Property Developer Podcast
Justin Gehde
Inspiring guests to help property developers take their business to the next level.
Episodes
119 – Daniel Rayner – From a $150,000 Loss to Land Subdivision Development
Losing $150,000 in a failed property investment could put you off development for good. For Daniel Rayner, it became a reason to learn the process and take on projects himself. In this episode, I sit down with Daniel, founder of Somerset Developments in South East Queensland, to explore his journey from corporate employment to completing his first land subdivision and building a pipeline of projects. After losing money in a Melbourne townhouse development and then losing his corporate job, Daniel faced a decision about what to do next. He sought guidance from experienced developers, focused on land subdivisions and partnered with an investor to get his first project underway—a one-into-four lot subdivision in Bellmere. One piece of advice he received helped change his approach: “Don’t just limit yourself to what you can afford.” We discuss how joint venture partnerships opened up opportunities, what Daniel learned from his first project, and how he balances thorough research with the confidence to act. Daniel also shares his approach to finding sites off-market, the challenges of a steep 17-acre Sunshine Coast property, and his goal of delivering 1,000 residential lots before he turns 40. Whether you’re working towards your first development or looking to grow your business, there are plenty of practical lessons in this conversation. In this episode we discuss Losing $150,000 in a townhouse development and the lessons Daniel took from it. Moving from corporate employment into property development. Finding experienced developers willing to share their knowledge. Choosing a niche rather than jumping between development strategies. Getting his first one-into-four lot subdivision underway in Bellmere. Why the renovation consumed most of his time while the subdivision generated the profit. Finding joint venture partners and establishing clear agreements. Communicating with investors before they have to ask for updates. Distinguishing sensible caution from fear of taking action. Allowing enough margin to absorb unexpected costs. Sending 600 letters to landowners and receiving around 30 responses. Working through more than 50 layouts for a challenging Sunshine Coast site. Managing multiple projects, consultants and civil contractors. Sharing his journey publicly and pursuing a goal of 1,000 lots before 40. Top 5 takeaways from this episode 1. Find someone further along the journey Speaking with experienced developers helped Daniel move from learning about property to doing his first deal. Their guidance covered site selection, feasibility and funding, while also giving him the confidence to commit. His advice is to start with a small, specific request for their time. 2. Focus your effort where the value is Daniel estimates that the renovation on his first project took 90% of his time, while the subdivision generated all the profit. That experience helped him identify where to focus his business and why repeating a clear development strategy can be more useful than chasing different opportunities. 3. Build partnerships around clear expectations Joint ventures helped Daniel pursue projects beyond his personal funding capacity. He explains the importance of discussing responsibilities, risk appetite and difficult scenarios before committing—and documenting those arrangements with legal input. Once a project is underway, he aims to communicate early and often. 4. Understand the downside before pursuing the upside Daniel assesses whether a project works under a more conservative development outcome before chasing additional yield. He also looks for enough margin to withstand surprises. His stormwater investigations on the Sunshine Coast site are a reminder that the full extent of a constraint may only emerge through detailed work. 5. Research prepares you to act Daniel’s letter campaign created conversations and opportunities, but his first project ultimately came onto the open market. The work he had already done assessing similar sites helped him recognise the opportunity and move quickly. Research builds judgement—but eventually, a developer has to make a decision. About Daniel Rayner Daniel Rayner is the founder of Somerset Developments, focusing on land subdivisions in South East Queensland, particularly Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. His background includes video production, virtual reality, and sales and marketing for a German technology company. After losing his corporate job, he moved into development, completing his first four-lot subdivision through a joint venture partnership. At the time of recording, Daniel had titled four lots and had another 28 in the pipeline across five projects. He shares the numbers, decisions, mistakes and day-to-day realities of his journey on TikTok, with a long-term goal of delivering 1,000 residential lots before turning 40. Next Stage – Private Property Development Mentoring Ready to put your knowledge into action or work out your next move? Next Stage is my private, one-to-one mentoring program for people preparing for their first development, assessing their next opportunity or progressing an existing project. We work on your actual projects, decisions and challenges—helping you define what to look for, test feasibility assumptions, prepare for funding, strengthen your team and identify your next priorities. With weekly conversations and support between sessions, the aim is to help you make better decisions, maintain momentum and become a more confident, capable developer. Find out more: https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/mentoring Property Developer Training If you’re still learning the fundamentals, my Property Developer Training program covers the process of running a small-scale development—from finding a site and assessing feasibility to managing consultants and navigating construction. Head over to https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com to learn more. Property Developer Quiz Not sure where you stand with your development knowledge? Take the free Property Developer Quiz to identify your strengths and areas to work on. Take the quiz: https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz Free Book – Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Learn how I delivered a 20-townhouse project on my first development, including the lessons, challenges and strategies from the journey. Download your free digital copy: https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book Connect with the Property Developer Podcast YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Episode links Somerset Developments – https://www.somersetdevelopments.com.au Find Daniel on TikTok by searching The Land Schnipper.
118 – Steve Robson – What every property developer should know about builders
If you're a property developer, one of the most important relationships you'll ever have is with your builder. Yet surprisingly few developers ever get the chance to hear how builders actually think. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Robson, Director of Hickory Homes, to explore property development from the builder's perspective. Steve started his career as a carpenter before establishing Hickory Homes, where he specialises in custom homes, difficult sites and high-quality residential construction. Having also completed his own duplex developments, Steve understands the challenges from both sides of the table. "The cheapest quote isn't always the cheapest project." Together we discuss the practical realities of building in today's market, why construction costs have escalated so dramatically, what developers often misunderstand about builders, and how stronger builder–developer relationships can save both time and money. Whether you're planning your first duplex or your tenth townhouse development, this episode is packed with practical insights that could improve your next project. In this episode we discuss: Why developers should engage a builder much earlier in the design process. How involving a builder before detailed documentation can save significant redesign costs. The biggest mistakes developers make before construction even begins. Why builders dislike giving simple "$ per square metre" estimates. What actually goes into preparing an accurate building quote. Why two builders can legitimately produce very different prices for the same project. The impact of rising construction costs on builders and developers. Design decisions that quietly add tens of thousands of dollars to a build budget, including steelwork, cantilevers and complex roof designs. Fixed-price contracts versus cost-plus contracts. Managing variations and why timing matters. How to choose the right builder - not just the cheapest builder. The importance of communication, trust and building long-term relationships. Steve's lessons from completing his own duplex developments. Whether joint ventures between builders and developers can create better outcomes. Top 5 takeaways from this episode 1. Engage your builder early One of Steve's strongest messages is to involve a builder once you have preliminary plans - not after you've spent thousands on engineering and consultant reports. Early input can improve buildability, simplify construction and avoid expensive redesigns later. 2. Don't compare builders on $/m² Every project is different. Site conditions, specifications, structural complexity and finishes all influence price, making square metre rates a poor comparison tool. 3. Great builders help shape the design Builders don't simply construct what's on the plans. Their experience can identify costly design features, simplify construction and improve project feasibility before construction starts. 4. The cheapest quote isn't always the cheapest project A low tender may hide unrealistic provisional sums or create a reliance on variations later. Steve explains why understanding the whole proposal is more important than simply comparing price. 5. Building is a relationship business A construction project lasts many months, sometimes years. Choosing a builder you trust, who communicates well and shares your values, often has a far greater impact than saving a few thousand dollars at contract signing. About Steve Robson Steve Robson is the Director of Hickory Homes, a Melbourne-based custom home builder specialising in weatherboard homes, challenging sites and high-quality residential construction. After beginning his career as a carpenter, Steve established Hickory Homes and has since built a reputation for craftsmanship, honest communication and strong client relationships. Alongside building for clients, he has also completed his own duplex developments, giving him valuable insight into the challenges developers face. Property Developer Training If you’re ready to take control of your development journey, my Property Developer Training will help you build the skills and confidence to run a small-scale project from start to finish. It covers everything from finding a site and running your numbers to managing consultants and navigating construction. You’ll learn the frameworks I use on my own projects — and the mistakes I wish I’d avoided. New Course: Building Blueprint – Navigating Construction During Turbulent Times Included with Property Developer Training is a brand new course, Building Blueprint, designed to help you understand construction contracts, avoid common pitfalls, and manage your builder relationships through uncertain market conditions. If you want to strengthen your construction knowledge, this course will give you a major advantage. Head over to https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com to learn more. Property Developer Quiz Not sure if you’re ready to take on a development?Take the free Property Developer Quiz and find out where you stand. Whether you’re new to the space or already working through your first project, the quiz will help you identify your strengths and uncover any gaps in your knowledge. Take the quiz at: https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz Free Book – Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Want to know how I delivered a 20-townhouse project on my first development? Grab a free digital copy of my book, Become a Million Dollar Property Developer, where I share my journey, the lessons learned, and the strategies you can apply to your own projects. Download it here: https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book Social Connection YouTube – Watch all episodes and follow my project updates: https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196Facebook – See what’s happening on site and behind the scenes: https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcastInstagram – Short videos, site updates, and development tips: https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/LinkedIn – Connect with me professionally: https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Hickory Homes - https://www.instagram.com/hh_hickoryhomes/
117 – Anthony Puma – The Biggest Change To Property Development In Years
Planning approvals have long been one of the biggest frustrations facing property developers. Lengthy delays. Endless requests for information. Different planners interpreting the same rules in different ways. For many developers, obtaining a planning permit can feel like a lottery rather than a predictable process. But is that finally starting to change? In this episode of the Property Developer Podcast, we speak with Anthony Puma from Prestige Plans about Victoria's recent planning reforms and why they could represent one of the biggest changes to property development in years. Anthony has worked on hundreds of development applications and has seen first-hand the challenges developers face when dealing with councils, planning departments and constantly evolving regulations. One of the most fascinating parts of our discussion centres on two almost identical development applications submitted to the same council on neighbouring sites that received completely different responses. We discuss: Why planning approvals have become so difficult The biggest frustrations developers face when dealing with councils How recent planning reforms are changing approval timeframes The removal of planning subjectivity and why it matters What developers should include in a design brief Common mistakes when assessing development sites The importance of site orientation and design efficiency Why simple developments are often outperforming more complex projects How developers can improve feasibility in today's market Anthony's advice for developers looking to scale their business "We've done projects in the same street, with the same client and the same floorplans, and had completely different results." If you've ever been frustrated by the planning process, struggled with design decisions, or wondered how the latest planning reforms may impact your next project, this episode is packed with practical insights that could save you time, money and frustration. Property Developer Training If you’re ready to take control of your development journey, my Property Developer Training will help you build the skills and confidence to run a small-scale project from start to finish. It covers everything from finding a site and running your numbers to managing consultants and navigating construction. You’ll learn the frameworks I use on my own projects — and the mistakes I wish I’d avoided. New Course: Building Blueprint – Navigating Construction During Turbulent Times Included with Property Developer Training is a brand new course, Building Blueprint, designed to help you understand construction contracts, avoid common pitfalls, and manage your builder relationships through uncertain market conditions. If you want to strengthen your construction knowledge, this course will give you a major advantage. Head over to https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com to learn more. Property Developer Quiz Not sure if you’re ready to take on a development?Take the free Property Developer Quiz and find out where you stand. Whether you’re new to the space or already working through your first project, the quiz will help you identify your strengths and uncover any gaps in your knowledge. Take the quiz at: https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz Free Book – Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Want to know how I delivered a 20-townhouse project on my first development? Grab a free digital copy of my book, Become a Million Dollar Property Developer, where I share my journey, the lessons learned, and the strategies you can apply to your own projects. Download it here: https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book Social Connection YouTube – Watch all episodes and follow my project updates: https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196Facebook – See what’s happening on site and behind the scenes: https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcastInstagram – Short videos, site updates, and development tips: https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/LinkedIn – Connect with me professionally: https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Prestige Plans - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prestigeplans
116 – Zac Constantinou – From the Site Shed to the Loan Desk
Property development has always been a balancing act — but right now the scales feel especially heavy. Rising construction costs, messy feasibilities, shifting lender appetite, and a market still absorbing the post-COVID shock are making it harder than ever to get a project funded and delivered. If you’ve been feeling the squeeze, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on behind the scenes. In this episode of the Property Developer Podcast, we speak with Zac Constantinou, who started his career delivering medium and high-density projects in Sydney before moving into the finance world where he now works on construction funding and private capital at Shore Financial. Having worked both on site and on the lending side, Zac offers a rare perspective on what makes a project viable — and what sinks it. We cover a wide range of practical insights, including: Why “buying well” is still the most important part of development How private capital has stepped in as bank appetite has tightened The differences between traditional funding and private lenders What lenders now look for before backing a project Common red flags with builders and consultants The impact of cost blowouts and how to manage them Why some Sydney markets are heating up again after recent planning reforms The importance of clean feasibilities, strong documentation, and telling a clear lender story How developers can position themselves for success in a tougher environment “One of the biggest mistakes developers make is underestimating how even small cost or sales shifts can blow out a feasibility.” Property Developer Training If you’re ready to take control of your development journey, my Property Developer Training will help you build the skills and confidence to run a small-scale project from start to finish. It covers everything from finding a site and running your numbers to managing consultants and navigating construction. You’ll learn the frameworks I use on my own projects — and the mistakes I wish I’d avoided. New Course: Building Blueprint – Navigating Construction During Turbulent Times Included with Property Developer Training is a brand new course, Building Blueprint, designed to help you understand construction contracts, avoid common pitfalls, and manage your builder relationships through uncertain market conditions. If you want to strengthen your construction knowledge, this course will give you a major advantage. Head over to https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com to learn more. Property Developer Quiz Not sure if you’re ready to take on a development?Take the free Property Developer Quiz and find out where you stand. Whether you’re new to the space or already working through your first project, the quiz will help you identify your strengths and uncover any gaps in your knowledge. Take the quiz at: https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz Free Book – Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Want to know how I delivered a 20-townhouse project on my first development? Grab a free digital copy of my book, Become a Million Dollar Property Developer, where I share my journey, the lessons learned, and the strategies you can apply to your own projects. Download it here: https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book Social Connection YouTube – Watch all episodes and follow my project updates: https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196Facebook – See what’s happening on site and behind the scenes: https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcastInstagram – Short videos, site updates, and development tips: https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/LinkedIn – Connect with me professionally: https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Shore Financial – https://shorefinancial.com.au/
115 – Maxwell Shifman – Is Property Development Dead?
