From Down Under to the Digital Frontier: How One Aussie Agent Sold an Unrenovated Home for $4.45 Million Using Architectural Renders

In Sydney’s highly competitive coastal market, Australian real estate principal Nick Papas has demonstrated how forward-thinking marketing can turn potential into profit — achieving a $4.45 million sale for a South Coogee property by leaning on technology rather than hope.

The Agents & Co founder and principal ran a 27-day private treaty campaign for a seven-bedroom home that, while expansive, needed a full renovation. Instead of leaving buyers to imagine what could be, he brought the vision to life — commissioning architectural renders that showcased the property’s future potential in high detail.

“The property was large but unrenovated. We wanted buyers to see what it could become, not just what it was,” Papas explained. “So we showed them the transformation through professional renders — what it could look like when finished, and how that would feel to live in.”

Turning imagination into clarity

Located at 202 Malabar Road, South Coogee, the home sits in one of Sydney’s most exclusive coastal enclaves — about 20 minutes southeast of the Central Business District.South Coogee borders the world-famous Bondi and Coogee Beaches, where oceanfront properties are among Australia’s most sought-after.

The suburb is known for its dramatic cliffside views, designer homes, and relaxed, beachside lifestyle that rivals the Californian coast in both beauty and prestige.

The residence itself offers seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and nine-car parking — an impressive footprint even by Sydney standards. But what set the campaign apart wasn’t the address; it was how Papas re-engineered the buyer experience.

By marketing the vision instead of the renovation challenge, the campaign drew families seeking the coastal lifestyle and ocean views that define South Coogee’s allure.

The renders bridged the gap between the property’s raw state and its future potential — a tactic that not only inspired confidence among buyers but also reignited momentum after the home had previously failed to sell under another listing.

“The vendors had been through the process before,” Papas said. “Seeing the home finally sell — and for a result that reflected its true potential — was incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.”

A case study in digital storytelling

For the buyers, the campaign delivered excitement and direction rather than uncertainty.

The family who purchased the home is reportedly eager to begin renovations, armed with a clear vision of their future residence.

The result wasn’t just a sale; it was proof that architectural visualisation is reshaping buyer engagement a strategy increasingly embraced by Australia’s top agents to help purchasers emotionally connect with unrenovated or off-plan properties.

Market data from View.com.au places South Coogee’s median house price at around $4.5 million, with 37 properties sold and a rental yield of 2.8 per cent, reinforcing the suburb’s strength despite a tightening national market.

A glimpse into the future of selling

While virtual staging and 3D modelling are gaining traction globally, Papas’ approach highlights how Australian agents continue to set benchmarks for digital innovation in real estate marketing — blending technology, storytelling, and human insight to create a new kind of buyer experience.

As markets across the United States look for new ways to reach visually driven audiences, this South Coogee success story offers a powerful lesson from the Australian coastline: sometimes the key to selling reality lies in selling the vision first.