses: He also owns a a coastal residence at Narrawallee (pictured) on the NSW South Coast and a property at a farm near Mudgee

The Channel Nine star purchased the Mediterranean-style mansion for $4.6million in 2012, and it is now believed to be worth at least $6million.  

The property has become the perfect family home for Scott, his wife Ann Cam and their three children, Sarah, Charlie and Bill.

Other properties include a $2 million renovated home in Rosebery. 

He also owns a a coastal residence at Narrawallee on the NSW South Coast and a property at a farm near Mudgee. 

Larry Emdur 

Big spenders: Larry Emdur

Big spenders: Larry Emdur and his wife Sylvie have been quietly assembling an impressive property portfolio across New South Wales. Both pictured 

Television personality Larry Emdur recently bought a block of land in Berowra Waters for $1million.

It’s just the latest in a string of acquisitions by Larry and his wife of 26 years, Sylvie, who in recent years have been quietly assembling an impressive property portfolio across New South Wales.

Larry and Sylvie’s ‘derelict bushland block’ is located in picturesque Neverfail Bay. 

The reclusive property, along the banks of Berowra Creek, is only accessible by boat. 

The great escape: Larry and Sylvie recently purchased a 'derelict bushland block' in Neverfail Bay. The block of land, which last sold for $575,000 in 1999, was purchased by the Emdurs for $1 million. Pictured: Berowra Waters

The great escape: Larry and Sylvie recently purchased a ‘derelict bushland block’ in Neverfail Bay. The block of land, which last sold for $575,000 in 1999, was purchased by the Emdurs for $1 million. Pictured: Berowra Waters

Nice? Larry shared a clip of the run down place last month, saying he and his wife Sylvie were 'going to attempt to turn this dangerously dilapidated massive termites nest into a fabulous industrial boho love nest'

Nice? Larry shared a clip of the run down place last month, saying he and his wife Sylvie were ‘going to attempt to turn this dangerously dilapidated massive termites nest into a fabulous industrial boho love nest’ 

The block of land, which last sold for $575,000 in 1999, was purchased by the Emdurs for $1million.   

Larry shared a clip of the run down place last month, saying he and his wife Sylvie were ‘going to attempt to turn this dangerously dilapidated massive termites nest into a fabulous industrial boho love nest.’  

The high-flying couple’s last purchase before Neverfail Bay was an architecturally designed weekender, also in Berowra Waters, two years ago.

A room with a view: The high-flying couple's last purchase before Neverfail Bay was an architecturally designed weekender (pictured), also in Berowra Waters, two years ago

A room with a view: The high-flying couple’s last purchase before Neverfail Bay was an architecturally designed weekender (pictured), also in Berowra Waters, two years ago

The riverfront property was purchased in 2019 for $1.1million, and included a home with 5m-high ceilings and an almost entirely glass wall facing the river. 

At about the same time, the Emdurs spent $2.15million on a stylish shipping-container home in Kangaroo Valley. 

The house, which was designed by architect ­Alexander Michael in 2018, blends steel, glass and polished concrete floors with eco-friendly touches, such as solar panels with a battery bank and rainwater harvesting. 

Outlook: The riverfront property was purchased in 2019 for $1.1million, and included a home with 5m-high ceilings and an almost entirely glass wall facing the river

Outlook: The riverfront property was purchased in 2019 for $1.1million, and included a home with 5m-high ceilings and an almost entirely glass wall facing the river

'Magical': 'The magical bay is much quieter than Bondi,' Larry told realestate.com.au at the time

‘Magical’: ‘The magical bay is much quieter than Bondi,’ Larry told realestate.com.au at the time

They’ve listed the ultra-modern property as a holiday rental for approximately $1,000 per night. 

Earlier this year, Larry sold his investment apartment in Bondi Beach for $1.055million at its scheduled auction.

The former Price is Right game show host managed to secure a buyer for the home, which had been collecting $850 a week in rent.

Luxury getaway: At about the same time, the couple spent $2.15million on a chic shipping-container home in Kangaroo Valley

Luxury getaway: At about the same time, the couple spent $2.15million on a chic shipping-container home in Kangaroo Valley

Stunning views: The second floor features four spacious bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathrooms and views out to the 10 acres of picturesque bushland surrounding the property

Stunning views: The second floor features four spacious bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathrooms and views out to the 10 acres of picturesque bushland surrounding the property

He first bought the Art Deco pad for $400,000 in 2001, and sold it for $65,000 above the reserve price.

In 2017, Larry and Sylvie sold their clifftop mansion in Dover Heights for a record $11.5million to celebrity account Anthony Bell. 

The deal was easily the biggest ever for a house in the sought-after beachside suburb, which is home to many well-heeled socialites.

Humble abode: Earlier this year, Larry sold his investment apartment in Bondi Beach for $1.055million at its scheduled auction

Humble abode: Earlier this year, Larry sold his investment apartment in Bondi Beach for $1.055million at its scheduled auction

Nice little earner: The former Price is Right game show host managed to secure a buyer for the home, which had been collecting $850 a week in rent

Nice little earner: The former Price is Right game show host managed to secure a buyer for the home, which had been collecting $850 a week in rent 

Mr Bell’s purchase smashed the $9.5million paid in 2014 for a similar mansion by South African tech investor Kevin Bermeister and his wife, Beverley.

The Emdurs had paid $6.8million for the luxury home in 2011. 

They had lived in the suburb for more than two decades, having upgraded from the house they paid $770,000 for in 1994.

Sea change: In 2017, Larry and Sylvie sold their clifftop mansion in Dover Heights for a record $11.5million to celebrity account Anthony Bell

Sea change: In 2017, Larry and Sylvie sold their clifftop mansion in Dover Heights for a record $11.5million to celebrity account Anthony Bell

Record breaker: The deal was easily the biggest ever for a house in the sought-after beachside suburb, which is home to many well-heeled socialites

Record breaker: The deal was easily the biggest ever for a house in the sought-after beachside suburb, which is home to many well-heeled socialites

After selling up in Dover Heights, the couple had a change of scenery by moving into a $3million apartment in The Rocks, which had been converted from a heritage-listed Cadbury depot.

The three-bedroom property features an open plan master bedroom with its own bathtub.

Tanner Kibble Denton Architects designed the conversion of the 1924 chocolate depot into six luxury apartments. 

Change: After selling up in Dover Heights, the couple had a change of scenery by moving into a $3million apartment in The Rocks, which had been converted from a heritage-listed Cadbury depot

Change: After selling up in Dover Heights, the couple had a change of scenery by moving into a $3million apartment in The Rocks, which had been converted from a heritage-listed Cadbury depot

Unique: The three-bedroom property features an open plan master bedroom with its own bathtub

Unique: The three-bedroom property features an open plan master bedroom with its own bathtub

Daddy's girl! In 2018, Larry and Sylvie pitched in to help their daughter, Tia (pictured), buy an apartment in Sydney's Bellevue Hill

Daddy’s girl! In 2018, Larry and Sylvie pitched in to help their daughter, Tia (pictured), buy an apartment in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill

In 2018, Larry and Sylvie pitched in to help their daughter, Tia, now 22, buy an apartment in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill.

Together, the Emdur family spent $1.08million on the three-bedroom, one-bathroom unit that is only five minutes away from their former family home in Bondi. 

Tia’s new home had previously sold for $525,000 in 2007.

No expense spared: Together, the Emdur family spent $1.08million on the three-bedroom, one-bathroom unit that is only five minutes away from their former family home in Bondi

No expense spared: Together, the Emdur family spent $1.08million on the three-bedroom, one-bathroom unit that is only five minutes away from their former family home in Bondi