Property development in Australia is getting harder—and this episode unpacks why. Soaring costs, endless planning delays, contradictory government policies, and a risk-averse planning culture are pushing developers to the edge. If you're struggling to make your numbers work, you're not alone. In this episode of the Property Developer Podcast, we explore what’s broken in the system and what needs to change. Our guest, Maxwell Shifman from Intrapac Property, shares blunt insights from the front lines of residential property development including: Why planning systems are paralysed by zero-risk thinking How rising construction and infrastructure costs are crushing feasibility The myth of affordable apartments near train stations Why government housing targets are set up to fail How rezoning taxes and red tape are stalling supply The real reason developers are shelving projects across Australia Strategies for surviving and adapting in today’s tough market "We tax housing like we want less of it—then wonder why no one’s building." Property Development Training Want to learn how to manage property development with confidence? If you're ready to take control of your development journey, check out my Property Developer Training. This step-by-step course covers everything from finding a site to running feasibilities and successfully completing a small-scale development. You'll learn how to avoid the pitfalls I’ve faced and set yourself up for success. New Course: Building Blueprint – Navigating Construction During Turbulent Times To help you successfully navigate the construction phase of any project, I’ve added a brand new, standalone course included with the Property Developer Training called Building Blueprint: Tactics for Navigating Construction During Turbulent Times. This course dives deep into construction contracts, common building pitfalls, and how to mitigate risks during the construction phase. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Ready to find out if you’re ready to become a developer? Take the free Property Developer Quiz and see where you stand. Whether you're just starting or already working on projects, this quiz will help you assess your readiness and point out any gaps in your development knowledge. Take the free Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Free book - Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab Your Free Book: "Become a Million Dollar Property Developer" Want to know how I delivered a 20-townhouse project on my first development? Grab a free copy of my book, Become a Million Dollar Property Developer, where I share the lessons I learned—and how you can apply them to your own projects. Grab a free copy of my popular book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development at https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book. Social Connection Youtube - catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Facebook - see what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Instagram - check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ LinkedIn - connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Intrapac Property - https://intrapac.com.au/ Episode Transcript Justin: Let’s start with your background. How did you get into property development? Maxwell: So I’ve been in the property industry now for about 17 years. My father was a small developer in Melbourne’s Bayside area, so I was exposed to development early on. I did engineering and law at university, worked in construction law and then forensic safety engineering before joining Intrapac. Justin: And you’ve now been at Intrapac for over 15 years? Maxwell: Yeah, that’s right. Intrapac is a family business founded by David Payes. When I joined, we were mostly active in Victoria. We’ve since expanded across four states and now focus on masterplanned communities and medium-density housing. Justin: Tell us about the Darwin project—sounds like it’s been quite a journey. Maxwell: Yes, we acquired a 4200-lot site near Darwin about ten years ago. The planning process was incredibly slow—lots of rezoning challenges, infrastructure issues, and water reticulation delays. Even though the NT government’s regional growth plan identifies it as a key area, it’s been a tough road. Justin: That’s frustrating. Is that a unique case or reflective of broader issues? Maxwell: It’s broader. Across Australia, we see governments with ambitious housing targets, but planning and infrastructure bottlenecks make delivery near-impossible. We often get policy announcements without a pathway to execution. Justin: So is property development dead in Victoria? Maxwell: It’s not dead—but it’s on life support. Planning delays, the windfall gains tax, infrastructure contributions, and council red tape are strangling supply. Developers are stepping back from feasible projects. Justin: What about the government’s focus on apartments near stations? Maxwell: That’s a fantasy. Family-sized apartments are incredibly expensive to build and buy. It’s not what the market wants and not where affordability lies. Medium-density infill—like townhouses—is where we should focus. Justin: The Suburban Rail Loop is a big government initiative. Your thoughts? Maxwell: It’s a $50 billion black hole. The idea of value capture through rezoning is flawed. Much of the land around stations is already residential, so the tax won’t apply. Plus, the cost per dwelling created is astronomical—over $500k. It’s not viable. Justin: Why do you think developers are so demonised? Maxwell: There’s a huge perception issue. Developers are blamed for housing unaffordability, but we deliver 97% of housing. We’re over-regulated, over-taxed, and vilified in the media and by councils. Yet without us, there’s no new housing. Justin: What about the construction industry? Is that a major bottleneck too? Maxwell: Absolutely. We’ve seen a shift—labour shortages have overtaken materials as the biggest constraint. Government infrastructure projects are absorbing resources, and developers are being priced out. Apartment construction is down 30% on feasibility alone. Justin: Are councils part of the problem? Maxwell: Yes. Local councils have too much power to block projects. Often based on subjective criteria like “neighbourhood character.” There’s no accountability. We need deemed-to-comply pathways and reduced council intervention. Justin: Tell us about Kinley. What’s happening there? Maxwell: Kinley is a large infill project in Lilydale on an old quarry site. We got early-stage housing underway, but multiple agencies created delays on infrastructure approvals. We’ve lost three years and incurred huge holding costs. It’s emblematic of a broken system. Justin: For people trying to enter development, what’s your advice? Maxwell: Start small and nimble—dual occupancies, simple subdivisions. Avoid complex rezonings unless you have deep capital and long horizons. And partner wisely—get great consultants and understand your risks. Justin: What’s your outlook moving forward? Maxwell: We need reform. Planning must be streamlined, councils should be sidelined on major projects, and infrastructure contributions must be predictable. If not, supply will dwindle, prices will rise, and affordability will worsen. Justin: Well said. Where can people connect with you? Maxwell: LinkedIn is probably the best place. Justin: Thanks again for joining us, Maxwell. Maxwell: My pleasure, Justin. Thanks for having me.
114 – Dan Holden – Avoiding a building disaster
There are few things more complicated during a property development than the builder going bust during the construction phase of a project. It puts you in a very precarious position and becomes very tricky to navigate. So many issues have to be resolved and the whole process can be very stressful and time consuming. This is exactly what happened with property developer and development financier Dan Holden from Holden Capital. During a construction phase his builder went bust through no fault of his project, and he had to scramble to fix it. I have also had my own issues with a builder facing difficulties during a building phase, so have some experience of what it is like to wonder if the building will ever be finished. Given all the turmoil in the building industry over the past few years, we look at how you can protect yourself for a building disaster and set your project up for construction success. In this episode, Dan and I discuss: The current state of the lending market and what it means for developers How to protect yourself from the chaos caused by a builder collapse What to look out for in a builder’s contract (and when to step in) How to mitigate risk during construction: warning signs, cost escalation, supply chain issues, and more The critical role of risk management in today’s turbulent building industry Property Development Training Want to learn how to manage property development with confidence? If you're ready to take control of your development journey, check out my Property Developer Training. This step-by-step course covers everything from finding a site to running feasibilities and successfully completing a small-scale development. You'll learn how to avoid the pitfalls I’ve faced and set yourself up for success. New Course: Building Blueprint – Navigating Construction During Turbulent Times To help you successfully navigate the construction phase of any project, I’ve added a brand new, standalone course included with the Property Developer Training called Building Blueprint: Tactics for Navigating Construction During Turbulent Times. This course dives deep into construction contracts, common building pitfalls, and how to mitigate risks during the construction phase. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Ready to find out if you’re ready to become a developer? Take the free Property Developer Quiz and see where you stand. Whether you're just starting or already working on projects, this quiz will help you assess your readiness and point out any gaps in your development knowledge. Take the free Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Free book - Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab Your Free Book: "Become a Million Dollar Property Developer" Want to know how I delivered a 20-townhouse project on my first development? Grab a free copy of my book, Become a Million Dollar Property Developer, where I share the lessons I learned—and how you can apply them to your own projects. Grab a free copy of my popular book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development at https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book. Social Connection Youtube - catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Facebook - see what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Instagram - check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ LinkedIn - connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Holden Capital - https://www.holdencapital.com.au/ Book: Constructive Finance - https://www.holdencapital.com.au/store/constructive-finance-insight-into-the-world-of-australian-construction-finance Episode summary Justin:Welcome to episode 114 of the Property Developer Podcast! I'm your host, Justin Gehde. It's been a little while since our last episode, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the busy few months for me. We’ve sold and moved into a new home, and on top of that, my dad had a major stroke, which was incredibly stressful. But we’re back now, and in today’s episode, we’re diving into an important topic—what happens when things go wrong during the construction phase of a property development project. Joining me today is Dan Holden from Holden Capital. Dan has years of experience lending to property developers, and he’s here to share his insights into the current lending landscape and, of course, the challenges developers face when construction doesn’t go according to plan. Dan, great to have you back! Let’s get straight into it. Can you share with us what you’ve been working on lately? Dan:Thanks for having me back, Justin. Over the past 12 months, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. We’ve had some challenging times with cost escalations, builders struggling with resources, and delays due to material shortages. But we’ve kept things steady, focusing on doing less but doing it safely. Our portfolio right now includes a lot of smaller-scale projects in Southeast Queensland, and we’ve seen some pretty solid results. Justin:It’s great to hear that you’re staying strong despite the challenges. So, what’s been your experience with projects that have faced setbacks during construction? Dan:Well, time delays are the silent killer. In the past 18 months, we’ve seen projects suffer not just because of cost overruns but because they’ve stretched far beyond their original timelines. For example, one of our projects in Sydney was supposed to take 18 months, but it ended up taking nearly 30 months! That kind of delay can cause serious financial strain on developers. Justin:Wow, 30 months on an 18-month project—that’s a massive issue. And I know this firsthand. I’ve had my own experience with construction delays, especially with the builder I was working with. So, Dan, from a lender’s perspective, how do you manage when things go off track on a project? Dan:From our standpoint, it’s all about communication. If a developer reaches out to us when things are starting to go off course, we can work together to come up with a solution. But too often, we see developers avoid confrontation, thinking they can just push through the issues. What often happens is they end up escalating the problem without realizing it. The key is staying involved, maintaining those open lines of communication, and making decisions quickly to keep things moving. Justin:I agree. It’s all about having a proactive approach. So, when it comes to choosing the right builder and managing those relationships, what’s your advice? Dan:A big part of the problem is that developers sometimes don’t take enough time to properly vet their builders. It's not just about getting the cheapest quote—it’s about the builder’s capacity, track record, and their resources. If a builder is already stretched thin with multiple projects, that’s a red flag. You need to be able to trust them to stick to timelines, manage their team, and work within your budget. Justin:That’s a great point. It’s so tempting to just choose the lowest bid, but if the builder can’t deliver, that’s going to cost you in the long run. And you mentioned trust—can you elaborate on how important it is to maintain trust between the developer and builder? Dan:Trust is everything. I’ve seen developers who, toward the end of the project, start fighting over small variations or issues. They get fixated on saving a few bucks when in reality, the delays and frustration are costing them far more. It's much better to approach the situation collaboratively and find a solution together. The best developers I’ve seen don’t just focus on the end result—they focus on the relationship throughout the entire process. Justin:Absolutely. The way you handle these situations can make or break the project. So, in your experience, what are some key takeaways that developers should keep in mind when they’re looking to avoid construction issues? Dan:First, plan early and get the right team in place. Engage a quantity surveyor, work with experienced builders, and get legal advice before signing contracts. Second, stay engaged. Don’t just sit back and hope everything will go smoothly. Get on-site, check in regularly, and maintain clear communication with your builder. Third, be prepared to make decisions quickly. Indecision leads to delays. Lastly, make sure your contracts are solid, especially when it comes to timeframes and penalties for delays. Justin:I couldn’t agree more. Well, Dan, thank you so much for sharing your insights today. You’ve really highlighted the importance of building strong relationships and being proactive when it comes to construction. Dan:Thanks, Justin. It’s always great to chat, and I hope this helps some developers avoid the mistakes we’ve seen in the past. Justin:Absolutely. And to all of our listeners, if you want to dive deeper into the construction phase and learn more about how to make your building process a success, check out the Building Blueprint course on my Property Developer Training site at www.propertydevelopertraining.com It’s filled with lessons learned from my own projects to help you avoid costly mistakes.
113 – Steve Maroun – Levelling up to luxury projects
Steve Maroun has an interesting story to share about his journey into property development. Interestingly, Steve started studying law at university while running a property maintenance business. He then realised that law was not for him and he got his builder's license and moved into property development, following in the footsteps of his father. After completing an apartment complex project on the property next door to where he lived, he made the move into luxury, high end projects to capitalise on market opportunities. Keep an ear out for how Steve explains the difference between developing a mid-range product versus a lux finish project. We have also discuss how to navigate through the many challenges that you face as a property developer. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the free Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Free book - Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab a free copy of my popular book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development at https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your free copy now. Social Connection Youtube - catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Facebook - see what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Instagram - check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ LinkedIn - connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links LaneVick - https://www.lanevick.com/
112 – Mark Gallo – Managing a property development project from another state
Managing a project remotely comes with some unique challenges. Keeping the team on the same page and working together can be difficult when you can't just drop by the site for a meeting. Mark Gallo is a Sydney based mortgage broker who is currently doing a duplex project in Victoria. Mark shares with us how and why he ended up doing a project interstate, the lessons he has learned about managing from a distance and some finance tips for how to position your project to obtain the best funding in the current lending markets. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the free Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Free book - Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab a free copy of my popular book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development at https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your free copy now. Social Connection Youtube - catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Facebook - see what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Instagram - check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ LinkedIn - connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Simplify Finance - https://simplifyfinance.com.au
111 – David Juracich – Developing an iconic tower on billionaire’s row
Imagine going from no property development experience to delivering one of the most iconic towers overlooking Central Park in New York City, one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets. David Juracich did just that. David is originally from Australia before moving overseas to work in banking and finance. He ended up in New York City and was involved with building an amazing slimline residential tower overlooking Central Park along what has become known as Billionaire’s Row. I thought my first project being 20 townhomes was a great start, but this guy did a huge apartment project in Brooklyn for his first development project. His story of how he got involved with property development in New York City is quite amazing, and includes his involvement in an 84 level slimline skyscraper called Steinway Tower overlooking Central Park which apparently cost $2bn to build, yes that’s $2 billion dollars. Can you imagine the capital stack on that project? This is quite an incredible story of a guy stumbling into large scale property developing in one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the free Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Free book - Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab a free copy of my popular book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development at https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your free copy now. Social Connection Youtube - catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Facebook - see what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Instagram - check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ LinkedIn - connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links JDS Developments - https://jdsdevelopment.com/portfolio
110 – Iwan Sunito – Surviving the Boom to Bust Rollercoaster
Bouncing back after adversity is a story we all love, so hearing from a developer who went big only for things to unravel with costly and complex legal challenges is a fascinating insight into always striving toward your life goals. Iwan Sunito from One Global Capital is a seasoned property developer who has enjoyed several decades of success doing some major projects under his former company Crown Group. Crown developed some significant projects over the years to the value of around $4 billion before Iwan and his business partner had a falling out, which has led to a series of legal battles and ongoing challenges, which we discuss during our conversation. Iwan says One Goal Capital has a $1 billion pipeline of work that he is focused on to continue his vision of delivering city shaping projects. This was a really interesting chat for me because way back when I started the podcast and I was thinking about people I would like to have on the show Iwan was on the list so it was great to finally be able to sit down and speak with him, particularly in light of the challenges he is facing. I’m sure you will enjoy listing to Iwan’s story and appreciate some of the lessons he shares. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the free Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Free book - Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab a free copy of my popular book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development at https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your free copy now. Social Connection Youtube - catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Facebook - see what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Instagram - check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ LinkedIn - connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links One Global Capital - https://oneglobalcapital.com.au/
109 – Jenn Sinclair – Meth Lab to Stylish Sanctuary
Tackling your first development project is usually an emotional journey and it was no different for a young architect who turned her focus on delivering an exquisite duplex property. Jenn Sinclair accidentally discovered that she had bought a former meth lab as the property she planned on turning into a luxury home. It was the start of her journey toward becoming a property developer. She was inspired by designing and building her family home and decided to take on a duplex project and test her skills out to see if she could successfully execute a development project. Jenn decided to do two very different interiors and finishes on each unit and this created challenges along the way as she often doubled her choices and decision making. Jenn invested a lot of time and emotion into her project and learnt a lot along the way which she shares with us including: - the difference a great builder can make during a project - trusting in yourself to deliver something special - working collaboratively with your team to get better results This is a great story about a young developer trying to produce something special and succeeding. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the free Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Free book - Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab a free copy of my popular book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development at https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/digital_book. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your free copy now. Social Connection Youtube - catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Facebook - see what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Instagram - check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ LinkedIn - connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Comma Projects - https://www.commaprojects.com.au/about
108 – Phillip Anderson – Is the property market about to go BOOM?
