How to get into property development in Australia

Have you ever wondered how you get started in property development?

I’ve recently noticed a trend in budding developers - they are looking for an overview of the property development process and they want it in a simple and accessible way.

It's probably in part because many of the property markets around Australia are flat and these real estate investors are looking for ways to "manufacture" capital growth and rental returns.

That's why I’ve created this comprehensive guide covering the basics of property development.

I want to make finding the right information as easy as possible.

Why Property Development?

I understand why many would wonder how to become a property developer because when you become a real estate developer if you get it right you can:

• Save money – your project could cost up to 15% - 20% below market value
• Make money – you could make large development profits
• Get better rental returns – which helps pay the mortgage
• Obtain easier finance – while it's a little harder at present to fund developments, on completion you may be able to borrow 80% of the property value, which could be significantly more than your costs,  giving you better leverage
• Achieve great tax benefits – from your new property due to significant depreciation benefits.

Adding all this up means that becoming a property developer allows you to acquire high-performance properties “at wholesale” (with built-in capital growth) and ones that are cheap to own.

This helps you build your property portfolio faster and safer than the average investor.

What is Property Development?

Property Development involves a wide range of activities and processes from purchasing land to building and developing facilities.

One definition of property development is “the continual reconfiguration of the built environment to meet society’s needs.”

While this can be anywhere from roads to high-rise office buildings, this article will discuss a specific segment – the “average” investor working on small to medium-sized residential development projects.

What’s required of a Property Developer?

In order for a Property Developer to be successful, you'll need to have the ambition and patience that the process requires.

You'll probably also need more knowledge than you may think – there are things you already know, and things you know you don’t know, but as soon as you get into your first project you’ll also stumble on lots of things you didn’t even know you didn’t know!

As a developer, you’re an investor committing your equity, expertise, and talents to convert land from its current use to higher and better use.

So you’ll need to educate yourself on the property, the markets, economics, finance, town planning, the construction processes, and the marketing of real estate projects.

Some of this you can learn by doing your homework and other lessons you’ll learn along the way.

In order to be successful, you need to start small and work your way up.

Most of your mistakes will be made with your first few projects so it is important to start small so you don’t ruin your property investment career before it has even begun.

Getting Started: Who to Talk To

O.K.- you’ve decided that Property Development is a smart choice for you and you’re ready to start discovering your options.

So who should you be getting in contact with?

Who will tell you everything you need to know and offer direction?

Depending on the complexity of the project, you may need only some or all of the following team members:

• Real estate agents – but remember their job is really just to sell you a property, they really can’t even give you sound advice on the “developability” of the property – it’s up to you and your team to determine that.
• Finance strategists to get you development finance – this is very different to investment finance
• Accountants – to help you set up the right ownership structures
• Lawyers – to help with all the contracts
• Town planners and Urban designers
• Architects, designers or draftsmen
• Engineers – civil, structural, traffic, acoustic, and environmental specialists

• Landscape architects
• Building contractors
• Project marketing specialists
• Development managers 
• Project managers
• Construction managers
• Quantity Surveyors
• Property Strategists – This may be your most important point of contact. The role of a Property Strategist is to help a property developer research, locate and negotiate the purchase of property; maximise investment returns through property investment management, and understand the finance maze. A great place to start is with Metropole Property Strategists - where the experienced team can offer a more structured and predictable approach to property development.

Why not get in contact with a Property Strategist from the Metropole team by clicking here?

We’re currently project managing over 55 medium-density development projects for clients.

Metropole provides a complete property development project management service that allows you to secure high-performance properties so you can take advantage of the benefits only available to property developers.

The Cost of a Project and its Profitability

This is one of the most important aspects to consider before you invest in developing property.

The crucial question to ask is:

Can I afford to undertake this development and will I be making a worthwhile profit?

Before you commence any development project, it is obviously crucial to first establish how much you can borrow and how you will be able to manage all associated costs of the development.

That’s why always recommend you have finance pre-approval in place before you get started.

This way you know your limits and how much you can actually put towards developing a property.

Financing a property development is more difficult than obtaining finance for a simple investment purchase.

When approaching banks and lenders you have to remember that they have their own safety to consider when deciding whether or not to finance your development venture.

They will want to establish the track record of both you and the people on your team.

