Sydney recruiter Jason Johnson (pictured) buys properties to renovate in his spare time
Jason Johnson bought his first property when he was just 23.
He was a junior lawyer at the time and had saved up for the home without the help of his parents. He then sold it 12 months later for a $90,000 profit.
That was the moment Jason got the ‘property bug’.
Now a self-made multi-millionaire, the 54-year-old renovates homes in Sydney for a hobby and his holiday home in Palm Beach generates an eye-watering $400,000 a year.
It’s his 28th ‘fixer-upper’ project so far – and his most lucrative.
Jason and his wife Portia rent out the four-bedroom home and rake in $250,000 from short-term accommodation and $150,000 from fashion and marketing photoshoots.
The recruiter and founder of Johnson Partners bought the five bathroom property, dubbed ‘La Palma’, for $9.17million in 2020, renovating it to a value of $13.5million.
What was once a mediocre ‘rundown’ house with ‘good bones’ was transformed into a luxurious resort-style retreat beaming with colour, style and character.
The renovation took 12 months to complete due to the extravagant detail throughout – including the checkerboard tiles around the pool, natural sandstone pillars and stone benchtops.
Jason told FEMAIL the home brings in $5,500 a night during the summer months and $77,000 over a fortnight in December and January.
It sets him back $65,000 per year on maintenance alone in between guests, and he has a team of property managers, gardeners, plumbers and cleaners to maintain the house for him.
Jason bought the gorgeous Palm Beach property, dubbed ‘La Palma’, for $9.17 million in 2020, renovating it to a value of $13.5million (pictured)
The renovation took 12 months to complete due to the extravagant detail throughout – including the checkerboard tiles around the pool, natural sandstone pillars and stone benchtops
Jason told FEMAIL the investment property earns $5,500 a night during the summer months and $77,000 over a fortnight in December and January
Located 43km north of the CBD, Palm Beach is one of the most prestigious suburbs in New South Wales. The median property price sits at $3.8million.
‘When I told my wife Portia I’d love to buy a property in Palm Beach she humoured me, but I convinced her to go up and see it,’ Jason said.
‘When we arrived, we walked up the first set of stairs and were greeted by these extraordinary views with dolphins popping out of the bay as we arrived.’
The couple visited the remarkable 696sqm property at 10am and bought it two hours later. They popped a bottle of champagne at lunch to celebrate though at that time had no idea just how successful their new purchase would be.
‘It needed some love but I could see the potential to create one of Palm Beach’s most beautiful properties,’ Jason said.
He then engaged star designer Yasmine Ghoneim of YSG Studio for the new project, who he’s worked with on his previous Dover Heights home. There were issues securing certain supplies during the pandemic but they made it work.
The property has a unique sense of warmth to it with hues of orange and dusty pink throughout
The property is the Bondi family’s holiday home when it’s not rented out
The three-level property boasts breathtaking views of Pittwater, Lion Island and Ku-ring-gai National Park
The couple visited the remarkable property at 10am and bought it two hours later
A BREATHTAKING OASIS
The Mediterranean-inspired property is the Bondi family’s holiday home when it’s not booked out.
The three-level property boasts breathtaking views of Pittwater, Lion Island and Ku-ring-gai National Park. The lower level is dedicated to the garage space, the middle level features the living and dining rom which overlooks the swimming pool.
The impressive kitchen features a Wolf oven with ample storage space and custom made marble island bench. The upper level features three bedrooms and balcony. Four bedrooms have their own ensuites and one has a bathtub.
Jason says the home has a ‘certain warmth to it’ that is hard to describe and guests can view both the sunrise and sunset without leaving the property.
Before the renovation began the construction team started with the kids room which had two single beds and stunning views but was ‘under-utilised’.
The room was transformed into a ‘bunk room’ that can now sleep six people with two double beds and two single beds. It’s a popular room among children during school holiday and weekend sleepovers.
‘As the project was all about the view and entertaining spaces, we thought about where we would spend most of our time and thought about the hero moments,’ Jason said.
We resurfaced the two major decks with beautiful stone along with the stone around the pool, which is a standout.’
Four bedrooms have their own ensuites and one has a bathtub
You can see the water from nearly every bedroom
Jason also revealed the five essential every home renovation should have
THE ‘NON-NEGOTIABLE’ FEATURES WHEN RENOVATING A HOME
Renovating a home is no easy feat and can be expensive both in time and cash.
However, Jason believes there are several things always worth splurging on for maximum profit.
In terms of physical features, Jason said high quality appliances are a must-have if possible as it’ll save you money long-term. For La Palma he invested in a Wolf oven which has as starting price of $6,000.
Similarly, investing in a high quality inbuilt sound system is essential for creating ‘atmosphere’ when hosting.
Jason also recommended paying close attention to the fabric choice for curtains as it can make or break a room.
‘The curtain fabric can bring so much texture and colour to a room. So always opt for high quality and ensure it’s hung from the ceiling all the way down to the floor. This really adds a sense of elegance and opulence,’ he said.
‘I certainly avoid blinds that feel clinical and can have technical faults over time.’
Pictured before renovation: While there was nothing ‘wrong’ with the home before, it did look different before the renovation and looks dated
Pictured before: The white walls look plain and wash out the interesting features
Before the renovation began the construction team started with the kids room which had two single beds and stunning views but was ‘under-utilised’. The room was transformed into a ‘bunk room’ that can now sleep six people
HOLD ONTO ‘TIMELESS’ FEATURES
When renovating homes himself, he also focuses on ‘timeless’ features such as open timber fireplaces and ceiling beams.
‘An open fireplace is quite unique and it has such an emotional impact. Nothing wrong with a gas fireplace but if you have a real one I definitely think it’s worth retaining,’ he explained.
‘It evokes a wonderful connection with people and creates a power sense of energy.’
During his renovations Jason and his team have pulled apart ceilings to reveal gorgeous hidden timber beams that often add a sense of ‘uniqueness and emotion’.
His latest project in Avalon, a neighbouring suburb 4.5km south of Palm Beach, sits on 10,000sqm and radiates luxury with spectacular ornate details throughout which will be retained because it adds so much character and personality.
‘At this property we’ll be removing plaster wall ceilings to open up the space and reveal the timber detail,’ he said.
‘Sometimes looking beyond conventional building elements to find the magic in the home is necessary.’
To add character and elegance to your home, remove all the downlights and opt for pendants instead.
‘Downlights aren’t your friend – they’re often an aggressive form of lighting but they’re found in a lot of homes. Be brave enough to pull them out and replace each one,’ Jason said.
‘I often use pendants and other forms of lighting that cast a more romantic touch.’
He also revealed the five essential elements every home renovation should have – including warmth, functionality over fashion and uniqueness.
‘A home should have a sense of warmth in addition to incredible design – something that triggers an emotional response,’ he said.
Being a father-of-four, he added that functionality is also vital when designing a home.
‘At La Palma, you can be in the kitchen while the kids at in the pool and you’ll have total engagement,’ he said.
While on the look for his next project, Jason opts for properties with unique features – for La Palma it’s the view and sunshine.
‘In winter you’ll still feel like you’re on a summer getaway,’ he said.
Jason didn’t disclose the number of investment properties he has under his name but is always on the lookout for new projects.
While he predominantly invests in Sydney suburbs near the beach, he has his eyes set on the Gold Coast in the near future.
As for locations he’d never buy in, he says anywhere too far from the beach is a no-go.
He prefers to be as close to the beach as possible since it’s always in demand, specifically areas such as Bondi and Vaucluse.
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