Understanding the rhythm and cycle of the property market is obviously extremely beneficial to property developers so you can plan the best time to deliver projects and maximise profits. Being aware of when the market is likely to boom or go bust can help you ride out the cycles and endure over the long term. Today’s guest is Phillip Anderson from Property Sharemarket Economics. Phil is the author of the book The Secret Life of Real Estate and Banking, an investment analyst and an investor. Phil’s book outlines a seemingly recurring economic cycle that takes around 18 years to complete and has a major impact on the property market. Understanding the rhythm and cycle of the market is obviously extremely beneficial to property developers so I wanted to have this conversation to help you with your investing and developing. I think there are some great insights from Phil’s work and I wanted to have this conversation to help you with your investing and developing. We discuss: - the 18 year real estate cycle and how it affects property developers - Phil’s thoughts on where we are in the cycle and what’s coming in the next few years; and - how to get set to maximise the potential opportunities that may be on the horizon. I really enjoyed speaking with Phil and I hope it sparks some interest and curiosity. I will preface it by saying nothing in this conversation is financial advice, you need to do your own research and investigation before making any investment decisions. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Take the Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Youtube - catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Facebook - see what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Instagram - check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ LinkedIn - connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Link Property Sharemarket Economics - https://propertysharemarketeconomics.com
107 – Dan Holden – Navigating the construction crunch
The impact of rising construction costs and increasing interest rates has been acutely felt across the development industry and economy more broadly. Managing these costs has been top of the list for many property developers. In this episode we speak with regular guest Dan Holden from Holden Capital about the state of the lending market and what's ahead for the next 12 months. We cover how construction delays have been affecting projects, the impact of rising costs and how lenders are responding. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Take the Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 See what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Link Holden Capital - https://www.holdencapital.com.au
106 – Mark Lovett – From humble plasterer to successful property developer
Does working in a property-related trade mean you can easily transition into the world of property developer? Just because you understand one small part of a development project doesn’t automatically mean you can run a development project, but it can certainly help. My guest on this episode is Mark Lovett from Liquid Silver Developments. Mark has a long and storied career doing small to medium scale development projects, starting out as a plasterer before moving into property investing. He then decided to try his hand at property developing and purchased his first site with absolutely no idea of what he was doing, and later found out there was an underground stream running through the site. We have a great conversation covering things like: - Understanding your risk appetite and how that will effect your decision making - How his initial due diligence evolved from doing nothing - What he has done throughout his career that has helped him succeed. Link - Liquid Silver Developments - https://www.liquidsilverdevelopments.com.au/ Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Take the Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Catch up on all the episodes and my property project updates on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 See what's happening on site, what I'm up to and more on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Check out my short videos about developing and my latest site updates on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Connect with me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast
105 – Justin O’Donnell – From entry level property development projects to high end luxury
Working on luxury projects is often a dream for many people who get involved with property developing, moving from renovations and entry level projects to something more challenging and high-end. Justin O'Donnell from Cielo Property Group has followed this path and started out with small projects before evolving into luxury townhouses and apartment projects. Along the way he has faced many challenges, and he shares how he overcame them and some of lessons learned including the benefits of growing slowly, responding to the challenges of construction by taking on the building risk, and the perennial issue of obtaining permits from councils. Listen in for why Justin decided to target the luxury end of the residential market and how it differs from other parts of the property sector. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Link Cielo Property Group - https://www.cielogroup.com.au
104 – Leonie Akhidenor – From management consultant to property developer
There are many skills from other industries and careers that can translate well to property development. After all, delivering a property development project is really about working with people, solving problems and managing a budget, so making the move from management consultant to property developer might not be as crazy as it sounds. Leonie Akhidenor from View Bank Homes did make the switch from being a successful management consultant to taking up a role in the family property business, something she swore would never happen. Leonie is now a second generation property developer who has stepped into the family’s building and developing business. She is deeply involved with all aspects of projects and brings her strategy and processes training to the table to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of the business. In this discussion we cover: - how Leonie went from management consultant to property developer - the challenges their projects have faced over the past few years - and how more women can get involved with property developing Keep a close ear out for how Leonie transformed the family business using her management consulting skills to provide greater insights and control over projects. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Link Viewbank Homes - https://viewbankhomes.com.au/
103 – John Lindeman – How property developers can predict future growth potential
Success in property developing is about supplying the right product in the right place at the right time. But how do you figure all that out? Legendary market analyst John Lindeman has been helping property investors make informed decisions about where to find the next hot spot and what stock is in demand. John’s accuracy in predicting the nature and direction of housing markets is legendary. So it is awesome to have him with us today. In this discussion we cover: - What's happening across the major Australian property markets - where are the opportunities for property developers - and what John has learned from observing Australia's property markets for many decades Keep a close ear out for the type of properties that John thinks has the greatest demand and presents immediate opportunity for smart developers. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcastLinks Link Lindeman Reports - https://lindemanreports.com.au Episode Summary Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of the Australian property market with none other than property expert John Lindeman! In this engaging conversation, Lindeman shares his valuable insights, tips, and experiences that will leave you buzzing with excitement. From predicting market trends with an impressive track record to debunking common myths, Lindeman's expertise shines through. Discover the potential for growth and investment opportunities, particularly in the booming downsizing sector. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and get ready for a casual and enlightening chat about all things property! Top 5 Topics Discussed: The Power of Data-Driven Predictions Busting Property Investment Myths Successful Predictions and Growth Opportunities The Downsizing Trend and Development Opportunities Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing Returns In a lively conversation with property expert John Lindeman, we delve into the intricacies of the Australian property market. From predictability to investment strategies, John shares valuable insights for investors and developers alike. The Power of Data-Driven Predictions Lindeman's company has developed a robust database that accurately tracks property market trends. With over 12 years of data, their predictions boast an impressive 90% accuracy rate in both price growth direction and intensity. By analyzing market indicators, they can identify the demand for specific property types, such as downsizing options, allowing investors to make informed decisions. Busting Property Investment Myths One prevailing myth Lindeman challenges is the "buy and hold" strategy. Instead, he advocates for timing the market, capitalizing on short periods of high growth. By buying just before a boom and selling when growth plateaus, investors can outperform the average market growth. Another common misconception is the notion of emotional decision-making. Lindeman advises investors to use their heads, not their hearts, ensuring properties are chosen based on objective criteria rather than personal attachment. Successful Predictions and Growth Opportunities Lindeman shares real-life examples of his accurate predictions, including the property boom in Hobart and Perth. His analysis helped investors seize timely opportunities and achieve significant returns on investment. To further assist investors, Lindeman's company provides comprehensive reports that highlight growth potential and recommend property types for development. Their "What to Build or Renovate To" report helps developers identify the most lucrative opportunities in specific areas. The Downsizing Trend and Development Opportunities A prominent trend in the Australian property market is downsizing. Lindeman points out that as retirees seek to minimize expenses and manage their budgets, the demand for smaller properties increases. Developers can tap into this market by focusing on creating downsizing options that cater to retirees' needs. One approach is designing townhouses with a ground-floor bedroom and living areas, allowing older residents to navigate the space with ease. Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing Returns While downsizing presents lucrative opportunities, developers face challenges due to zoning regulations and planning constraints. Lindeman highlights the need for local governments to adapt to the growing demand and facilitate suitable options for retirees. As developers seek innovative solutions, the potential for micro units and tailored downsizing communities emerges. These developments can not only meet the market demand but also create a sense of community for retirees.
102 – Julian Carlo-Stella – Leveraging property development for wealth creation and cashflow
Building wealth through property is a tried and tested method, with some investors succeeding in creating portfolios of strong assets that generate substantial cashflows. Julian Carlo-Stella shares how he is going about generating wealth through property development. Property in Australia has broadly performed well over time and has enabled some people to generate wealth and income. Developing new properties can be a great way of leveraging skills and creating assets at cost price rather than buying at retail and really help to accelerate wealth accumulation. Julian Carlo- Stella is implementing a strategy to create wealth through a number of colourful commercial property development projects that have yielded great lessons beyond financial results. Listen as he tells the story about he planned on going to court to get a permit on his very first project. In this discussion we cover: - how Julian started out wanting to be an architect before moving into construction management - when he realised he wanted to be a property developer - how he is creating wealth through asset accumulation - why he focuses on commercial assets Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@propertydeveloperpodcast196 Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Link Whitestone - https://whitestoneaustralia.com.au/ Episode Summary In this episode of the Property Developer Podcast, we explore the topic of leveraging property development for wealth creation and cashflow. Our guest, Julian Carlo-Stella is an experienced property developer who shares his insights and strategies for maximizing returns on investment in the property development industry. Introduction to Wealth Creation and Cashflow in Property Development The episode kicks off by emphasizing the importance of having a clear vision and long-term strategy when it comes to property development. Successful property developers approach their projects with a big-picture mindset and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Thorough research and due diligence are crucial for identifying profitable opportunities and minimizing risks. Strategies for Wealth Creation We delve into various strategies that property developers can employ to create wealth. It explores subdivision, renovation, and property flipping as popular approaches in the industry. Through real-world examples and case studies, listeners gain insights into the benefits and risks associated with each strategy. The episode highlights the importance of adapting strategies to market trends and maximizing returns on investment. Financial Considerations Financing plays a vital role in property development, and the episode explores different financing options available to property developers. It discusses traditional bank loans, private funding, and joint ventures as potential avenues for obtaining capital. Listeners gain valuable insights into creating a strong financial plan, managing risks effectively, and understanding the potential returns and costs involved in a development project. Evaluating the financial feasibility of a project and ensuring its long-term profitability are essential aspects covered in this segment. Building a Reliable Team The episode emphasizes the significance of building a reliable team in property development. Collaboration and delegation are crucial for success in this industry. Property developers need to surround themselves with professionals who possess the necessary expertise, such as architects, builders, and financiers. Establishing strong relationships and effective communication with team members are key factors in driving successful projects and maximizing wealth creation. Mindset and Personal Growth The episode concludes by highlighting the importance of mindset and personal growth in the property development journey. Property developers need to cultivate a growth mindset, adapt to changes, and continuously learn and improve. The industry is dynamic, and staying informed about market trends and industry developments is essential for long-term success. By investing in personal growth and staying open to new opportunities, property developers can leverage property development as a pathway to wealth creation and financial stability.
101 – Nolan Keenan – From small scale property development project to full time property developer
Making the transition to full time property developer is an aspiration for many people that get involved with small scale developments, but how do you make the leap across the chasm? We find out from developer Nolan Keenan about how he did it. Nolan is from Aveline Property and has gone from starting out as a real estate agent before working in IT and then recently becoming a full time property developer. Nolan shares his story of progressing from a simple splitter project to now managing multiple medium density projects and setting his sights on going to even higher levels. In this conversation we cover why he decided to do his first project in another state, how planning and COVID delayed his next project, and a great discussion about how you can transition into becoming a full time property developer. Be sure to listen out for Nolan’s one key thing to understand before you jump into developing full time. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes bonus programs called Raising Capital (learn the essentials around raising cash) and Taking it to the Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcastLinks Links Aveline Property - https://avelineproperty.com Show Summary In the 101st episode of the Property Developer Podcast, host Justin Gehde explores the journey of transitioning from a small-scale property development project to becoming a full-time property developer. The episode features an insightful interview with a successful property developer Nolan Keenan who shares his personal experience, challenges, and strategies for making the leap from part-time to full-time property development. Building a Solid Foundation Understand the Market: Gain a deep understanding of the property market, including trends, demand, and opportunities. Master Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the legal and regulatory frameworks governing property development. Start with Small Projects: Begin with smaller-scale projects to gain experience and learn essential skills. Strategic Planning and Goal-Setting Set Clear Objectives: Define your short-term and long-term goals to stay focused and make informed decisions. Create a Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines your target market, funding sources, and growth strategies. Plan for Growth: Identify new markets, diversify your project types, and consider partnerships to expand your portfolio. Financial Readiness Build a Financial Buffer: Ensure you have enough savings to cover living expenses during the initial stages. Cultivate Relationships: Connect with lenders, investors, and financial institutions to access capital for future projects. Building a Strong Network Network with Professionals: Establish connections with architects, contractors, agents, and property managers for collaboration and opportunities. Seek Mentors and Peers: Learn from experienced mentors and engage with fellow developers to gain guidance and support. Managing Risks and Embracing Challenges Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Research the market, assess feasibility, evaluate financial risks, and make informed decisions. Prepare Contingency Plans: Have backup strategies in place to mitigate unforeseen challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. By following these simplified points, aspiring property developers can lay a solid foundation, strategically plan their growth, ensure financial readiness, build a strong network, and effectively manage risks and challenges in their journey towards becoming full-time property developers.
100 – Ron Forlee – Understanding risk and opportunity in property development
Property development has some inherent risks, like any business venture, and understanding what they are and how they can be mitigated is crucial to ensuring the success of any project. Ron Forlee is a real legend in Australian property development circles. Ron will be a name known to many listeners of the show having written a number of books on developing property in Australia including Australian Residential Property Development, An intelligent guide to Australian Property Development and Australian Residential Property Development for Investors. No doubt you have some of those books in your collection. So I was very excited to be able to speak with Ron for my 100th episode. Ron is a trained architect who applied his training to tackle property development projects first in South Africa and then in Australia. Following his decades of experience he then transferred his lessons and knowledge into books. I am sure you will enjoy getting to know the man behind the name as we discuss his favorite projects, what he learned from his very first development and the many lessons he has picked up along the way. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcastLinks Links AYR International - www.ayr.international Episode Summary In this episode of the Property Developer Podcast, host Justin Gehde speaks with Ron Forlee, a property developer and founder of AYR International. The episode focuses on understanding risk and opportunity in property development, and how to effectively manage both aspects to maximize profitability. The conversation begins with Ron sharing his background in property development and how he got started in the industry. He explains that his approach to development has always been centered around mitigating risk and finding opportunities, which has allowed him to successfully navigate the ups and downs of the market over the years. Risk in property development Justin and Ron then discuss the concept of risk in property development, and how it can be managed to minimize potential losses. Ron emphasizes the importance of doing thorough due diligence before making any investment decisions, including researching market trends, analyzing financials, and conducting feasibility studies. Capitalise on opportunities The conversation then shifts to the topic of opportunity, and how developers can identify and capitalize on potential opportunities in the market. Ron stresses the importance of being flexible and adaptable, and not being afraid to pivot when the market changes. He also emphasizes the importance of being proactive and always looking for ways to add value to a project, such as through innovative design or strategic partnerships. Development risk with different asset classes The conversation then delves into the specific risks and opportunities associated with different types of property development, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. Ron explains that residential development tends to be more stable and predictable, with less risk but also less potential for high returns. On the other hand, commercial development can offer higher returns but comes with higher risk due to factors such as market fluctuations and tenant turnover. Mixed-use development, which combines both residential and commercial components, can offer a balance between stability and potential for high returns, but requires a more complex management approach. Benefit of a strong team Justin and Ron also discuss the importance of building a strong team to help manage risk and identify opportunities in property development. Ron stresses the importance of hiring experienced professionals, such as architects, engineers, and contractors, who can provide valuable insights and help mitigate potential risks. He also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with lenders, investors, and other stakeholders, who can provide support and help identify potential opportunities. Managing financial risk The conversation then turns to the topic of financing, and how developers can effectively manage financial risk. Ron explains that developers should always have a solid understanding of their financial position, including their cash flow and debt obligations, and should have a plan in place for managing any potential financial setbacks. He also stresses the importance of building strong relationships with lenders and investors, and being transparent and proactive in communicating any potential financial risks. Finally, the conversation ends with Ron sharing some of his top tips for effectively managing risk and identifying opportunities in property development. He emphasizes the importance of staying informed and up-to-date on market trends and regulations, building strong relationships with professionals and stakeholders, and always being willing to pivot and adapt when necessary.
99 – Valerie Smith – The power of joint ventures to accelerate your property developing
Joint ventures are a great way to do more projects and reduce risk. Property development can at times be a lonely game so if you have other people to talk with about issues and solve problems it can really help take your developing to another level. Valerie Smith from Valsco Property Group has harnessed the power of joint ventures to enable her to take on bigger projects. Valerie and her husband have travelled the well worn path from property investors and renovators to property developers. They are now focusing on some niche disability accommodation projects to provide much needed dwellings for many Australians. In this discussion with Valerie we cover: - How more women can get into property development - the power of joint ventures to accelerate growth and reduce risk - the value of focusing on a niche product for a specific group Keep an ear out for how a shift in Valerie’s thinking around money and skills helped take her to the next level. Link - Valsco Property Group - http://valscopg.com.au Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcastLinks Episode Summary In this episode of the Property Developer Podcast, host Justin Gehde speaks with property developer and joint venture expert, Valerie Smith. The episode focuses on the power of joint ventures to accelerate your property development projects. The conversation begins with Valerie sharing her background in property development and how she became involved in joint ventures. Valerie explains that joint ventures are a powerful tool for developers, allowing them to access funding, expertise, and resources that they might not have otherwise. She also stresses the importance of building strong relationships with potential joint venture partners, and being transparent and honest in all dealings. Spread risk and maximise returns Justin and Valerie then delve into the specific benefits of joint ventures, including the ability to spread risk and maximize returns. Valerie explains that joint ventures allow developers to pool resources and share the risk of a project, while also sharing in the potential rewards. She also emphasizes the importance of selecting the right partner for a joint venture, and ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Managing financials risks The conversation then turns to the topic of financing joint ventures, and how developers can effectively manage financial risk. Valerie explains that developers should have a solid understanding of their financial position and be transparent and proactive in communicating any potential financial risks to their joint venture partners. She also stresses the importance of building strong relationships with lenders and investors, and being creative in sourcing funding. Building trust in joint ventures Justin and Valerie also discuss the importance of trust in joint venture partnerships, and how developers can build trust with their partners. Valerie emphasizes the importance of being honest and transparent in all dealings, and building a track record of successful projects. She also stresses the importance of communication and being proactive in addressing any issues that may arise during the course of a project. The conversation then delves into the specific challenges and opportunities associated with joint ventures in different types of property development, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. Valerie explains that joint ventures can be particularly effective in mixed-use development, where partners with complementary expertise can work together to create a successful project. She also emphasizes the importance of selecting the right partner for a joint venture, and ensuring that both parties have a shared vision for the project. The conversation ends with Valerie sharing some of her top tips for successful joint ventures in property development. She emphasizes the importance of being honest and transparent in all dealings, building strong relationships with potential partners, and always focusing on the end goal of creating a successful project. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the world of joint ventures in property development, and offers practical advice for developers looking to accelerate their projects and maximize returns.
