Latest news with #MichaelKollosche
News.com.au
31-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
High-flying real estate agent is slapped with a lifetime ban from one of Australia's most exclusive restaurants
A high-flying real estate agent, who recently sold Mick Fanning's home for more than $16 million, has been banned from one the country's most exclusive restaurants for life. Troy Dowker, an agent with Michael Kollosche, is not allowed to enter Gold Coast restaurant Rick Shores 'under any circumstances'. A source told that the ban was likely to cause headaches for the agent, as the venue provides networking for the rich and famous. When contacted, Mr Dowker said: 'Mate I'm just at a charity golf event, just in between holes, but mate I've got no comment on that, I'll give you a call later today.' never received another call and Mr Dowker has not replied to repeated attempts to reach him. In a statement, Rick Shores said: 'As a matter of policy, we do not comment on individual incidents or matters involving specific patrons.' understands this is the first time Rick Shores co-owners David Flynn and Nick Woodward have ever banned a customer from one of their venues. An industry insider said the restaurant had been Mr Dowker's 'go-to' for wining and dining clients. Another source said it was his 'regular fixture for years and he would take clients there, as well as his staff for Christmas, birthdays, and the Melbourne Cup'. They added the ban was a 'huge blow to his ego'. Do you know more? Email The famous eatery on Burleigh Beach attracts many big names, including the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Miley Cyrus and Matt Damon. Since its founding in 2016, it has regularly been listed as one of the best restaurants in the country. Mr Dowker specialises in selling multimillion-dollar properties and is a major player in the Gold Coast real estate scene. In April, he sold champion surfer Mr Fanning's property in Bilinga for more than $16 million in a pre-auction deal. The beachfront mansion known as 'Rolling Seas' attracted interest from all over the world and set a new benchmark for the southern Gold Coast, Mr Dowker said at the time. Promotional material on his website boasts that he has made a total $1.5 billion in sales during his career. Last week Kollosche held its annual awards not at Rick Shores, but at the Tropic restaurant, which is next-door. Mr Dowker's team took home a handful of gongs including salesperson of the year. The agency's managing director, Michael Kollosche, said he had 'no knowledge of any incident'. 'Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for us to make any comment on Troy's behalf,' Mr Kollosche said. 'We do, however, wish to make it clear that there is nothing to suggest that this is a work or business-related incident.'
News.com.au
31-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Minefield': Property boss slams massive industry change
Queensland's new seller disclosure laws have been slammed as a legal minefield leaving vendors exposed to financial risk, with a top agency principal warning of failed deals and last-minute fallout. Michael Kollosche, managing director of leading Gold Coast firm Kollosche, said the sweeping reforms — the most significant overhaul of the state's property law in 50 years — were introduced without adequate industry consultation and had created greater risks and responsibilities for sellers, agents and lawyers. He said the changes were a 'minefield for sellers, agents and property lawyers'. 'If a seller fails to attach even one prescribed document, buyers can effectively pull out on a technicality right up to settlement, even if they are not prejudiced,' Mr Kollosche said. 'That is completely uncommercial for a seller who is also a client and deserves reciprocal protection.' Effective August 1, the new Property Law Act 2023 requires sellers to provide a completed and signed Seller Disclosure Statement, known as Form 2, plus a suite of prescribed documents including title searches, planning certificates, and environmental notices before a buyer signs a contract. Failure to comply gives buyers the right to terminate up to the day of settlement. Mr Kollosche warned the reforms opened the door to 'opportunistic lawyers' deliberately combing disclosure statements to find ways to kill deals. Adding to sellers' exposure, agents can still claim commission even if a buyer exits a contract due to a disclosure error, leaving the vendor out of pocket for both commission and marketing. 'People won't stop buying and selling,' Mr Kollosche said. 'But we are likely to see uncertainty and frustration in the short term with a lot of unnecessary litigation and harm to consumers, unless the gaps are identified and reforms are implemented quickly.' Despite eight years of development, he said the laws fell short due to a lack of consultation with experienced professionals. 'It's perplexing that such sweeping changes could roll out without proper input from senior agents who work in this space every day,' he said. 'An hour or two in a room with a few experienced agents would have pointed out all of the pitfalls.' The state government said the new regime brings Queensland in line with NSW and Victoria, and aims to improve buyer protection by increasing transparency and reducing legal grey areas that have led to contract collapses. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington urged all parties to familiarise themselves with the changes. 'Purchasing a property is a major financial decision … It's crucial for sellers to be aware of their disclosure obligations under these new laws, and for real estate agents and legal professionals to understand the changes as well,' she said. The new laws require disclosure of zoning, rates and water charges, heritage or tree orders, government notices, and owner-builder work in the past six years. But notable omissions remain, including structural defects, pest infestations, asbestos, and flood history — with experts warning the principle of 'buyer beware' still applies. How first-home buyers can 'turbocharge' their chances Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Antonia Mercorella said while the reforms enhanced consumer protection, the onus remained on buyers to conduct their own due diligence. Brisbane buyers agent Melinda Jennison said it was a missed opportunity to mandate disclosure of past building and pest defects or unapproved works. 'It would have been great if sellers were required to disclose any uncertified or unapproved building work … and any previous building or pest defects, even if those issues have since been addressed,' she said. Settle Easy CEO Sam Almaliki said the reforms were a long-overdue update to outdated laws. 'The market has become more complex, with a sharp rise in off-the-plan developments, interstate buyers, and digital contracts,' he said. 'Consumer protection was at the heart of this reform,' he said, 'but grey areas remain.'
News.com.au
23-04-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Builder's waterfront marvel named Aus hottest property of the week
A showstopping Gold Coast home that swept national building awards has sparked an online frenzy, attracting more views online than any other property for sale in Australia. The waterfront mansion at 24 Winch Court, Mermaid Waters was the hottest home of the week listed on It is marketed by Kollosche agents, Jamie Harrison and Michael Kollosche, and goes to auction on May 16. Named PALA, the landmark residence by Havendeen Projects has received multiple accolades, including the National Residential Master Builder of the Year, National Contract Home, and Gold Coast House of the Year. Owners Rob and Tui McKinnon, directors of Havendeen Projects, originally built PALA as their family home before pivoting to take on another opportunity. 'We designed PALA to be a forever home, but life evolves, and opportunities present themselves,' Mr McKinnon said. 'What we've created here is more than just a house — it's a showcase of everything we stand for as builders.' Completed in mid-2023 after an 18-month build, the home occupies a north-east point position on the widest body of water in the suburb, with 46 metres of frontage to Lake Wonderland and uninterrupted skyline views. The four-level home features a five-car basement garage, golf simulator, steam room, wine cellar and cocktail bar, along with multiple living zones and a rooftop entertaining space. Unfolding behind a curved facade, the floorplan is anchored by a dark stone kitchen bench beneath a 12m void, while matte black finishes combine with raw textures of concrete, steel and glass to create a sophisticated ambience. 'Buy the ocean': Insane Aussie home sale revealed Thousands of Qld empty nesters won't budge The al fresco zone rivals a six-star resort with its heated 12m pool, swim-up cocktail bar, day beds and water fountain plus fire pit lounge. There's also a private pontoon with jet ski dock, while other features include a hydraulic elevator and full home automation. House prices in Mermaid Waters were up 2.4 per cent over the past 12 months, to a median of $1.8m.
