Tones and I’s exploding empire — From Busker to Real Estate Queen

 



When people talk about Tones and I’s exploding empire, they’re not exaggerating. Toni Watson—better known as Tones and I—has gone from busking on the streets of Byron Bay to owning luxury homes and investment properties that would make many envious. Part of Tones and I’s exploding empire is her Byron Bay holdings: a renovated Bangalow Road cottage bought for $2.15 million in 2022 that she now lets out, and two more Byron Bay investment properties buzzing with demand. 

 

Property Portfolio: The Heart of Her Empire

A big reason Tones and I’s exploding empire captures public fascination is her property portfolio. She has acquired multiple homes in some of Australia’s most desirable regions. For example, she owns two luxury houses in Mt Eliza on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula — one bought for $5.1 million and another more grand residence for over $7 million with coastal views and high-end kitchens. These developments show that Tones and I’s exploding empire is built not only on music success, but savvy investment.
 

Music Success Fuels the Growth

Another pillar of Tones and I’s exploding empire is her musical breakthrough. Her ARIA-award success since 2019 (especially with hits like “Dance Monkey”) has allowed her to channel income into property and lifestyle opportunities. That income has underpinned her capability to make large real estate purchases, renovate properties, rent them out, and secure valuable land holdings. It’s that steady flow from streaming, touring and merchandise that makes Tones and I’s exploding empire both impressive and sustainable.
 

Lifestyle & Rental Income as Part of the Strategy

A lesser-known but vital component of Tones and I’s exploding empire is how she converts homes into income-generating assets. The Bangalow Rd cottage, for example, is rented out at about $1,250 per week for a year-long lease. That shows she isn’t just buying property—you see a strategy of balancing personal use and rental return. That kind of thinking underlines how Tones and I’s exploding empire goes beyond assets—it’s about income flow, stewardship and long-term value.
 

Roots & Rise: Humble Beginnings to High Stakes

What makes Tones and I’s exploding empire resonate is the contrast with her origins. Toni Watson once busked in Byron Bay, lived in a van, worked retail — a far cry from multimillion-dollar properties. Her journey from humble beginnings into owning opulent homes in Mt Eliza (with basements, spa-like amenities and designer features) feels like a modern success story. It reminds people that property empires aren’t just about wealth—they’re about vision and personal transformation.
 

What This Means for the Property Market

The emergence of Tones and I’s exploding empire also has wider implications. Celebrity investment in real estate tends to increase demand in certain suburbs, driving up prices and renovation expectations. Watson’s purchases — particularly in premium markets like Byron Bay and Mt Eliza — highlight how star power influences property trends and desirability. Her empire underscores how music success and property investments can ripple through local economies.
 

Looking Ahead: Will It Sustain?

Finally, one of the key questions about Tones and I’s exploding empire is sustainability. Can high-end property investment outpace costs, taxes, maintenance, and market fluctuations? So far, Watson seems aware: her purchases are diversified, some homes are rented, and she holds properties under various company names like “Johnny Run Away.” This careful strategy suggests Tones and I’s exploding empire is more than flash — it might endure as a long-term asset base.