98 – Matt Campbell – Lessons from managing multiple small scale property developments
No two property development projects are ever the same. Each project throws up its own challenges and opportunities. Lessons learned from each project can help to avoid or overcome issues faced on future projects. Taking the lessons learned from past property development projects can help ensure more efficient projects in the future, and provide a foundation of experience to help solve other problems. Today’s guest, Matt Campbell from Kyabel, is currently delivering 17 small scale projects and shares some of the key lessons he has learnt along the way. Matt has a background in delivering IT projects so brought his understanding of project management and problem solving to his property development career. He is currently delivering residential projects across south-east Queensland. Matt is involved with all stages of a project from site acquisition through construction to completion. In this discussion we cover: - how a change in thinking helped him take his developing to the next level - a key lesson he learnt about raising capital; and - how branding can give power to your development projects. Keep an ear out for a niche project that Matt is itching to get started on… Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcastLinks Links Kyabel - https://www.kyabel.com.au/ Episode Summary In this episode, host Justin Gehde interviews property developer and consultant Matt Campbell. Matt has been in the property development industry for over 35 years and has worked on a wide range of projects, from small-scale residential developments to large commercial developments. He shares his insights on the lessons he has learned from managing multiple small-scale property developments throughout his career. Small vs large property developments The episode begins with a discussion of the benefits of small-scale property development. Matt explains that small-scale developments are often easier to manage than larger developments and can be a good way for developers to gain experience before moving on to larger projects. He also notes that small-scale developments can be more profitable than larger developments, as they often require less upfront investment and can generate a quick return on investment. Key lessons from small scale property developments Matt then shares some of the key lessons he has learned from managing small-scale property developments. The first lesson he highlights is the importance of having a clear vision for the development. Matt explains that developers need to have a clear idea of what they want to achieve with the development and what type of properties they want to build. He emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research on the local property market and understanding the needs of potential buyers before starting a development. Have the right team The second lesson Matt shares is the importance of working with the right team. He explains that property development is a team effort and that developers need to work with a range of professionals, including architects, engineers, and builders, to ensure the success of the development. He emphasizes the importance of finding professionals who share the developer's vision and can work collaboratively to achieve the desired outcome. Matt also highlights the importance of communication in property development. He explains that developers need to communicate clearly with their team members, stakeholders, and potential buyers throughout the development process. He emphasizes the importance of being transparent about the development's progress and any challenges that arise. Managing risk in property development Another key lesson Matt shares is the importance of managing risk in property development. He explains that developers need to be aware of the risks associated with a development, such as changes in the local property market or unforeseen construction issues, and have a plan in place to mitigate those risks. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive in managing risks and being prepared to adapt to changing circumstances. Keep an eye on quality Matt also discusses the importance of maintaining a focus on quality in small-scale property development. He explains that developers need to prioritize quality over quantity and ensure that the properties they build are of a high standard. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to detail and using high-quality materials and finishes to create properties that buyers will be willing to pay a premium for. Finally, Matt shares some tips for aspiring property developers. He emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research before starting a development and seeking out the advice and expertise of experienced professionals. He also encourages developers to start small and gain experience before moving on to larger projects.
97 – Jeremy De Sylva – Buyer driven property development projects
Sales are the lynch pin of any good property development project, and to get sales your product needs to appeal to a buyer. Give the buyer what they want and making the sale becomes easier. So how do you come to understand what a buyer wants? We talk to a seasoned property developer to find out what they do to profile their buyers. With Jeremy De Zylva from Resolution Property Group we cover:what Jeremy learnt from working for large corporate organizations the one key thing that developers can focus on to make their projects a success and stand out from the competition how to deal with markets changing mid-project Keep an ear out for how structures can make a big difference to being able to offer a vendor the price they want while still giving you control of the site. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcastLinks Links Resolution Property Group - https://www.resolutionpg.com.au/ Project Update Here's the latest from my current project... Episode Summary In this episode of the Property Developer Podcast, host Justin Gehde speaks with Jeremy De Zylva from Resolution Property Group, a property development and investment firm based in Australia. Jeremy has over 20 years of experience in property development, and in this episode, he shares his insights on the concept of "buyer-driven" property development projects. The Basics of Buyer-Driven Property Development Projects According to Jeremy, the term "buyer-driven" refers to a property development project that is designed and executed with the needs and desires of the end user in mind. In contrast to a traditional property development project, which may be driven primarily by financial considerations or the vision of the developer, a buyer-driven project is centered around the needs of the target market. Jeremy notes that buyer-driven projects can take many forms, from multi-unit residential developments to commercial projects like shopping centers and office buildings. Regardless of the type of development, the key is to understand the needs and wants of the target market and to design the project accordingly. The Benefits of Buyer-Driven Property Development One of the primary benefits of a buyer-driven property development project is that it can help to mitigate some of the risks associated with traditional property development. By focusing on the needs and desires of the target market, a developer can be more confident that there will be demand for the finished product. This can help to reduce the risk of oversupply or a lack of demand that can lead to financial losses. In addition, buyer-driven projects can often be more profitable than traditional projects, as the finished product is more likely to meet the needs of the target market and command a higher price point. Jeremy notes that this can be particularly true in markets where there is high demand for certain types of properties, such as affordable housing or commercial space in a particular location. Designing a Successful Buyer-Driven Project According to Jeremy, the key to designing a successful buyer-driven project is to start with a deep understanding of the target market. This involves conducting thorough research into the demographics, preferences, and needs of the target market, as well as analyzing market trends and other factors that may impact demand. Once this research is complete, the developer can begin to design the project with the target market in mind. Jeremy notes that this involves everything from the overall concept and design of the project to the specific amenities and features that are included. The goal is to create a product that is not only desirable to the target market but that also meets their needs in a practical and functional way. Challenges and Risks While there are many benefits to buyer-driven property development, Jeremy notes that there are also some challenges and risks to consider. One of the primary risks is the potential for over-reliance on the preferences and needs of the target market. While it's important to design the project with the target market in mind, it's also important to ensure that the project is financially feasible and sustainable over the long term. In addition, buyer-driven projects can be more complex and time-consuming than traditional projects, as there may be more research and analysis required upfront. This can require a significant investment of time and resources, and there is always the risk that the project may not ultimately meet the needs or preferences of the target market. Tips for Success To succeed in buyer-driven property development, Jeremy offers several tips: 1. Start with a deep understanding of the target market and their needs and preferences. 2. Be willing to invest the time and resources required for thorough research and analysis. 3. Focus on creating a product that is both desirable and practical for the target market. 4. Be mindful of the financial feasibility and long-term sustainability of the project. 5. Build strong relationships with industry partners, such as architects, builders, and financiers, who share your vision for the project. 6. Be prepared to adapt and modify your plans as you receive feedback from the target market. 7. Stay up-to-date with market trends and changes in the industry to ensure that your project remains relevant and competitive. In conclusion, buyer-driven property development projects can offer many benefits over traditional property development, including reduced risks, higher profitability, and greater market demand. However, designing a successful buyer-driven project requires a deep understanding of the target market, as well as a willingness to invest the time and resources required for thorough research and analysis. Ultimately, the key to success in buyer-driven property development is to remain focused on the needs and desires of the end user, and to work closely with industry partners who share your vision for the project. With careful planning, research, and execution, buyer-driven property development can offer a profitable and sustainable path to success for property developers.
96 – Dan Holden – The importance of solid project finance during turbulent times
When things get a little choppy during a project due to factors beyond your control, like rates rising or build times blowing out, it helps to have flexible and reliable funding in place to see you through. In this conversation with regular guest and finance guru Dan Holden from Holden Capital, we will be covering: what's happening in the lending markets the outlook for the cash rate challenges many developers are currently facing with build costs and delays case studies and; the release of Dan's book called Constructive Finance. Keep an ear out for how you can win a free copy of Dan's excellent book which covers all things Australian construction finance. I highly recommend it for your property resource library. This is another awesome discussion that I'm sure you will enjoy and it is chock full of gold. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcastLinks Links Holden Capital - https://www.holdencapital.com.au Episode Summary In this episode, host Justin Gehde interviews Dan Holden, the Managing Director of Holden Capital, a finance broking firm that specializes in property development finance. They discuss the importance of having a solid understanding of project finance and how to navigate the changing economic landscape to ensure the success of property development projects. Top points from the episode: Project finance is the cornerstone of any successful property development project. Developers need to have a solid understanding of the financing process and be able to secure the necessary funding for their projects. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the property development finance industry, with many lenders tightening their credit policies and reducing their lending capacity. Developers can navigate turbulent times by having a contingency plan in place and working with experienced professionals such as finance brokers and project managers who can provide valuable advice and guidance during uncertain times. Finance brokers have access to a wide range of lenders and can help developers find the best financing options for their specific needs. It's essential to build strong relationships with lenders and be able to present a strong business case to secure funding. The key to success in property development is having a solid understanding of project finance and being able to navigate changing economic conditions. Developers need to stay up to date with market trends and changes to ensure the success of their projects. Justin starts the episode by introducing Dan Holden, his background, and his experience in the property development finance industry. He then goes on to ask Dan about the current state of the property development finance industry and the impact of the pandemic on it. Dan states that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry, with many lenders tightening their credit policies and reducing their lending capacity. The Importance of Project Finance Dan explains that project finance is the cornerstone of any successful property development project. He emphasizes the importance of developers having a solid understanding of the financing process and being able to secure the necessary funding for their projects. Dan also talks about the different types of finance available to developers, such as senior debt, mezzanine finance, and equity finance, and the pros and cons of each type. Navigating Turbulent Times The discussion then moves to how developers can navigate the changing economic landscape and ensure the success of their projects during turbulent times. Dan advises developers to have a contingency plan in place, such as having additional funding sources or the ability to delay their project if necessary. He also recommends working with experienced professionals, such as finance brokers and project managers, who can provide valuable advice and guidance during uncertain times. The Role of Finance Brokers Dan talks about the role of finance brokers in the property development finance industry and how they can help developers secure the necessary funding for their projects. He explains that finance brokers have access to a wide range of lenders and can help developers find the best financing options for their specific needs. Dan also talks about the importance of building strong relationships with lenders and being able to present a strong business case to secure funding. Conclusion The podcast concludes with Justin and Dan discussing the outlook for the property development finance industry and the importance of staying up to date with market trends and changes. Dan emphasizes that the key to success in property development is having a solid understanding of project finance and being able to navigate changing economic conditions. Overall, this episode of the Property Developer Podcast provides valuable insights into the importance of solid project finance during turbulent times and how developers can navigate the changing economic landscape to ensure the success of their projects. The discussion highlights the crucial role that finance brokers play in the industry and the need for developers to work with experienced professionals to secure the necessary funding for their projects.
95 – Anselm Mathurin -How your property developing strategy can evolve over time
Settling on a property development strategy can often be an evolutionary process as you learn what works and what you enjoy. That can involve a few twists and turns before you find something effective and repeatable, which is what happened with my latest guest. Anselm Mathurin is a Caribbean based property developer with a terrific story to share about following a dream and learning along the way. Like most property developers, Anselm has faced some challenges in getting his projects out of the ground including having to relocate from his home on another island to be closer to the development site when things started going off track. He shares with us: - how taking effective control of a project can lead to significant savings - how experience shapes how you view potential yields from a site - how targeting a very niche market can be an astute strategy for selling your product. I am sure you will enjoy this chat with Anselm and appreciate how he has adapted and evolved along the way. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcastLinks Links Calabash Condos - http://calabashcondos.com Episode Summary In this episode, host Justin Gehde speaks with Anselm Mathurin a Caribbean based property developer. Anselm shares his experience and expertise in the property development industry, discussing how property developing strategies can evolve over time and the importance of being adaptable to changes in the market. Top points from the episode: Property developing strategies should be flexible and adaptable to changes in the market. Have a clear understanding of your goals and objectives and develop a strategy that aligns with them. Stay up to date with market trends and changes and adapt your strategy accordingly. Collaboration and building strong relationships with other professionals in the industry is essential. Have a long-term view when developing a property development strategy and be persistent and patient. Flexibility in Property Developing Strategies Justin begins the discussion by asking Anselm about his journey in property development and how his strategy has evolved over time. Anselm shares that he began his career by purchasing and renovating existing properties and then progressed to land development and constructing new properties. He emphasizes that property developing strategies should be flexible and adaptable to changes in the market. Anselm shares his experience of being open to new ideas and strategies, and how it has helped him stay competitive in the industry. Developing a Clear Strategy Anselm emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of your goals and objectives when developing a property development strategy. Developers need to identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan that maximizes their strengths and minimizes their weaknesses. He discusses the importance of having a clear vision for the project and ensuring that all members of the development team are aligned with that vision. Anselm shares that having a clear strategy helps you stay focused and make informed decisions that are in line with your goals. Adapting to Changes in the Market The property development industry is constantly evolving, and developers need to stay up to date with market trends and changes. Anselm shares that his strategy has evolved over time to align with changes in the market. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of new regulations and legislation that may impact your projects and adapting your strategy accordingly. Anselm discusses the impact of technological advancements on the industry and how developers need to be open to new technologies and tools to stay competitive. Collaboration in Property Development Collaboration is essential in property development, and developers need to build strong relationships with other professionals in the industry, such as architects, builders, and finance brokers. Anselm discusses the importance of working with the right team, where each member has the necessary skills and expertise to contribute to the success of the project. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication between team members to ensure that everyone is aligned with the project's goals. Taking a Long-Term View Anselm emphasizes the importance of taking a long-term view when developing a property development strategy. Success in property development takes time, and developers need to be prepared to invest time and effort into their projects. Anselm shares that he is patient and persistent and not discouraged by setbacks or failures. He encourages developers to be adaptable and have a plan for how to respond to changes in the market. Developers should focus on building a portfolio of successful projects over time, rather than seeking short-term gains. Conclusion In conclusion, this podcast episode provides valuable insights into how property developing strategies can evolve over time and the importance of being adaptable to changes in the market. The discussion emphasizes the need for a clear vision and strategy for success in property development and the importance of collaboration with other professionals in the industry. The top 5 bullet points discussed in the episode include the need for flexibility in property developing strategies, having a clear understanding of your goals and objectives, adapting to changes in the market, collaboration with other professionals in the industry, and taking a long-term view when developing a property development strategy.
94 – Ben Chong – Mastering the art of selling property off the plan
Selling off the plan property is vital for many development projects to get out of the ground. Marketing and selling an idea and vision requires specialist skills. So I'm speaking with Ben Khong from Chisholm & Gamon about off the plan sales. Ben has been working in property sales for a couple of decades, mainly selling off the plan so brings a wealth of experience to this conversation, and lots of practical tips for your next sales campaign. We talk about how you can seek out the best agent to help market and sell your project, the importance of pricing and monitoring the response, and the importance of understanding who your likely buyer is and what they want. Keep an ear out for Ben's thoughts on what kinds of issues can come up in design that may put buyers off... Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcastLinks Links Chisholm & Gamon - https://chisholmgamon.com.au Episode Summary The episode features an interview with Ben Khong from Chisholm & Gamon, a property marketing and sales specialist, who shares his expertise on how to effectively sell property off the plan. Top 5 Points: Selling off the plan is all about creating an emotional connection with buyers. Developers should invest in high-quality marketing materials to showcase their properties and make them stand out in a competitive market. Offering incentives, such as discounts or upgrades, can be an effective way to encourage buyers to purchase off the plan. Building trust with potential buyers is crucial, and developers should be transparent and honest about the development process and potential risks. It's essential to have a solid understanding of your target market and tailor your marketing approach to their needs and preferences, and creating an Emotional Connection with Buyers According to Ben, selling property off the plan is all about creating an emotional connection with potential buyers. To do this, developers should focus on showcasing the lifestyle that the property offers, rather than just its physical features. This means highlighting the property's location, views, and amenities and emphasizing how they can enhance the buyer's lifestyle. Investing in High-Quality Marketing Materials Investing in high-quality marketing materials is also critical when selling off the plan. Ben suggests using 3D renders, virtual reality tours, and video content to showcase the property and give buyers a realistic sense of what it will look like. He also recommends using professional photography and copywriting to create a compelling marketing campaign that makes the property stand out in a crowded market. Offering Incentives to Encourage Buyers Offering incentives, such as discounts or upgrades, can be an effective way to encourage buyers to purchase off the plan. Ben suggests offering incentives that are aligned with the buyer's needs and preferences, such as a discount on the purchase price or an upgrade to the fixtures and fittings. Offering a flexible payment plan can also be an attractive incentive for buyers. Building Trust with Potential Buyers Building trust with potential buyers is crucial when selling off the plan. Ben emphasizes the importance of being transparent and honest about the development process and any potential risks associated with purchasing off the plan. Developers should also provide regular updates to buyers and be available to answer any questions or concerns they may have. Understanding Your Target Market To effectively sell property off the plan, developers need to have a solid understanding of their target market. This means identifying the demographics, lifestyle preferences, and purchasing habits of potential buyers and tailoring the marketing approach to their needs and preferences. Ben suggests using data analytics and market research to gain insights into the target market and develop a marketing strategy that resonates with them. In conclusion, the podcast episode "Mastering the Art of Selling Property Off the Plan" provides valuable insights into how developers can effectively sell property off the plan. By creating an emotional connection with buyers, investing in high-quality marketing materials, offering incentives, building trust, and understanding the target market, developers can maximize their chances of success and achieve their sales goals.