It is also important to understand that any project involving the construction of four or more dwellings on one site will be considered a commercial endeavour by the banks and can, therefore, be more complex to fund.

Lenders will usually allow developers to borrow up to 70-80% of the total cost of the “hard costs” of the development project – not the end value of the project.

And they often won’t lend money for the “soft costs” - things like architect’s fees, Council fees, other consultants, and purchase costs.

What this means is that your loan-to-value ratio for development is significantly less than that for a buy-and-hold investment property.

The bottom line is that you need quite a bit of money saved up to start off with.

By the way…development loans are offered in staged payments finalised at the end of each building stage.

These include the deposit, base stage, frame stage, lock-up stage, fixing stage, and the balance of development funds supplied on completion of the project.

Creating a Concept and Determining Feasibility

As different councils have different, and usually strict, guidelines in terms of what can be developed in their municipality – it's important to understand the principles of town planning and how each Council interprets the overall development code for your State to suit their own local neighbourhood character.

This means it’s important to do your research before buying land.

Remember, a real estate agent's primary job is to sell property, so don't rely on them for advice on what you can build on a particular property.

Instead, consult the town planner or a proficient architect to determine what you can do with a particular site.

Don't fall into the trap of looking at existing developments in the area and thinking that you could build something similar today – they may have been approved under old town planning regulations.

So some of the important questions to ask are:

• What can I put on this property - what is its highest and best use?
• How many units?
• How big will they be?
• What restrictions are there?
• Are there overlays, easements, or covenants on the title restricting its development potential?

Some things to consider when looking for a site with development potential:

Securing the “right property” is critical for the success of any investment property.

Acquiring a piece of real estate that ticks all of the right boxes according to your investment strategy and long-term goals is of paramount importance.

Of course, when it comes to property development, site selection is even more critical as a large portion of your profit margin will be determined when you buy the property.

Sourcing good development sites are all about knowing your market and I don’t simply mean having an understanding of the many property markets out there, but the bigger economic picture as well.

Because a development project has a life of at least one year, and more frequently two to four years if you want to be a successful developer you need to inform yourself about not only the property markets but economics in general.

Then you will need to make an educated decision about where you think the markets are heading over the next few years.

As always…location is critical when it comes to selecting the best site. 

Properties in prime locations will sell and lease far better than secondary locations, even in bad times when the market is doing it tough.

This could mean you’ll need to invest 15-20% more for land, but ultimately you’ll receive greater profit margins.

You also need to do your research and determine the type of property use people in that area want.

For example, if a suburb consists of an older demographic, a single-story townhouse may be more suitable than double-story dwellings.

If the area is popular among families, you might consider building more bedrooms and choosing a location close to schools.

Another critical piece of research prior to purchasing a property is undertaking a detailed feasibility study to determine how much profit (if any) your project will make.

Just to make things clear… Just because you can develop a site doesn't mean it is financially feasible to do so.

• Also read:How much, on average, does it cost to build a house in 2024?
• Also read:Does building a granny flat make good investment sense?
• Also read:Hidden Costs of Building a House in Australia
• Also read:Spare a thought for NIMBYs

One of the reasons so many property developers go broke is that they buy with their hearts (their emotions) and don't complete a property's comprehensive development feasibility.

Just like any new business venture you need a business plan, weigh up the pros and cons and crunch the numbers to ensure there will be a profit.

Sure your initial feasibility study will be rough and have many assumptions, but it should give you a reasonable guideline if you include:

• The purchase price, purchase date, and settlement. Stamp duty on the purchase.
• Your equity in the project will then determine the size of the borrowings required and interest payable (a word of warning – this is a big one. Your interest cost is likely to be a six-figure sum.)
• Conveyancing and legal costs.
• Consultant’s costs, such as architects, town planners, engineers, project managers, and surveyors.
• Construction costs.
• Rates and taxes are self-populating based on the property's values.
• A contingency amount (many inexperienced developers, unfortunately, leave this out.)
• Income from sales and rentals.

The Property Development Process

1. Pre-Purchase Stage

This stage is where the developer investigates properties based on their finance pre-approval.

This is also the stage where you develop the concept for the site you're considering as well as conduct a feasibility study.

During this time the developer should be consulting some of their expert team.

