Surry Hills unit renovated by 19 strangers sells for $1.338m amid market slump

A Surry Hills home owned by 19 strangers went to auction on Saturday in what shaped up to be another shaky weekend for Sydney’s property market. The group of 18 women worked under the tutelage of Bernadette Janson to renovate the two bedroom unit as part of her renovation school that aims to financially empower women through property. MORE: Derelict Sydney homes fetch millions at auction Some of the collective owners are (L-R) Joyce Ong, Kate Thompson, Sumit Sharma, Melissa Betts, Emma Baird, Carol Brace, Bernadette Janson, Michelle Garrett and Kendall Hayes. Picture: Joyce Ong Ms Janson said shows like The Block glamorise the reno process but she offers the chance for people to see the realities and has ‘done her job’ even if someone realises it’s not for them. “Everyone likes the idea of flipping but it is so brutal and unforgiving and so we started doing this so that they could have the real experience of what it was like without risk,” Ms Janson said. MORE: Brutal: ‘The Block’ effect sending Aussies broke The unit is newly renovated with an open plan kitchen, dining and living room area. Ms Janson said that her School of Renovating mostly works with women over 50 because many f...