93 – Fabian De Marco – Construction finance essentials in a dynamic market
With escalating build costs, delays obtaining materials and softening property values the development sector is once again facing a raft of challenges that are effecting the bottom line. This volatility and uncertainty is having an impact on finance and lending with variations to time and cost quite common. So how is this affecting the lending markets and what sorts of responses are lenders putting in place to protect themselves and their clients? Let's discuss all this and more with previous guest Fabian De Marco from Commercial & Construction Capital. We cover: - changes in private capital markets - lenders reviewing /adjusting maximum loan to value ratios - length of loan terms being reviewed/shortened - interest rates changing from fixed to variable (not seen in the last 3-4 years) - some lenders increasing percentage of contingency funds required - the listed builder on a project is under more scrutiny from lenders than ever before - feasibilities may no longer stack up so what are developers doing in this situation? Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links C&C Capital - https://www.cccapital.org Episode Summary The construction finance process involves identifying the right financing options, setting realistic budgets and timelines, monitoring cash flow, and managing risks. In today's dynamic market, developers need to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in construction finance to make the most of their investments. Financing Options The first step in the construction finance process is identifying the right financing options. Developers can choose from a variety of financing options, including bank loans, private equity, and mezzanine finance. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and developers need to consider factors such as interest rates, repayment terms, and loan-to-value ratios when choosing the best financing option for their project. Realistic Budgets and Timelines Setting realistic budgets and timelines is critical to the success of any construction project. Developers need to create a detailed budget that includes all construction costs, such as labor, materials, and permits, as well as contingency funds for unexpected expenses. It's also important to establish a realistic timeline for the project and to factor in potential delays and setbacks. Monitoring Cash Flow Effective cash flow management is crucial for the success of any construction project. Developers need to closely monitor their cash flow to ensure that they have enough funds to cover all expenses throughout the construction process. This involves keeping track of all project expenses and revenues, forecasting future cash flows, and making adjustments as necessary. Managing Risks Managing risks is an important part of the construction finance process. Developers need to identify potential risks, such as construction delays, cost overruns, or changes in market conditions, and create contingency plans to mitigate these risks. It's also important to work with experienced professionals, such as lawyers and insurance providers, to ensure that all legal and insurance requirements are met. Dynamic Market Today's construction finance market is more dynamic than ever before. Developers need to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices to make the most of their investments. This includes staying up-to-date on changes in interest rates, regulatory requirements, and market conditions. It's also important to work with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support throughout the construction finance process. In conclusion, construction finance is an essential aspect of property development that needs careful planning and execution to ensure the success of the project. The construction finance process involves identifying the right financing options, setting realistic budgets and timelines, monitoring cash flow, and managing risks. In today's dynamic market, it is more important than ever for developers to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in construction finance to make the most of their investments. By doing so, they can navigate potential obstacles and capitalize on opportunities to build successful projects that meet their financial goals.
92 – Henry Villa – Property Development for Cashflow
Cashflow may not be something you first think of when you get into property development, however it becomes a crucial component when you become a full time developer and need ways to generate an income between profit events. What types of projects are good for cashflow? There can be many but one stands out for its ease of getting built and its popularity with a certain segment of the market. Henry Vila from Stone Horizon, a developer and a builder, talks to us about modern style rooming houses, and his lessons from being a property developer and a builder. We talk about developing for cashflow, how to navigate your way through the current environment in the building industry with escalating build costs and time blow outs and how a developer can get the most out of a builder. Keep an ear out for Henry's view on why it is difficult to just compare price when deciding on who the builder should be on your project... Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Stone Horizon - https://stonehorizon.com.au Episode Summary In this episode, Justin speaks with Henry Vila from Stone Horizon about the importance of property development for generating cash flow. Henry is the founder and managing director of Property Development System, a company that helps property developers create profitable projects. Henry shares his experience and expertise in property development, as well as his insights into generating cash flow through property development. Top 5 Points: Property development is a powerful tool for generating cash flow and creating wealth. It's important to understand the different types of property development projects and the risks and rewards associated with each. Cash flow is the lifeblood of any property development project, and it's crucial to plan for it from the outset. Financing is a key factor in property development, and developers need to be strategic in securing the right type of funding for their projects. Effective project management is essential for successful property development and generating cash flow. Types of Property Development Projects Henry explains that there are three main types of property development projects: renovation, subdivision, and construction. Each type of project has its own risks and rewards, and developers need to understand these factors when deciding which type of project to pursue. Renovation projects involve updating or improving existing properties, while subdivision projects involve dividing larger properties into smaller lots. Construction projects involve building new properties from scratch. Henry emphasizes the importance of doing thorough market research before embarking on any property development project to ensure that it's the right fit for the developer's goals and resources. Planning for Cash Flow Cash flow is the lifeblood of any property development project, and Henry emphasizes the importance of planning for it from the outset. He recommends creating a cash flow forecast that includes all potential income and expenses for the project, such as construction costs, financing costs, and marketing expenses. This forecast should be regularly updated throughout the project to ensure that cash flow remains on track. Henry also stresses the importance of having a contingency plan in place for unexpected expenses, as well as having a realistic timeline for the project's completion. Financing for Property Development Financing is a key factor in property development, and developers need to be strategic in securing the right type of funding for their projects. Henry recommends exploring all financing options, including traditional bank loans, private lending, and joint venture partnerships. He advises developers to have a solid business plan and financial projections in place when approaching lenders or potential partners, and to be prepared to negotiate terms that are favorable to both parties. Henry also emphasizes the importance of keeping an eye on interest rates and being prepared to adjust financing strategies as needed. Effective Project Management Effective project management is essential for successful property development and generating cash flow. Henry stresses the importance of having a clear and detailed project plan, as well as a strong team of professionals to help manage the project. This team should include a project manager, architect, builder, and other relevant professionals. Henry also recommends using project management software to help track progress and manage timelines, and emphasizes the importance of regular communication and collaboration among all team members. Maximizing Profitability Ultimately, the goal of property development is to generate cash flow and create wealth. Henry provides several tips for maximizing profitability, including: Minimizing construction costs by using cost-effective materials and designs Being strategic in choosing the location and type of property development project Utilizing effective marketing strategies to attract buyers or renters Managing risk by having a solid business plan and contingency plan in place Staying up-to-date on industry trends and regulations
91 – Baheer Komak – Turning around a struggling property development career
Getting your first development project underway is an exciting time. Until the wheels start to fall off and it looks ugly, what happens then? How do you turn things around and kick start a fledgling developing career that has stalled? Baheer Komak really struggled to get some traction with his property developing and his first project, a small 3 unit site was almost a total disaster before he turned it around by changing course. Baz is now running multiple development projects and has come a long way since selling his small business and making the leap into property. In this chat we cover how mentoring transformed how Baz approached developing, some differences between project types and the unusual decision making process that led him to take up property developing. This conversation will be inspiring for anyone that is struggling with a sticky project and wanting to take their developing to the next level, as Baz is an example of how you can go from zero to something significant in a few, short years. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Episode Summary In the 91st episode of the Property Developer Podcast, host Justin Gehde interviews property developer Baheer Komak from EQ Property Group on how to turn around a struggling property development career. In this episode, Baheer shares his insights and strategies for overcoming obstacles and building a successful property development business. Top 5 points from the episode Identify the root cause of the problem Baheer emphasizes the importance of identifying the root cause of any problem that arises in a property development career. He explains that without understanding the root cause, it is difficult to develop an effective solution. He encourages property developers to be proactive in identifying potential problems and taking action to address them before they become major issues. Build a strong team According to Baheer, building a strong team is crucial for turning around a struggling property development career. He emphasizes the importance of hiring people who share the same values and vision for the business. He also encourages property developers to delegate tasks to their team members and focus on their strengths. Focus on your strengths Baheer advises property developers to focus on their strengths and delegate tasks that they are not good at to other team members. He believes that this is crucial for building a successful property development business. He encourages property developers to be honest with themselves about their strengths and weaknesses and seek out team members who can complement their skills. Learn from your mistakes Baheer believes that learning from mistakes is an important part of turning around a struggling property development career. He encourages property developers to reflect on their mistakes and identify what went wrong. He advises them to take corrective action and implement strategies to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Be adaptable Baheer emphasizes the importance of being adaptable in the property development industry. He explains that the industry is constantly evolving and property developers need to be able to adapt to changes in the market and the economy. He encourages property developers to be open to new ideas and technologies and to be willing to change their approach if necessary. Turning around a struggling property development career is not an easy task, but it is possible with the right mindset, strategies, and support. The journey may involve taking a step back, reevaluating one's strengths and weaknesses, seeking guidance from mentors or coaches, networking, and being open to new opportunities. It's important to remember that setbacks and failures are part of the process, and learning from them can ultimately lead to success. With dedication, persistence, and a willingness to adapt, anyone can turn their struggling property development career into a thriving one.
90 – Jordan Navybox – How buyers agents can source development sites
Finding profitable development sites is a core responsibility for a property developer but increased competition in a hot market can make it very challenging at times. While most property is sold on the open market and found through popular sites such as realestate.com.au, plenty of transactions happen off market facilitated by people like buyers agents. A buyers agent acts on behalf of a buyer and leverages their network of agents and contacts to find properties that meet the brief of their clients. They can often find multiple opportunities that might be difficult for others to access. In this episode I speak with buyers agent Jordan Navybox about his work helping developers acquire development sites. I have always sourced my own sites, and never really entertained the idea of engaging someone to search on my behalf, but I can see how valuable it can be for someone to seek out and bring you the type of sites you are looking for, freeing you up to focus on other value producing activities. In this conversation we cover how a buyers agent differs from a regular agent, where they provide value and when you should think of engaging one. I think you will find this an interesting conversation and maybe using a buyers agent to source your sites might become your primary acquisition strategy. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Discover the secrets of a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links CohenHandler - https://cohenhandler.com.au Episode Summary In episode 90 of the Property Developer Podcast, host Justin Gehde speaks with property buyers agent Jordan Navybox about how buyers agents can source development sites for their clients. Jordan is from a buyers agency that specializes in sourcing development sites for clients across Australia. Jordan begins by discussing his background in property investment and buyers agency. He explains how the firm specializes in sourcing development sites for clients who are looking to invest in property development. What is a Buyer's Agent? Justin asks Jordan to explain what a buyers agent is and how they can assist property developers. Jordan explains that a buyers agent is a licensed professional who represents property buyers in the purchasing process. They provide advice, research, and negotiation skills to help clients find and secure the right property for their needs. For property developers, buyers agents can help source development sites that meet their specific requirements. Why Use a Buyers Agent? Jordan discusses the benefits of using a buyers agent, particularly when it comes to sourcing development sites. He explains that buyers agents have access to off-market listings and are skilled at negotiating deals on behalf of their clients. They can also help developers identify potential issues with a site that may affect its development potential. How to Source Development Sites Jordan explains the process of sourcing development sites and the various strategies that buyers agents can use. He discusses the importance of building relationships with local real estate agents, developers, and other industry professionals. He also explains how buyers agents can use data analysis to identify potential development sites and assess their viability. Top 5 Points from the show Buyers agents are licensed professionals who represent property buyers in the purchasing process. Buyers agents can help property developers source development sites that meet their specific requirements. Buyers agents have access to off-market listings and are skilled at negotiating deals on behalf of their clients. Buyers agents can help developers identify potential issues with a site that may affect its development potential. Buyers agents can use data analysis to identify potential development sites and assess their viability.
88 – Kristy Muhlhan – Legal considerations when doing a property development
Messy and costly legal issues in property development can often be avoided through good upfront advice and planning with an experienced property solicitor or lawyer. What are some common contractual issues and legal potholes that you should try and bypass? I speak to a property lawyer to find out. My guest on this episode is Kristy Muhlhan from Burke & Associates Lawyers. Kristy is the head of their Property Law Division and she shares a wealth of tips and ideas about keeping the legal side of property development in good shape. One of the traps that can catch people in property development is avoiding spending money to get good advice, particularly before you enter into a contract that is worth a large sum of money, be that a land purchase or a construction contract. However, good upfront advice can avoid a lot of issues later, and usually later means more messy and more expensive to fix. In this chat we discuss where property developers often come unstuck from a legal perspective, common legal structures that are used by developers and some key tips to consider before entering into any joint venture agreements. I am sure you will enjoy this conversation about key legal considerations in property development. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Legal issues around Property Development I did a past episode on the legal side of property development, so if legals are your thing then go back to episode 63 where I speak with solicitor Lewis O’Brien about some key considerations for developers before they sign contracts for large amounts of money. There’s plenty of other great advice from Lewis in that chat so be sure to re-listen to episode 63 of the Property Developer Podcast - https://propertydeveloperpodcast.com/2020/02/16/63-legal-tips-for-astute-property-developers/ Links Burke Associates Lawyers - https://www.burkelawyers.com.au Property Developer Training – https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast
87 – Andrew Bogut – When property development is no slam dunk
Anybody who has been through a few planning applications would know that strange things can happen along the way. Getting a permit is not always as easy as it sounds, particularly if there is some contentious element or interest groups start to mobilise against your application. This is exactly what happened to well known former professional basketball player Andrew Bogut when he tried to get a permit for a redevelopment project he wanted to do on some land he owned. Instead of being a straightforward application it turned into a massive fight that forced him to the courtroom, cost a lot of time and money, and tested his resolve. In this conversation Andrew shares how he was blindsided by a local interest group, how the local councillor hung him out to dry, why he ended up at a planning tribunal and how it all finished up. It was a pretty crazy journey for a guy who just wanted to redevelop his land. Many of the challenges that Andrew faced, I have been through myself with some planning applications, so it was interesting to get his take on the overall experience. There’s lots of practical advice and insight in this conversation, and I am sure you will enjoy it. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Links Andrew Bogut - https://www.andrewbogut.com/ Property Developer Training – www.propertydevelopertraining.com Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast
86 – Steadily delivering small scale property development projects
The classic pathway into property development is to start with renovations and then move into smaller developments and then on to small scale multi unit projects. And that is the journey that Paul Wilding has taken. I’ve known Paul for a few years and he’s been doing a number of small unit projects around Melbourne, some in similar areas to my own projects. Paul shares his insight into what he has learnt along the way including the importance of understanding market dynamics, how to start and grow a developing business, and how to research and analyze a new area to ensure you are delivering a product that meets market expectations. There’s lots of practical advice and insight in this conversation, and I am sure you will enjoy it. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Archives Remember to dig back into the archives and take a listen to some of the fantastic past guests on the show, including a great chat with developer Jonathan Hallinan back in episode 77. While Jonathan has done some amazing projects including high rise towers, he started off doing humble renovations and spent a lot of time and effort trying to maximize his returns. Jonathan shares so much gold in that chat so I encourage you to go back and take a listen to episode 77. It was certainly a highlight for me to speak with him. Links Raphael & Co. Property Group - http://www.raphaelgroup.com.au Property Developer Training – www.propertydevelopertraining.com Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast
85 – Justin Gehde – Lessons from a 14 townhouse development
