A once-unloved canal-front home in West Ballina has just had its moment in the national spotlight. And what a transformation it was.

In this season’s penultimate episode of the long-running Foxtel hit Selling Houses Australia, the popular renovation and real estate show dipped its toe into the Northern Rivers market for the very first time.

The result? A striking makeover that turned a flood-affected 1990s house into a stylish waterfront stunner, adding over $200,000 to its value.

Many locals would recognise the story.  The property belonged to long-time West Ballina residents, now in aged care.  Their adult children were left with the task of selling the family’s former “dream home”, but found themselves facing a tough market and a house that felt stuck in another era.

Once architecturally impressive, the home had lost its sparkle.  The 2022 floods left their mark, and repairs had done little to bring it up to today’s standards.  Buyers simply  weren’t biting.  “Unloved and outdated” became the common refrain -until the Selling Houses crew arrived.

Without giving too much away, a $75,000 injection from the family turned things around, covering everything from new landscaping and styling to a complete kitchen and bathroom refresh.

The home, which previously struggled to draw offers near $1 million, ultimately sold for more than $1.2 million after the makeover.

Real estate agent Justine Smith from Harcourts Northern Rivers said the story is all too familiar in Ballina. 

“We’re seeing this a lot — people downsize or move into care, and they or the kids are left with homes that haven’t kept up with what today’s buyers expect,” she said.

“Some buyers are happy to take on a renovation, but the majority just want to move in and not lift a finger,” she said.

While the transformation was eye-catching, Justine warned that everyday sellers shouldn’t be too quick to expect similar results  -or costs.

 “The show quotes $75,000, but in the real world, that kind of overhaul could easily cost double.”

“You’re talking about a brand-new kitchen and bathroom, extensive landscaping, not to mention professional styling and furnishings.  Shows like Selling Houses have supplier deals and resources that average sellers just don’t have.”

Still, the episode highlights a key message for local sellers: presentation matters, especially in a competitive market. 

Investing wisely in updates or setting realistic price expectations can be the difference between a stale listing and a standout sale.

And in this case, Ballina’s so-called “ugly duckling” really did get its fairytale ending.

Main photo: The interior before and after, below, the outdoor canal frontage – Source: Selling Houses Australia – Instagram