Generally, the following services will be required in order to accurately assess the feasibility of the site:

• A Solicitor to check the contract of sale
• A Town planning consultant to determine the site's development potential
• An Architect or draftsperson to design a concept
• An arborist - trees on surrounding sites can restrict what you can develop on your site.
• Your project manager or a builder or possibly a Quantity Surveyor (if it is a larger project) to determine build costs.

It’s also a good idea to touch base with the planning department at the local council.

This department can provide you with an overview of any future planning or zoning changes in the area, which could limit your development in the future.

What you consider a relatively straightforward application, can sometimes be held up in council for over a year due to seemingly minor issues.

A good town planner working in conjunction with your architect should forewarn you of any possible points of objection from neighbours. With this insight, the town planner and architect will coordinate a design that has greater potential for faster council assessment.

Above all, once you’ve found that perfect block and carefully researched any restrictions, act fast.

If it really is the perfect site for development, the chances are another developer has their eyes on it too. Don’t allow procrastination to get in the way of a good deal and a great opportunity

2. Negotiating Contracts and Purchasing

This is the stage where land is bought at a price that allows the developer to make a commercial profit.

You should be thinking about how much you’re willing to pay and the end value of the dwellings at the end of the development project.

Negotiating a price is best left up to the expertise of a buyer’s agent (one who understands the development process well.) Don’t take a shortcut here as the fee a property buyer charges is often covered by the savings you’ll make with the better-negotiated price.

3. Town Planning and Development Approval

At this stage, your architect draws up plans to fit in with planning regulations according to council development guidelines. This stage can be complex so this may also require the input of a Town Planner.

The role of a Town Planner includes offering feedback during the design process, writing the development application, and handling further requests, objections, and cases in the appeals court.

You’ll also require the services of a Land Surveyor who will establish the title boundaries of your property, conduct a survey of the neighbourhood properties and how they will impact your proposed development, and consolidate a number of titles into one title for you if you have bought more than one block and draw up a plan of subdivision.

4. Working on Drawing and Documentation

Once you obtain development approval your plans stage is where plans for the build are finalised and will require the involvement of a number of consultants including an Architect and an Engineer.

Architects are the creative designers of your project but they can also do a lot more in your development process.

The three essential parts of the architect’s role are:

1. Town planning,
2. Preparing working detailed drawings which also requires coordinating necessary consultants such as geotechnical, structural and civil engineers. And…
3. The architect may also assume the responsibility for administering the building contract and supervising the construction.

behind a building but they also have to work closely with engineers in order for your build to be structurally sound. Depending on the complexity of the build you may require more than one type of engineer.

At this stage, you may need a consult different types of Engineers including:

• Geotechnical or Soil Engineers – who test the soil to establish the conditions necessary for a structural engineer to design the footings or foundations of the building
• Structural Engineers – work above the ground to develop a structural design that is both functional and cost-effective. They work with the architect considering the weight of materials (eg. concrete and steel), furniture, windows, cars, and many other factors.
• Civil Engineers – design roads and bridges. For residential property, this role may not be necessary but civil engineers will design systems to help cope with heavy periods of rain and retain water onsite slowly allowing it to seep through into the council’s assets.
• Hydraulic & Fire Engineers – work on high-rise apartments or commercial buildings that will require a design for pipes for water, gas, and waste as well as fire hydrants, hose reels, and sprinkler systems.

While the architect and engineers make your building look good and make sure it will actually stand up, they have little consideration for the cost of your building.

During the Design phase the Quantity Surveyor or QS – not to be confused with a Land Surveyor –  will ensure the design remains on budget through cost management and suggest alternative ideas to other approaches in the construction to save money. A QS isn’t usually required for small developments, but for construction costs that exceed $2 million lenders often require a report from a QS.

Once everyone on the team is happy with the plans (the developer included) obtaining a Building Permit is your next step. This process can take a month or two.

5. Pre Construction

Now it’s time to obtain quotes from builders and finance for your project.

How do find the right builder?

Finding the right builder can be daunting.

There are so many options out there making it difficult to know who is best for your project.

One of the best ways to find reputable builders for your development is through recommendations.

These recommendations may be from friends, family, colleagues, or even your architect or development manager (who may know best because they work on developments all the time).

Only employ a registered building practitioner and be sure to request a copy of all the builder’s insurance certificates prior to hiring them for the job - this includes public liability insurance that notes you and your job as being covered for an amount of $10,000,000, WorkCare insurance and completion guarantee insurance.