This month I wrapped up a 14 townhouse project that I have been working on for nearly five years. It has been a long, challenging and eventful project. There have been many many lessons and I will share some with you. We have finished with all the settlements in the complex. I have one remaining unit left unsold which is currently on the market and I'm looking to get that sold in the next month or so. I had always planned on keeping this unit till the end of the project because it is bigger and unattached to the rest of the dwellings on the site, and will appeal to a different range of buyers than the other ones. Anyway, I will talk more about the lessons from this project in a moment. You can check out the video below of the finished product. On my other project, I am expecting the Building Permit to be issued any day now and then have the builder on site within the next few weeks. Can't wait to get that project underway. Hopefully we have minimal delays on getting that delivered. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Lessons Learned from my 14 townhouse property development project So, on this podcast I thought I would share some of the key lessons I took out of my just finished project. For those who have been listening to the podcast for a while would know that I have been battling away on this project for a number of years, probably close to five years, which included a failed trip to the planning tribunal to try and get a planning refusal overturned. So it has been a long road. Anyway, the project is basically done now and looks fantastic. Check some of the video posts I have made on the show's Insta and Facebook pages to see how it looks. I am very proud of the finished product and the buyers who have moved in are also delighted with their new homes. So what are the lessons I have learnt from this project? Let's go through some of them. These are in no particular order just reflections I have looking back over the past few years... 1. The illusion of perfection can drive frustration One of the challenges I continue to face is the expectation that things will go smoothly, even though I know and understand there will be challenges along the way. This can be a source of frustration when things go awry or problems pop up that annoy you. For example, I had to spend $6,000 getting a new electricity connection for one of the townhouses because the council wouldn’t allow the cables from the central meter to run across the front garden of one of the townhouses at the front of the site. This was frustrating and annoying, and shouldn’t have really happened if the services engineer had designed something that council would be happy with, but they didn’t and I had to sort it out. It was frustrating and shouldn’t have happened but it did. So the lesson for me was a reminder that bumps and unexpected turns are par for the course when doing a development and you just have to roll with them. 2. Growth happens when you are challenged So following on from the previous point about perfection, is also the benefit of challenges in terms of how they help you grow and adapt. The funny thing about challenges is that they force you to evolve and learn. Easy projects don’t really teach you much, you don't gain as much experience, so I think it is wise to embrace the pain when it happens so that you can evolve and expand as a developer. It is when things don’t go to plan that you can understand where things go wrong and what you can do in the future to try and make it sure it doesn’t happen again... The lesson on this point is that without the pain can you really enjoy the pleasure. 3. Nobody cares more about the project than you You can be sure that nobody wakes up in the morning more enthused to deliver your project than you. And that means you need to stay on top of the people who are working with you to make it happen to ensure things are getting done on time. You also need to provide a dose of inspiration to keep them interested and focused on the job. I do this through regular check ins and asking how things are going. It is also beneficial to remind people that you are grateful for the work they are doing on the project. So remember you are the conductor of the orchestra and you need to keep everyone in time and focused. 4. Confirmation bias can derail a property development project A huge lesson I learnt through this project is to be very wary of confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is where you believe your own view of the world. This stems from my loss at VCAT where I held a view that we should get a permit, and this view was supported by my team, and I accepted their reassurance because it mirrored my own. But we were wrong. The lesson is to try and remain open minded and explore the worst case scenarios so you can try to mitigate them, and be alert to believing that your own worldview is the likely outcome of a situation. 5. Maintain a strong financial picture throughout the project There are a lot of expenses involved with a property development project, and invoices fly in and money goes out all the time. Variations come up in building and numbers forecasted in feasibilities change regularly. The market moves, you might sell for more or less than you expected, and it is important to keep a good eye on how you are tracking so you know where you stand financially, as this has a big impact on your sales campaign and understanding what kind of sales results you need to get to achieve a certain financial outcome. It also forces you to maintain some financial accountability for how costs are tracking against forecasts. The lesson is to ensure you are regularly aware of how the project is tracking financially. That might mean a monthly report from your project accountant, or a consistent effort on tracking expenses and cashflow through your spreadsheet or however you plan on managing your project financials. 6. Property markets can change quickly Property cycles can change quickly. In the cycle of this project we went from a market reaching a peak, to a softening period, and then a massive growth phase again. There is no way you could have predicted that type of change in a five year period. It just goes to show how quickly the market can change, for the better and for the worse… The lesson is that it is very hard to predict where property markets will head so be aware they can change quickly. 7. Liquidity and contingency are the lifeblood of a property development project I think having sufficient cash to get you through a project is really important. It allows you to keep the project moving ahead, pay your team and other suppliers in a reasonable and fair timeframe, and reduces the overall stress level through the project. Having enough cash allows you to avoid delays while you scramble to raise capital, and to take care of some of those unexpected costs that pop up along the way. Having enough working capital makes a big difference to how you manage a project. It facilitates less volatility in your decision making, and allows you to keep things moving. For example, we had some water issues on site that required $11,000 of additional drainage works, while I was not happy about having to pay for it, and looked for alternatives and ways of not doing it, ultimately there was money in the contingency for that exact type of situation, the works got done and paid for. So the lesson here is a timely reminder to have enough cash ahead of each stage of a project so you can keep things moving along. 8. It is helpful to have investors/stakeholders who understand the risks During a project when everything runs smoothly and exactly to plan you may not face many issues from people who have invested in your project, but when things don’t go exactly to plan that’s when it pays to have ensured your investors are educated about the risks of a project and what can happen along the way. The added stress of dealing with anxious investors would certainly add another level of complexity to a project. So the lesson here is to carefully vet who you accept money from and make sure you take the time to explain the potential risks involved with the project, and try to partner with people who have experience in investing. 9. There's a great sense of satisfaction from having happy customers One of the great benefits of doing property development is the sense of satisfaction and gratification when you hand ov
84 – Matt Chamberlain – Lessons learned from 15 property development projects
There’s nothing like experience to provide some hard won lessons on what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to delivering a property development project. While every project is different, there are some fundamentals that can be applied across projects to help things go as smoothly as possible. Matt Chamberlain from Chamberlain Property has delivered more than a dozen small scale development projects and shares with us some of the tips and ideas that have worked for him. We cover the importance of research and understanding the market you are working in so that you can prepare a great feasibility, how resilience is something that has really helped Matt get through the many challenges he has faced, and how his business probably grew too quickly in the first few years. Keep an ear out for how Matt likes to shape his feasibilities and the key metric he looks at to ensure his land cost is no too high. Project Updates MontVue - Titles issued, trying to wrap up practical completion and get Settlements booked in. Cambridge - Finally got town planning endorsement of the plans and drawings, working on building permit documentation so construction can get started. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Archives Don’t forget there is a rich archive of past episodes if you want to go back and take a listen to all my past guests, there’s some absolute crackers in the vault. I was thinking the other day of my chat with former Victorian Premier and trained architect, Ted Ballieu in episode 73 and how we talked about the decay and disappointment of the planning system, definitely worth a listen. Links Property Developer Training - www.propertydevelopertraining.com Chamberlain Property - www.chamberlainproperty.com.au Property Developer Podcast - www.propertydeveloperpodcast.com Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast
83 – Peter Siassios – How to grow a fantastic property development business
Many developers look to grow their business quickly, trying to scale and improve their returns. But scaling rapidly comes with risk, as you expose yourself to more debt and leverage. However, slow and steady might just win the race. My guest today has taken a measured approach to growing his development business, and we'll discuss his deliberate approach to scaling and growing a property company. I am speaking with Peter Siassios from Inland Property Group. Peter is doing some awesome townhouse projects and slowly growing his development empire. We have a great conversation about how he has gone from tradie to developer and what he has learnt along the way. Peter has been working on controlling as many parts of the development process as he can including building his own projects. Some key points we covered include: 1. The importance of knowing who your buyer is and the power of meeting with them 2. Sticking to what you are good at and knowing your area 3. Take your time to grow Property Developer Training I have been humbled by the number of people who have signed up to the Property Developer Training. Thank you to them all. If you would like to get started in property development and want an easy to consume course that takes you step by step through the development cycle then head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and check out what's included. I've been getting great feedback from people, including Declan who says: "I highly recommend the Property Developer Training to anyone wanting to take their developing to the next level. It takes much of what is discussed on the Property Developer Podcast and translates it into the practical process of development. Great training on feasibilities and construction costs." Thank you Declan, glad you enjoyed the training. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Project Updates MontVue Exciting times at Mountain View Rd as we have held our first group of buyer inspections on the completed townhouses. It's the first time people have had a chance to wander around their new home so it is a big milestone in the project. I am very close to satisfying all the permit conditions for the subdivision permit which will allow council to issue a Statement of Compliance and enable the new titles to be issued and sent to the Titles Office. And that means that settlements are on the near horizon. Yeehaw! One other point of interest on that project is that I finalized an off market sale directly with one of the neighbors to the site. Was fun to work with them on the sale. Funny how some things happen during a project. Cambridge On my other project I am still waiting to get Town Planning endorsement from council, it's coming up to 3 months now, far out, it's so slow, anyway, we are finalizing our funding facility and getting the final pieces in place so that we can get our Building Permit and get going. I Can't wait to get that project underway and it's going to look awesome when it is finished Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Check out Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] and Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] for my latest project updates and other development related news. Links Property Developer Training - www.propertydevelopertraining.com Inland Property Group - www.inlandpg.com.au
82 – Zoltan Celedes – Property Development Partnerships and Joint Ventures
Property developing is often a solo pursuit for many but partnering up can be a great way to accelerate your business and complete more projects, however there are some important boxes to tick before you join up with someone else. There are many benefits to joint venturing and we will discuss what these are along with some pitfalls to avoid and mistakes to sidestep. "If you are not at the next level and you want to be, there's a reason." Zoltan Celedes - Arena Equity Property Development Joint Ventures and Partnerships Today’s guest is an old colleague of mine Zoltan Celedes. I met Zoltan many years ago as he was doing his first 3 unit development project and we have stayed in touch ever since, and he has gone on to do numerous projects of varying sizes. What is interesting about Zoltan’s story is how he partnered up with another developer that you know, John Marquez, who has featured a number of times on the show. So this is the story of why they decided to team up and what they have learnt from it. We also discuss how they attract investors to help fund their projects and what you can learn from their experience. In this discussion we cover: - Why Zoltan entered into a business partnership to accelerate his property developing - the importance of formalizing agreements, and - some tips on attracting investors to fund your projects. Keep an ear out during this conversation for the reason why you shouldn’t enter a joint venture, as I think it is a great point that Zoltan makes, and one that maybe isn't considered enough. This is a great discussion about how partnerships can help take you to the next level. Current Project Updates Here’s a quick update on my current projects. So practical completion is fast approaching on my project under construction, most of the townhouses are basically completed, it’s only the three at the front that are having internal fixings done, the next big task is getting the new driveway and crossovers done, which will be a pretty big job, as there’s about 70-80 meters of driveway to pour plus three crossovers. On my other project, we are still waiting for council to endorse our town planning drawings, even though it's been more than six weeks since we submitted our application but they still haven’t finalized it, which is quite frustrating, anyway, we are busy with all the pre construction activities like getting the finance finalized and readying for construction to get underway. The big news on that project is that I have finally signed a contract with a builder to deliver the construction, which is great, as it has taken more than six months to finalize that, but not without a couple of shocking price rises along the way. Anyway, we are now speeding towards getting them on site and started. Property Developer Training I’ve got some big news to share. As you know I have been working for months on putting together an online program for people who are interested in learning about how to develop property and it is finally ready to open up. I get so many emails from listeners who say that they are really keen to get started in developing but don’t know where to start or how to go about it, so in response I have put this training together. It is like looking over my shoulder as I go through a development project. We cover: the importance of preparation and getting read finding the right team members at the right time researching the market to ensure you are developing something the market wants finding a great develop site running a great financial feasibility project finance including construction funding how to prepare a strong planning application pre-construction mode including selling off the plan (if you need to) finding and selecting a builder, and then moving into construction and completion closing out and getting paid! So I clearly cover each stage of the development cycle. I've had a few test pilots going through the training and the feedback has been fantastic, so now I'm ready to let more people in. If you are interested in learning how to develop but have been holding off, well now you have a good excuse to jump in, as the course is designed for you to consume at your own pace and in your own time, with lots of checklists and guides to keep you on track. Head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and check out the video I have put together explaining what include in the course. I am really happy with it and I would love to see you on the inside. And as a special launch offer, if you email me and let me know what your favorite episode of the show is, I will give you a discount code to knock off a substantial amount from the course fee. My email is [email protected] I look forward to seeing you on the inside. Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Check out Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] and Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] for my latest project updates and other development related news. Links Property Developer Training - www.propertydevelopertraining.com
81 – John Marquez – Removing single dwelling restrictions from a potential development site
Finding a great property development site only to discover it has a restriction on the title like a single dwelling covenant can be very frustrating and often leads to a potential project being ruled out. However, getting covenants lifted or modified is not an impossible task, but it can be tricky. Fortunately, we are speaking with a previous guest who has lifted not only one, but two, restrictive covenants in two very different ways. So let's find out what's involved with varying or removing a single dwelling covenant or other restriction on a property's title. "Be inquisitive and you might learn something useful." John Marquez Lifting Restrictive Land Covenants What is a covenant How do I know I have a restrictive covenant Ways to remove a covenant Who to use Removing via Planning Process Removing via Supreme Court Determining which option to go with Listen out for how John ended up at sitting in the Supreme Court thinking they may lose his case... Property Developer Training If you are keen to get started today in learning about the property development process and what you need to do at each step, then jump into the Property Developer Training course (www.propertydevelopertraining.com). This is the program that Justin has put together to help you get quickly started in property developing. Complete the course at your own pace and in your own time, and learn the tips, trips and techniques that Justin has used in all his projects. Find out more at www.propertydevelopertraining.com Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at... Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Check out Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] and Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] for my latest project updates and other development related news. Transcription JustinHello and welcome to episode 81 of the show. Thanks for joining me. Trust you well. I'm doing OK just sitting in another lock down in Melbourne, so it's been another couple of weeks of just sitting at home with the kids around and. Everyone getting a bit bored, but we're working our way through it and we're just about to come out the other side, so fingers crossed that we can continue being open. So fortunately, residential construction has remained open, which has been good for my project because workers continued things are looking good on site. All the scaffolding is come down now so it looks really nice on site without any of the scaffolding around and you can see the designs of the buildings shining through. The interiors are being worked on. Some of the interiors of the. Town houses are just about done is starting on the landscaping. They've poured some of the driveway and the finish line is insight, so it's been quite good. Although there's been the usual issues that have popped up that require some solutions to problems, but that's part of developing so things are moving along there, which is really exciting on my other project. The site has been cleared. It's looking really good. We've submitted our town planning package into council for endorsement, so we're just waiting for them to hopefully stamp that. We've managed to achieve our pre sales which is good and we're just getting ready to start construction. So going through all the financial documentation and getting all the conditions sorted out so everything happening there as well. So it's been a very busy couple of months for me now. One good part about the lock down in Melbourne is that I had a little bit of time to wrap up my training program which has been good and I now have some people in there testing it out. And I'll be opening it up soon to other people. So if you are interested in learning how to develop property then please email me [email protected] and I can send you some more information about the program. I'm sure it's going to be something that people really enjoy now. Speaking of my project updates, be sure to check out my social channels on Insta and Facebook under the handle of property developer podcasts and you can see all my latest project updates. I do video updates about how the sites are looking, so if you want to check out how they're progressing, that's where you can find them. And I also post other property development related news, so go check him out. OK, onto today's guest. A friend of mine, John Marquez, will be familiar to people who listen to the show. John was my very first guest on the show way back in Episode 2 and we also talked to him in episode 12. John is a very active developer, done a number of projects, couple of four units sites a couple of 10 unit sites. He's got quite a few projects happening and we're going to talk about John's experience getting restrictive covenants lifted off property. So this is a conversation we haven't had before on the show. It's quite interesting about how you can get a covenant lifted off a potential development site. So in this conversation with John, we're going to talk about what is a restrictive covenant and how do you know if the land you're looking at has one? Who do you need help from to remove a covenant? And how do you actually go about getting them lifted? So keep an ear out in this conversation for how John ended up sitting in the Supreme Court of Victoria, wondering whether or not he may be losing his case. So this discussion between John and I is just that, a conversation. It's not legal advice about how to get a covenant removed. You need to talk to a good lawyer about getting that done. If it's something that you're thinking of doing anyway, I really enjoyed this chat about restrictive covenants. It's a good one. I'm sure you'll get something out of it, so let's head over to Jaune. John Marquez from Arena equity. John - 0:04:25Welcome back to the Property Developer Podcast. Thanks again Justin. Good to be back for those who joined the podcast a bit late in the piece. Justin - 0:04:37John was actually my very first guest on the show in episode #2 and then you came back and joined us for episode #12. So if you want to find out a bit more about John go back and have a listen to those two episodes. But you've had a pretty interesting property development career so far. You've decided to tackle a couple of interesting projects which we might touch on a couple of them today, but you did a small. For you to project is your first project and then you partnered up with someone and took on some bigger projects. And one of them involved removing a covenant which we're going to talk about today. Removing covenants, but maybe just give us a quick snapshot of what you've been up to since we last spoke. You've definitely had a few more projects under the belt. Well, one of them that I forgot to mention was a trip to the Planning Tribunal, which you weren't successful at. John - 0:05:40So yeah, you've had a pretty colorful developing career. Yeah, that's correct. I mean, it's it's funny, isn't it that when we first start developing and for those of us that have had mentors in the past where sort of told this is what you should look for in relation to a site has let your agents know these dimensions this size. This and that? And then we just find that the properties that we actually come across and end up buying completely curveballs an. In tough markets, sometimes you just have to accept the fact that. You will come across sites with problems and challenges and we've just found that that's been the best learning for us. Yes, I think we last spoke. Justin - 0:06:28You tackling an 8 unit site that's definitely been wrapped up. Or maybe it was a 10 units. I think he did another 10 units site. So then you've got a. I think you're just finishing a four unit site. You've just acquired another 4 unit site, so you've been pretty active. John - 0:06:49Yeah, so as soon as I joined forces with my other business partner we. We just spent the time we both, uh, sorry, tell that an auction where the prices blue beyond anything we thought it would, and so we sort of both had the idea. At the same time that we need to step up to the next level because there's just too many people like this three to four unit sites. Just too much competition, so it's finally as soon as we make that decision. We started finding larger sites quite easily. Things have changed now, but. Yeah, it's quite surprising how quickly we found them. Justin - 0:07:33So I think your first project as a partnership was this. Is that a 10 unit site anyway? Was the site that had a single dwelling covenant. So let's talk about we're going to focus on covenants and removal of them. So let's give you've got two projects that you've done now, so perhaps you could talk us through that first sight, and then we'll move on to the other side. That has had a covenant in, and how they were slightly different. John - 0:08:01OK so the it's funny the first sight. But we actually came across the header covenants with the one dwelling covenant....
