Christopher Ghaleb, who appeared on the 2018 season of Channel Ten's Shark Tank with an idea for virtual home tours, is now facing partial demolition of his Sydney property.
Ghaleb purchased the Strathfield home in 2024 and subsequently began demolition and construction on a Mediterranean-inspired two-story house, which included a basement driveway, swimming pool, and cabana. The Strathfield Council issued a stop-work order in mid-2025, asserting the dwelling had an unapproved third story and failed to meet gross floor area and minimum setback requirements under a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).
Following legal proceedings, the NSW Land and Environment Court mediated a resolution in February. Ghaleb agreed to a series of demolition works and amendments, including increasing setbacks by demolishing walls, removing arch columns from the entryway, and adding landscaping and privacy treatments to windows. He must also alter materials and finishes to align with the street's heritage character.
Neighbors have expressed frustration with the construction process. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail that Ghaleb's teams have been working extensively to complete the build after a Building Information Certificate was lodged in June, a process that protects unauthorized works from demolition for seven years. The neighbor described Ghaleb as someone who "doesn't listen to anybody" and has previously worked late into the night, causing noise disturbances.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact on neighboring properties. One neighbor stated the pool construction encroached on their property and that fence panels were broken during the building period, with repairs promised only after completion. Another neighbor reported debris falling into their property and pool, paint splatter, and unapproved tree pruning during the unregulated construction phase.
Ghaleb previously defended his actions to the Sydney Morning Herald, characterizing the agreed-upon changes as "minor" and suggesting that neighbors with heritage homes were resistant to his development. He noted that they agreed to reduce the floor area by less than 3 percent.
In addition to the construction dispute, Ghaleb is facing criminal charges. He is accused of stalking and intimidating a senior council officer, and police reportedly sought an apprehended violence order against him. Ghaleb is scheduled to appear in Burwood Local Court on October 30.
A spokesperson for Strathfield Council indicated that the matter is not fully resolved, stating that while the Class 1 proceedings initiated by Ghaleb have been determined, the Class 4 proceedings brought by the council are still ongoing.