Above all, look for evidence that the builder you are considering is able to deal with the type of project you are proposing. Determine this by visiting previous projects completed by them and speaking with their previous clients to make sure they can deliver on promises.

Builder’s Contract and Specifications

The contract should include overall terms agreed to by you and the builder, including the price and payment arrangements; outline the scope of the project, who is involved, and what each party is expected to do to support the other (providing access to the site, providing accurate working drawings, etc).

It should explain what will happen in the event of a dispute between the developer and builder and incorporate a timeline that has been agreed to by both parties into the contract.

It will also state that work is to be done in compliance with specifications, drawings, and calculations to comply with the relevant building regulations.

6. Preparing the Site

The building has now commenced and you’re well on your way to completion.

Do bear in mind that the construction phase can take anywhere from six to twelve months depending on size and complexity. You should also account for poor weather and other disruptions to building time.

Paying builders throughout construction and the specifics of this will have been included in the contract.

Payments are usually broken down into six instalments:

1. An initial deposit to confirm acceptance of the contract and commence construction,
2. Payment at the end of the base stage,
3. Payment at the end of the frame stage,
4. Payment at the end of the lock-up stage,
5. Payment at the end of the fixing stage,
6. The final balance is on the completion of the project.

If a Quantity Surveyor has been involved in the project, they will oversee these progress payments at regular intervals. During construction, the QS will also value changes or variations or additional works required and if disputes arise, the QS is called on as an expert witness or as an arbitrator.

At various stages of the building project, a building surveyor will need to certify that works have been completed in accordance with regulations and to specified building standards.

7. Completion

Now you are almost done, the building is finished and your project is almost complete.

This is the time to submit the plan of subdivision to obtain separate titles for each dwelling and to either refinance and lease your completed project and hold in the long term (my preferred strategy) and also your project for a profit.

Want to know more? The 19-Part Development Series

Read our in-depth 19-part Property Development Series and learn more about the property development process. This series delves into the details of each process including costs to consider, who you should be working with, helpful tips and plenty more.

Pre Purchase Stage

Negotiating Contracts and Purchasing

Town Planning and Development Approval

Working Drawing and Documentation

Pre Construction

Construction

Completion

The Team Series

Read more about the professionals you should have on your side. The Team Series highlights all the important professionals involved in a development project, their roles and useful tips for finding the right person for your job.

• The Quantity Surveyor
• The Land Surveyor
• Engineers
• The Architect
• Using a Town Planning Consultant

What to Do with Your Completed Development Property

Essentially, you have two main options:

1. Selling your newly built development for a profit or
2. Holding on to it as an investment property.

But which is the right option for you?
There isn’t really any right or wrong answer. It is dependent on the developer and their circumstances.

1. Selling the Development

Most developers have a “trading mentality”  - developing for short-term profits rather than long-term asset growth.
The advantages of selling your completed development are that you’ll make a profit straight away, pay off the development loan quickly and be able to move on to your next project with a bit more experience and money up your sleeve.

The disadvantage of this method is that there is no potential to make more from the property – it’s a short-term gain.

Apart from paying tax on your development profit, you will also be required to pay GST (Goods and Services Tax), selling agents commission and stamp duty on your next purchase, significantly eroding your profit margin.

2. Retaining your project as a long-term investment

This is my preferred option.

The advantage of holding onto a completed development is that it becomes a long-term investment.

You also benefit from:

1. Higher rental yields as the tenant pay you retail rents (not knowing that you your investment property wholesale.)
2. Great financing options - on completion of your project the bank should refinance your property based on its market value (which should be considerably more than what you paid for it) allowing you to withdraw a substantial amount of your funds used for the development.
3. Substantial depreciation allowances – meeting your property should the tax be effective.
4. Strong capital growth – because you bought in a great location – didn't you?

Putting this together means you have a high growth high yield investment property that is cheap to hold on to.

Hopefully, you’ve learned something from this comprehensive guide and are now well equipped to start thinking about your own property development goals.

If you’re serious about getting involved in property development, why not have a chat with Australia's leading Property Development Project Manager - the team at Metropole Property Strategists.

We have been helping ordinary investors become "armchair" property developers since 1998.

Click here now to find out how you can get started in property development.