80 – Partnering with a sibling to tackle property developing
Partnering up with somebody to do a property development project is not uncommon but would you do it with your sibling and take on some big towers? But before we get to that, here’s a quick update on my townhouse projects. Construction is moving along nicely with project 1, most of the site is at lock up stage, which is good. Actually had a meeting with a council enforcement officer last week to discuss noise complaints from a neighbor but fortunately we were compliant with our obligations so no action will be taken against us. Been spending this week working through the usual build ability issues that pop up on site. On my other project, we are trying to finalize all the documentation and supporting materials to go back into council for endorsement and the building permit. It seems we are getting approval for the shorter crossover alignment, which has taken nearly 12 months to resolve. I’ve also booked in the demolition of the existing house. Still a lot to do on this project with getting funding finalized and construction started. Episode Guests Today’s guests are brothers Fayad and Remon Fayad from Ellerson Property in Sydney. Based in Parramatta, in Sydney’s west, Fayad and Remon have between them 40 years of experience in property. Having grown up in a family of builders, the boys have joined forces to deliver a range of project in the residential, retail and commercial sectors. In this chat, we discuss why they decided to team up, their focus on understanding the customer journey and what they learnt from the pullback of bank funding. Keep an ear out for the discussion around running design competitions. Property Developer Training If you are keen to get started today in learning about the property development process and what you need to do at each step, then jump into the Property Developer Training course (www.propertydevelopertraining.com). This is the program that Justin has put together to help you get quickly started in property developing. Complete the course at your own pace and in your own time, and learn the tips, trips and techniques that Justin has used in all his projects. Find out more at www.propertydevelopertraining.com Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at... Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Socials If you would like to see how my projects are progressing, check out the video updates on the show’s Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] and Instagram feeds [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/], they are both under the handle of Property Developer Podcast, so take a look at how things are going. If you are interested in getting into property development, head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take the quick quiz to see how ready you might be to get started, or if you would like to get some mentoring, email me [email protected] and I will send you some info on the program that is available to guide you through the property development process. Links Ellerson Property - https://ellersonproperty.com.au Transcription Well we're here today to talk about property developing and the two of you have been involved in property development and you've partnered up and set up your own developing company but give us a bit of a background of yourselves and how you got into developing and what you're up to. I've been in property for 20 years now straight out of school I was lucky enough to be involved in a family business at the outset predominantly construction, so construction background, getting buildings up more of the hands on and then more recently involved in property development side of the business acquisition funding and project marketing. And then up until recently found that that's probably my cup of tea and teamed up with Remon to start this new venture and Ellerson. So yeah. And what about you remind me? I guess it's it's in our blood. So we're we're in development since we're since we're born. Great grandfather was in construction back in Lebanon. Grandfather started the original business here when he moved over early, early mid sixties. And then yeah just I mean our whole life it's been property so go on family barbecues going a family is just always property of the uncles and cousins, everyone involved in it. So there was really not as no escape but it's always in use genius naturally it's involved and you're like fade straight from school, went into the construction side and and started from there and then how did you get into doing projects again? Yeah. Just from starting from starting for construction on site, seeing how it all unfolded. Obviously learning from our father who was has been, who guided us and was our role model just just learning from him and yeah, Ellerson now gives us an opportunity to start our official first development together. There was developments that we were doing under the family umbrella together. But this is our real coming alive, we're coming out now doing our first one together. It's one in Parramatta which is our Heartland. So it's an exciting ones built to run win. So one that we will always keep, so I'll always have better sentimental value to build to rent. Products are first one and one that will always keep within the business and fired. What sort of projects were you doing along the way with a Townhouse projects? Apartment projects, what we're cutting your teeth on straight out of school? I was laboring on apartment projects. My first foray as a site foreman was actually 14 town houses in carling furred. So my first project under my my I guess guidance or leadership were town houses after that. More multi density, so multi dwelling sort of apartments, townhouses, duplexes, villas, so that that sort of space more recently focused on apartments, medi density, high density. that's where we are at the moment. Yeah. And what about you Remon? What sort of projects were you cutting your teeth on? I've got a bit more of an interesting background. When I started construction straight out of school, I went to the construction site, obviously just thinking it was going to be a part of me and following in fade footsteps following my dad's footsteps. Probably about a month after, after HSC went on site about a month into it. I was on a Townhouse site as well, probably about 25, 25 townhouses and during the course in Taft during the, the building costs and just came home one day and pulled them aside and said, I don't know how to tell you this, but I don't like construction. So I always went to mom first. She was always a soft loan you can talk to, always be worried about what dad's gonna think. So. And she said, what are you worried for? So then I had to go through it all and mentioned it to dad and dad was like, yeah, it's no big deal is like, oh, it's a bit easier than I thought. So he said, yeah, go out and do whatever you want. I think in the back of his mind, he always knew I would eventually come back and it's what I did. So yeah I left the company for a bit and what often got into sports management. So managing football players and managing sports players. Which yeah I was always into sport, growing up rugby league, soccer, swimming, basketball the whole lot. So I always had that idea in my mind. But again dad was right after about and about a year yeah I came back to him and said ok yeah can you find me another job? So then he put me in the office and so it wasn't so much the construction side of it, it was more the development side so acquisition planning sales of that kind of which has been a good balance for fate and the fate of myself, it was always a construction I and I was a bit more development. So it worked out well in the end now we're seeing all of it together but he's always got that extra I'll construction and from the development of planning side it's that's probably my stronger point and fired. How come you decided that you would team up? We worked together hand in hand in the business, predominantly roman looked after the functions of, as you just mentioned, acquisition planning and where's my strengths were in construction and delivery. We were prepared previously and we just decided to continue. I guess it was it was a natural, was a natural connection just an extension or a new chapter of of what we were and what we were doing best previously. So yeah, I think taking nothing away from what the old generation did. It was just, it was just about the experience with the knowledge, we had the support of family to do it. And I think it was, it was just the right time. It was just we were doing our own thing, was starting to do a bit by bit, but now we wanted to officially make it our own company and start our own, start our own thing. So to be fair to say that the projects that you're working on previously within the your dad's business was around delivering projects for other clients, will be doing a mix of your own stuff plus for clients. Yeah, but in the last 10 years, 10-15 years was a lot of our stuff....
79 – David Whelan – Adapting your property development to an alternative use
Building to sell is the classic model that property developers often follow. They create value, realise the gain and then recycle their capital and do it all again. But when market conditions change this may dramatically impact the bottom line and render this model unviable. So what do you do if you are starting a project or half way through? Well, one option may be to repurpose your project and exit that way, or you could choose to hold on to the stock and ride out the change. Adapting your stock to longer stay accommodation might be a model that suits your needs. It enables stock to be held longer without huge changeover costs, and can create an appreciating asset base with good cash flow. I am speaking with David Whelan from Urban Rest Apartments about how they are working with developers to convert their projects from build to sell and turn them into higher yielding assets. Property Developer Training If you are keen to get started today in learning about the property development process and what you need to do at each step, then jump into the Property Developer Training course (www.propertydevelopertraining.com). This is the program that Justin has put together to help you get quickly started in property developing. Complete the course at your own pace and in your own time, and learn the tips, trips and techniques that Justin has used in all his projects. Find out more at www.propertydevelopertraining.com Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Links Urban Rest Apartments - https://www.urbanrest.com.au
78 – Rod Fehring – Property development lessons to grow your property business
Decades of experience have taught Rod Fehring a thing or two about property development, and he shares some of the lessons learned along the way about how to create a successful property development business. In this episode we explore those lessons, the standout projects and the future of Australian residential property. Project update - Project 1 - framing well underway, couple more sales, 75% sold - Project 2 - assessing build quotes, readying to make a decision on who to appoint, about to launch marketing campaign Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Today's Guest is Rod Fehring In episode #76 [https://propertydeveloperpodcast.com/2020/12/03/76-becoming-the-head-of-a-billion-dollar-property-developer/] we covered Rod's career, how he went from humble public servant to head of one of Australia's largest public property development companies, Frasers Property before he retired in 2020. In the follow up conversation, we cover memorable projects, lessons learned, social housing, future of Australia housing markets Links Frasers Property Australia – https://www.frasersproperty.com.au
77 – Jonathan Hallinan – How to own the property development process
Delivering high rise tower projects was the driving aspiration for Jonathan Hallinan from BPM Corp, and he rushed to get there from a humble start on a renovation project. Jonathan has followed the quintessential property development path, starting off with a small property purchase, doing a renovation and subdivision, then getting into small multi unit townhouse developments, graduating into apartment projects and finally leaping into high rise buildings with hundreds of units in them. Jonathan worked tirelessly on his projects, often directly managing all aspects of the process including doing sales himself. "I own the entire development process." Jonathan Hallinan He learnt a lot along the way and he shares many lessons during this discussion. Keep an ear out for how Jonathan managed the rise from small to big projects, the one key aspect of managing the whole process that enabled him to accelerate his growth, and how he stayed focused throughout his career. Project Updates Now, if you would like to see how my projects are progressing, I do post regular video updates on the show’s Facebook and Instagram feeds, along with other news and tidbits and they are both under the handle of Property Developer Podcast, so be sure to check them out. Check out Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] and Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast
76 – Rod Fehring – Becoming the head of a billion dollar property developer
Amassing a $4.5 billion dollar portfolio of property assets is a pretty impressive feat for a property development company, and in this episode I am speaking with the head of the organization about how they achieved that and the lessons learned along the way. My guest on the show is Rod Fehring, the former CEO of Fraser's Property Australia. He recently stepped down from the role but has taken up a position on the Frasers Property Australia Board. Strategic Growth and Sustained Value During Rod’s time as the head of Frasers Property Australia, it amassed a $4.5 billion portfolio of assets, and grew at a compound rate of 25 per cent, all the while he championed sustainability, gender diversity and action on climate change. "Direct capital to where value is created." Rod has a long history in the development industry and involvement with a number of landmark projects dotted across the country. We discuss Rod's early career and how he advanced up the ladder, tackling bigger and bigger projects, until he was in charge of one of Australia's largest property developers. I enjoyed this conversation so much, that after it ended I asked Rod for a follow up discussion, which he agreed to and I will bring to you in a future episode. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Frasers Property Australia - https://www.frasersproperty.com.au
75 – Joe Adsett – Daring and dangerous property development
Daring and dangerous are two words you would not normally associate with property development, but my latest guest suggests that may in fact be a way to create something fresh and exciting to bring to market, and carve out your own space in a competitive sector. Can you be daring and dangerous and still deliver successful projects? Let's find out... Before we get to that, I have to say I have some amazing guests lined up for the next few episodes and I can’t wait to bring them to you so stay tuned! Thanks to the many people who have emailed me recently saying they have found the show and have been really enjoying it. Feel free to post a comment on iTunes if you are also getting some value from the show. And remember you can find all my latest project updates and other news on Facebook and Insta under the handle of Property Developer Podcast. Okay before we get to today’s guest, if you are interested in learning how to develop then we have the mentoring program available to help show you everything you need to know to become a successful property developer. Email me [email protected] if you want to know more Property developers should not be afraid of being daring and dangerous.Joe Adsett Right, on to today’s guest, Joe Adsett. Joe is a Brisbane based architect that has turned his hand to developing his own projects. Like many architects, Joe started his practice and took on whatever commissions he could win. As he grew and evolved he did some renovation projects along the way, and started designing luxury residential homes for his growing client base. He was then presented with an unexpected opportunity to do a development project and that gave him a taste for being the developer and delivering exciting projects he could control. The decision to do his own projects had a number of unintended consequences for Joe and the architecture practice, which he will share during our conversation. There’s a lot of great lessons in this chat, so keep an ear out for the importance of having the right alignment with your project team partners, the benefits of being daring and dangerous, and how you can identify and amplify your success. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcastProperty Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Lessons for real estate developers I like seeing an architect daring to take control of their designs and bringing them to reality, he’s putting his money and reputation on the line, and in doing so gets an intimate understanding of a development project and the risks involved. Here’s three things I took away from our conversation. 1. Ensure alignment with your property development team partners Ensure you have the right values alignment with your property development team partners. Having the right people on your team is central to the success of the project, and making sure that you feel confident in working with them, potentially for a few years, is really important, as there will be bumps and issues along the way, and you need good people to help you solve problems and work through dilemmas. 2. Be a daring a dangerous property developer Be daring and dangerous in your projects. Okay, so you generally don’t want to be dangerous when you are delivering a project! But what Joe was getting at when he said this, was to not be afraid of trying something new, you don’t just have to follow the crowd, you can carve your own path and deliver something fresh to the market. So, how can you be daring and dangerous on your next project??? 3. Look at the reasons for your success Success leaves clues, so have you taken some time to think about and articulate the reasons why you have managed to get where you are today. What are your strengths that have underpinned your success? Joe’s advice is to focus more on those attributes and turn up the dial on them, as this will help amplify your success and achievement. I really like that suggestion, so perhaps its time for a personal awesomeness audit, what do you think you have been good at so far in life? Alright, if you enjoyed that chat with architect Joe Adsett then you might like to go way back to episode 10 where I speak with the architect who has helped me on my projects Dom Cerantonio, from CSA. We talked a lot about the value of great design and Dom had this comment about the need for bringing something of quality to the market [insert grab]. As usual, there’s heaps of great tips and ideas in the chat so go back to episode 10 and take a listen [https://propertydeveloperpodcast.com/2016/03/16/how-good-design-can-boost-the-returns-on-a-property-development/] And you can catch my project update videos on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] and Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] at Property Developer Podcast, plus lots of other news, views and fun things. So, until next time, may you be daring and dangerous with your next development project. Links Joe Adsett Architects - https://www.joeadsett.com.au
74 – Ruskin McLennan – Developing property in Japan
Developing property in another country is not something most people would turn their minds to, but opportunities exist everywhere and maybe it’s not as hard as you think, as my latest guest explains about his experience developing in Japan. Some developers focus on a particular location and become an area specialist, others branch out and explore across a city, some go further and look interstate, but very few look beyond the borders of their home country. In this episode we speak with someone who ended up doing projects in Japan, and what an interesting tale it is. I'm sure you will enjoy it. Justin's Project Update I’m well, still in lockdown in Melbourne, have to say I am pretty bored of it all and looking forward to some changes but who knows when that will be… anyway, work continues slowly at my site. The drainage people are on site digging trenches and installing big pipes and pits around the place, which is great to see. Checkout the Property Developer Podcast Facebook or Insta feed to check out the short video I shot of the drainage works being done. On the sales front we are seeing a bit of a surge of interest, which I think is due to pent up demand and people wanting to act after some lockdown restrictions were relaxed a little allowing private inspections. Plus the Homebuilder grant is due to expire in a few months so that may be creating some urgency for buyers to act and take advantage of the money on offer. It is good to see some activity back in the market, I hope it continues. On my other project, I am assessing what to do as there is a moratorium on evictions in Victoria until March next year so we cannot get our property vacant until the middle of next year which has an impact on our planned timelines. It certainly is an interesting time for the property industry. Hopefully government incentives and support measures continue to be rolled out to help keep the sector viable and vibrant. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Property development in Japan Okay, on to today’s guest, who’s story I am sure you are going to love. This discussion is a reminder about the many different ways that you can become a developer, and it doesn’t even need to be in your own country! So I am speaking with Ruskin McLennan who has spent decades doing real estate projects in Japan. Ruskin started off tackling a ski resort project, learnt a few hard lessons and then got heavily involved with land subdivision, which he is still actively doing today. There were so many questions I had for Ruskin, like how does a guy from central New South Wales end up doing property deals in Japan? Why would you develop in Japan? How difficult is it to do developments there? Who are the buyers? And so many more. This is a fascinating discussion, one that I really enjoyed, and I’m sure you will too. Lessons for real estate developers What an interesting journey that Ruskin has been on, I really enjoyed speaking with him about his experiences in Japan and what he has learnt along the way. Here’s a couple of things I took away from the conversation: 1. You don’t need to develop property in your local area Okay, so I’m sure you understand that you don’t need to develop property in your local neighborhood, but I’m guessing the prospect of developing property in another country has probably not been at the top of your list! But it goes to show that property development opportunities can exist anywhere, including in foreign markets. So, maybe it’s not that scary a thought of doing a project in another state or even another part of the city… 2. Understand your capability and risk appetite As Ruskin found out, it was all well and good to get a permit to build a ski resort, but they didn’t have the financial means or skill to physically develop the property, so he was wise enough to recognize that and bring in somebody who could take over the project. And from then on he realized he was better suited to land subdivision and sales. This is a good reminder to be aware of what you can handle and are prepared to take on, so understand your limits and what areas of the development process you are prepared to push through. Alright, I trust you enjoyed that conversation with Ruskin, if you did then you might want to go back and take a listen to the episodes featuring past guest Don O’Rorke who Ruskin mentioned was the guy who came in and took over the ski resort development, Don has been on the show a few times and is well worth the time to listen to his advice and wisdom. You can go back to episodes 52 and 53, and hear Don share his tips on how to build a billion dollar developing company, here is a taste of what you can expect, Don talks a fair bit about his philosophy of pulling deals together. I assure you it is worth going back and listening to Don talk about property developing [https://propertydeveloperpodcast.com/2018/11/14/52-how-to-build-a-multi-billion-dollar-property-developing-company-part-1/]. Remember to email me if you are interested in learning how to develop property, [email protected] and I can send you some further info. And you can catch my project update videos on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] and Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] at Property Developer Podcast, plus lots of other news, views and fun things. Links Peak Niseko Property - www.peakniseko.com Justin’s project update - https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Pics from Justin's Project Drainage works are underway at my latest townhouse project. Trenches are being dug, pipes are being laid.
