A Surry Hills apartment renovated through a syndicate of 19 investors has sold for $1.338 million at auction, exceeding its advertised $1.25 million price guide by $88,000.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom property at 2/9–19 Nickson Street was sold on Saturday, 31 October 2026, following a renovation organised by Bernadette Janson, founder of The School of Renovating. The syndicate purchased the property in December 2025, selecting the apartment for its layout, two bathrooms and lock-up garage. The project involved Janson and an all-female team of renovators and interior designers, with investors participating in the process from acquisition through to sale.
Surry Hills Apartment Renovation Brings Together 19 Investors
Janson, a former registered nurse with 35 years of renovation experience, runs The School of Renovating, which provides training and mentoring to people interested in undertaking property renovation projects. The organisation’s syndicate model allows investors to participate in renovation projects without managing an entire property purchase individually. Under its reported arrangements, each project operates through a unit trust with legal and accounting oversight.
Participants contribute a minimum of $50,000, while syndicates are limited to 20 investors. The Nickson Street project attracted 19 participants, who were involved throughout the renovation and sale process. Janson has described the program as an option for people seeking practical renovation experience, particularly women considering a change of career or looking to develop their property skills. Some participants subsequently undertake their own renovation projects with support from the organisation.
New Kitchen And Bathrooms Completed Before Sale
The renovation included a replacement kitchen with marble benchtops, an island and integrated appliances. Both bathrooms were updated, including the main ensuite, which features a freestanding bathtub and new fittings.
The apartment also received engineered oak flooring, new lighting and window furnishings. Its living and dining area includes built-in seating and opens onto a balcony, while both bedrooms have built-in wardrobes.
The property occupies a first-floor position in a secure building with a communal rooftop offering city views. Nearby destinations include Crown Street’s shops and restaurants, Surry Hills Village and light rail services.
Con Fotaras of Ray White Touma Taylor handled the auction, having also been involved in the property’s original purchase. The sale was reported as the 13th property he had handled on Janson’s behalf.
Before the auction, Fotaras reported interest from first-home buyers, younger professional couples and purchasers from outside the suburb. He also identified limited available stock below $1.5 million as a factor influencing interest in the property. The auction result was 7.04 per cent above the advertised price guide. However, the syndicate’s renovation expenditure, transaction costs and final investor distributions have not been confirmed, leaving its net financial return undetermined.
Published 2-November-2026