73 – Ted Baillieu – Planning system decay, dispute and disappointment in property development
Decay, dispute and disappointment is how former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu describes the planning system. In this thought provoking discussion we will cover who cares about rising construction costs and how developers can deliver better outcomes. Most property developers lament at their experiences of going through the planning system. There often seems so much about it that is frustrating and inexplicable for marginal outcomes. That’s why this discussion with Ted Baillieu is so interesting and thought provoking. Ted is a trained architect, turned politician, who was premier of Victoria from 2010 to 2013. His family also has a long connection to the real estate industry across Victoria. Most property developers lament at their experiences of going through the planning system This is not a uniquely Victorian story, I think the topics we cover are relevant in most areas and I’m sure they will be familiar to most developers. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Pro Property Development While Ted openly admits to being pro-development, that doesn’t mean its just open slather for projects getting approval. While in opposition, Ted was among other things, the shadow minister for planning, so he understands the issues and challenges that relate to property developing, coupled with his professional training in architecture. So I think Ted brings a unique perspective to the table in terms of the wider social/political environment in which planning occurs, and then the practical aspects of the developing process. He also has a unique insight into what it’s like balancing the competing interests on all side of planning and developing when you are the government of the day. During the conversation we cover some very interesting ground including why construction costs continue to rise, what’s wrong with the planning process, and the ongoing importance of understanding your local market. Keep an ear out for Ted describing the slow decay of the planning process and the impact that has on the confidence that all parties have in the system. Now, the audio of this recording is not as great as I would like, but stick with it, as there is some real gold in this conversation. Lessons for real estate developers Okay, there you go. I hope you enjoyed that conversation as much as I did. I found it fascinating to hear some of Ted’s thoughts on how the planning process is letting many people down, including developers, and what can be done to fix it. Sadly, I think many governments are too afraid of upsetting people to make any meaningful changes to the system. Anyway, here are three things I took away from the discussion: 1. Property developers should raise their sights Ted’s key piece of advice for property developers looking to take their business to the next level is to raise their sights. So, how can you improve your current or next project? Can you up the quality of the design, improve communal spaces, sharpen the finish? There’s so many little things that you can look at to improve your overall project. 2. Keep your local community on board when proposing new property development projects For some people, community engagement can be a challenge, and I think that relates to people saying no or rejecting your proposal. As Ted says, these people are often your potential buyers, and may actually have some good ideas on how aspects of the project could be improved. I’ve certainly experienced anger and frustration from locals on new projects so I understand how challenging it can be at times, but I think listening and being open to community feedback is a good skill to have. 3. Understand your local property market This was an interesting point that Ted made about delivering product that the local market needs or wants, versus what you can build based on the planning scheme in the area. I think there will always be some tension between residents who live in an area in a certain type of dwelling, say larger blocks with singe houses on them, and developers who may want to add a different type of stock in the area, and maybe attract a slightly different group into the area. I think listening to the concerns of locals, and genuinely seeing what can be done to alleviate those concerns, is a good first step to overcoming resistance. And there will always be a group of people who simply don’t want any change at all. It all comes back to being certain about what you are offering is in demand for the area. Alright, if you enjoyed that chat with Ted Baillieu, you might like to go back and listen to episode 40 where I spoke with planning expert David Crowder about how you can give yourself the best chance of obtaining a good planning outcome. There is a lot of gold in that chat so be sure to revisit episode 40 with David Crowder. Okay, don’t forget to email me if you want to learn more about the property developing mentoring program, email [email protected] and I will send you some further info. You can always find me on Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] for my latest project updates, videos and other fun stuff, just search for Property Developer Podcast. Feel free to drop a comment on iTunes if you are enjoying the show, and until next time, may all your planning applications be speedy and positive.
72 – James Paver – Lessons from large scale property development projects
Large property development projects have unique challenges, but some of them are familiar to what can happen on projects of any size. I'm talking with someone who has experience with projects that range in size and sector. As I record this episode, Melbourne has started stage 4 lockdowns to prevent the spread of COVID19, which means many businesses are closed and movement is severely restricted. So the kids are home from school and we don’t get to go out much. This certainly has been a strange year, and I hope you are managing to negotiate it as best you can. Fortunately, it looks like the residential construction sector will still be able to operate although at much lower levels which means work should continue on my site, but perhaps at a slower rate. I’m still waiting to find out exactly what it means from the builder. Otherwise, we had been making reasonable progress on site with earthworks underway to prepare the levels for the drains and foundations. I've posted a video update on Facebook and Insta if you want to check out how things are progressing. We have been having some issues with wet soil due to winter weather and that has slowed things down a little, but we will work through that. Not much to report on my other project as we continue to work through the construction documentation. "It doesn't matter what size the project is, each line item will have some risk associated with it." Don’t forget that if you are interested in learning how to develop, we have the mentoring program that is available to guide you through the development process and help you develop safely and profitably, email me, [email protected] if you want to find out more. And thanks to the people that have sent me some amazing emails over the past few weeks thanking me for producing the show, I am very grateful for your support and I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. And thank you for listening in. Without you there would be no point to the podcast. We’ve still got so much ground to cover with the show so keep listening as we learn the lessons from people across the industry. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Today's guest - James Paver from Avenor Okay, on to today’s guest, James Paver from Avenor. Avenor is an Australian property development, investment and services firm with expertise in the initiation and delivery of commercial, residential and major mixed-use projects across the country. James and his team have worked on a range of deals, large and small, so he brings insight into what makes a successful project, along with the lessons learnt from getting projects started and completed. In this conversation we cover the importance of community engagement, what to do when things don't go to plan and what large and small projects have in common. Keep an ear out for what James thinks that smaller projects can learn from larger ones. I think you will enjoy this conversation. Lessons for property developers I hope you enjoyed that chat with James. It just goes to show that it doesn't matter what size project you are working on, many of the challenges and issues are the same. Here's a couple of things I took away from my conversation 1. Expect challenges no matter the size of the development project It seems that it doesn't matter what size project you work on, whether it is a 45 story tower or a 4 unit townhouse development, you can expect to face challenges getting a planning permit. Many issues seem to be universal like dealing with mercurial councils, local objectors and the shifting sands of property markets. 2. Identify and manage your risk One comment that James made is that it doesn't matter whether it is a large or small project, there are going to be risks that you need to identify and be ready to manage. So are you taking steps to identify the risks in your project and considering how you might deal with them? Okay, if you enjoyed that chat with James then you might want to go back and take a listen to episode 45 where I speak with my old mentor Troy Harris, and discuss how he went from being a toy shop owner to a property developer, Troy had this to say about what things are like when markets are running hot... there is a lot of great ideas in that conversation so be sure to have listen to episode 45. Okay, don’t forget if you are interested in learning how to develop property then email me about the property developing mentoring program that is available to help you get started. There’s nothing like a guiding hand to show you the best way when you are starting out, so email [email protected] and I will send you some further information. And you can catch my project update video on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] and Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] at Property Developer Podcast, plus lots of other news, views and fun things. You can also post a comment on iTunes if you are enjoying the show, and of course all the past episodes of the show can be found at www.propertydeveloperpodcast.com So, until next time, may you embrace the challenges that come with your projects Links Avenor - http://www.avenor.com.au
71 – Darren Younger – How fragmented investing can help property developers to grow
How can fragmented property investing help property developers grow their business? It is a fledgling sector of the property industry that offers an interesting model to get people involved with property and an alternative funding model for getting projects completed. Before we get to discussing fragmented investing, here's a quick update on what I've been up to. I’m doing fine, just dealing with Melbourne going into lockdown for a second time due to corona virus which is a bit frustrating but at least the building industry is continuing to operate at this stage, so construction work can carry on, which is good as we are just starting construction on my townhouse project. In fact the builder is on site this week doing the initial set out work before they start doing the early site works. It’s exciting to see things happening on site after so many years of working on this project. On my other townhouse project, work continues on the documentation and I have been exploring options for who might be best to build it. I’ve also been in discussions with the local council about changing the cross over alignment from a long convoluted path to one that is much shorter and efficient. Hopefully that is fruitful. Otherwise, it is a strange time in the Melbourne property industry, with buyer activity subdued and a sense of apprehension in many sectors, but the market will bounce back it just depends on how long it takes. Don’t forget if you are interested in learning how to develop, drop me a line at [email protected] to find out more about the mentoring program that is available to help you learn how to develop safely and profitably. Congrats to David who got started this month. And a reminder you can also catch me on Insta and Facebook for all my latest project pics and videos, industry news and other fun stuff. You can also post a comment on iTunes if you are enjoying the show, and of course all the past episodes of the show can be found at www.propertydeveloperpodcast.com Okay, on to today’s guest, Darren Younger from Bricklet. This is a discussion about fragmented property investing and how it can benefit property developers. What is fragmented investing you ask? Well listen in and find out. In this discussion you will discover how developers can fund their projects using the fragmented model, how you can save time and money using Bricklet and what it means for potential projects you may have. Keep an ear out for how you could use fragmenting as an alternative funding solution for your next project. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Lessons for property developers Here’s a couple of things I took away from the discussion with Darren. 1. Could a different funding model help you increase the velocity of your property development projects? Getting your project funded is an ongoing challenge for many developers, and as lending environments tighten it might be worthwhile looking around at what other models you have available to get your projects finished. Alternative models may also help you to complete projects quicker and increase the velocity at which you operate. 2. Could keeping a share of your completed property development project help with your wealth accumulation strategy? Often developers sell up all their stock, realize the profit and then roll over into the next project, leaving behind the future capital growth of their finished product. But what if you could keep a portion of that stock and let it grow over time, how could that help you grow wealth over the longer term? It might be worth considering… Okay, if you enjoyed that chat about fragmentation, then you might want to go back to episode 65 and have a listen to my chat with Fabian Demarco about how private funding may be another option to get your project out of the ground. Fabian outlined how often private capital can get you started and finished quicker than bank funding. Lots of interesting topics in that discussion with Fabian so be sure to have a listen. [https://propertydeveloperpodcast.com/2020/03/31/65-using-private-capital-to-complete-property-developments/] Okay, don’t forget if you are interested in learning how to develop property then email me about the property developing mentoring program that is available to help you get started. There’s nothing like a guiding hand to show you the best way when you are starting out, so email [email protected] and I will send you some further information. You can also catch me on Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] for all my latest project pics & videos, industry news and other fun stuff. You can also post a comment on iTunes if you are enjoying the show, and of course all the past episodes of the show can be found at www.propertydeveloperpodcast.com So, until next time, may your business keep growing brick by brick… Links Bricklet - https://bricklet.com.au
70 – Don O’Rorke – Working through a crisis to achieve property development success
Responding to the COVID19 pandemic is testing many property developers, with uncertainty sweeping across property markets. To help you figure out what you should be doing in this strange time to ensure continued success, I am continuing my discussions with past guests about how property developers can best respond to the COVID19 pandemic. In this episode I speak with Don O’Rorke from billion dollar property company Consolidated Properties Group. Don featured in a great double episode (52 How to build a billion dollar property developing company and 53 The critical importance of risk mitigation) of the show where we discussed how you build a billion dollar property developing company. It was a great conversation and I highly recommend having a listen if you haven’t already. It was one of my favorite discussions. This time around we are covering: - what property developers can do during an unexpected slow down - what they should avoid - what Don thinks the next six to 12 months looks like - whether projects should be delayed - something Don has learnt in the past few weeks in response to what has been happening - something new that Don is doing now in response to the changes - if projects aren’t going to plan, what should you look to correct - if Don lost everything tomorrow but his knowledge, what would he focus on when making a comeback - a couple of books, movies and shows that Don has been enjoying Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Links Consolidated Properties Group – https://www.consolidatedproperties.com.au Don O’Rorke – https://www.consolidatedproperties.com.au/people/don-ororke
69 – Kriss Daff – Pursuing the build to rent property development model
The build to rent model is getting a lot of attention across Australia as the cost of buying property keeps escalating. It seems to offer a lot of benefits but how does it work and what challenges does it present? Let's find out... Hello and welcome to episode 69 of the show, I've been enjoying a bit more social freedom as we slowly ease up the covid lockdown across Australia. I've also been very busy for the past few weeks, with lots going on with my projects. We've started demolition on one of them which is exciting, I posted a short video on the show's Insta and Facebook pages if you want to check out how it's going. After years of battling away it has been nice to see some action on site and start seeing the dream become a reality. Still a bit of work to do to get the builder on site for the initial site works so I've been busy sorting out some loose ends to ensure we don't have any delays. It will be interesting to see what happens with the property market over the next 6 to 12 months with lots of speculation around large stimulus measures for the industry, will be exciting if some of the initiatives get off the ground. Property Development Training If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of property development, in your own time and at your own pace, then be sure to head over to www.propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look. I take you step by step through the development process so you know exactly what is needed to find a site, run a feasibility and complete a small scale property development, be that a duplex or 3 or 4 unit site. The training includes a bonus program called Taking It To The Next Level for people who may want to go into developing full-time, along with another bonus course called Raising Capital which covers how to raise money for your projects. So head over to propertydevelopertraining.com and take a look... I would love to see you on the inside... Property Developer Quiz Keen to find out how ready you might be to become a developer? Then take the Property Developer Quiz (https://www.propertydevelopertraining.com/quiz) and get a sense of where you are at… Become a Million Dollar Property Developer Grab my book Become a Million Dollar Property Developer about my journey into property development. This book is ideal for anyone who intends to get into small-scale property development and wants an insider’s guide to successfully obtaining wealth, fulfilment, and glory. In this book, Justin will share how he succeeded in delivering a 20-townhouse project on his first property development project and what he learned along the way. Many people have a dream of becoming a property developer. They aspire to build properties, grow portfolios, and amass great wealth. However, many people often struggle with making the leap into property development. This book has the answers for how you can make the leap into property development. Grab your copy now. Social Connection Property Developer Podcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast Property Developer Podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/ Property Developer Podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developer-podcast Build to rent model My guest on the show is Kris Daff. Kris is pursuing a large scale build to rent/sell model and he has an interesting story to share about how is going about it. There has been a lot of talk about build to rent in Australia, so I was very interested to hear how Kris was approaching the challenge. During this conversation we cover how Kris started out as an engineer and then morphed into a property developer. How he was looking for a different outcome with his projects and turned to helping people buy their homes through an alternative approach. We also talk about the different challenges that these types of projects present. Keep an ear out for how the financial feasibility and funding differs from a more traditional build to sell project. Lessons for real estate developers What an interesting journey Kris is on. I admire how Kris is trying to do something different and offering people an alternative path into home ownership. I like it. Here are a couple of other things I took out of my chat with Kris... 1. Don't be afraid to pursue a different property developing path I enjoyed how Kris wasn't feeling fulfilled by the standard developing model and wanted to find a deeper connection with his projects and buyers, so he changed course and pursued a different option. So, are you feeling fulfilled with the model you are implementing, could you find a different developing challenge to excite you? 2. As a property developer, how can you make life better for your future buyers? Further to Kris' efforts to generate a deeper engagement with buyers, he has explored ways of helping people attain home ownership, looked at how to create communities within projects and make life a little better for the people who live in the buildings. Perhaps there are some additional ways you could improve your projects to make life a little better for the final residents... 3. Can you develop a property developing business model that can scale? Kris is trying to create a model that will scale, so that he can create more places for people to live in and one day own. Scaling in the property development game always brings challenges, but that's why you do it, right? So are there ways you can scale what you are doing in an orderly way while improving how you do it? Alright, if you enjoyed that chat with Kris, then you might want to go back and have a listen to my chat with developers Olivia Christie and Sonya Miller who are running a business that provides consulting services to institutional developers, and they are also in the process of delivering their own development project of a luxury apartment block. There's lots of great ideas and tips in that conversation so go back to episode 57 and take a listen. Okay, don't forget to contact me if you want to find out more about the property developing mentoring program, email [email protected] And you can catch my site demolition update video on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast] and Insta [https://www.instagram.com/property_developer_podcast/] at Property Developer Podcast, plus lots of other news, views and fun things. Remember, you can always drop a comment on iTunes if you are enjoying the show. So, until next time, may you come up with a bold idea to change the world. Links Assemble - https://assemblecommunities.com Demolition video - https://www.facebook.com/propertydeveloperpodcast