Councils can fast-track your project or drain your cashflow—sometimes in the same week. In this episode we unpack how to navigate council planning schemes, relaxations, objections and the politics that so often dictate approval.

Learn practical tactics for pre-lodgement meetings, choosing the right town planner, negotiating setbacks and density, and budgeting for inevitable delays.

Whether you’re preparing your first DA or refining a multi-site play, the discussion lays out clear, experience-tested steps to keep your timeline—and interest costs—under control.

Episode Highlights

[00:21] Why every council’s planning scheme is different
[01:50] The birthday tip: ask before you buy (applies to DA submissions too)
[03:34] Town planners, architects and surveyors—getting the team sequence right
[06:48] From printed zoning books to online portals: tech that sped up due diligence
[09:15] What councils look for when a DA lands on the desk
[10:46] Density relaxations: spotting changes 18 months before they hit the code
[13:13] Rear-boundary setback wins and how to justify them
[15:45] The real cost of slow approvals—interest, holding costs and missed windows
[17:30] Fast-track programs (CDC, RISK-SMART, SEALSMART) explained
[20:27] Objectors vs. planning law: when to push back and when to listen
[22:40] Political interference: mayors, media and election-season grandstanding
[25:55] Maternity leave surprises—what happens when your file sits idle
[28:18] Identifying anti-development councils before you buy
[30:42] Traits of a town planner who will fight (not fold)
[33:26] Negotiation mindset: professional, persistent, evidence-based
[38:29] Long settlements as an insurance policy against council delays
[40:10] Upcoming masterclass and three-day workshop invitations

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When it comes to property development, understanding building contracts isn’t optional—it’s essential. From fixed price and cost-plus to guaranteed maximum price and design-and-construct models, knowing your contract structure can protect your bottom line and help you build with confidence.

In this episode, inspired by a listener question from Cam, Bob and Hilary take a deep dive into how different contracts work, what to watch out for, and how to ensure value for money when there’s no competitive tension. They also share a few real-world lessons from their current projects—including a surprising mistake from a long-time quantity surveyor.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Listener email: Cam’s real-world development situation in South Australia
04:30 – Bob and Hilary’s current contract challenges and quantity surveyor misstep
06:45 – Lessons learned: when to rely on QS vs tender pricing
10:00 – Overview of contract types: Fixed Price, Cost-Plus, GMP
11:15 – Why financiers love fixed price and time contracts
13:00 – Cost-Plus contracts: what they are and why builders like them
15:20 – Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP): benefits and savings share models
17:30 – Design and Construct (D&C) contracts explained
21:00 – How D&C improves buildability and controls costs
22:30 – The tender process and when to use it
24:00 – Advice for Cam: how to ensure value for money without tendering
27:00 – Residential vs commercial builder mindset
31:00 – New industrial and childcare/townhouse projects on the horizon

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What does it really take to become a property developer—and is it right for you?

In this episode, Hilary and Bob explore the real traits and tendencies that make or break would-be developers. It’s not just about numbers and negotiation—it’s about mindset, resilience, and the ability to take action when others hesitate.

They talk candidly about common pitfalls like procrastination, risk aversion, and analysis paralysis, and why some people should reconsider doing it on their own. They also discuss how to identify when you’re better suited to partner, invest passively, or step aside altogether.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Bob and Hilary introduce the topic: is property development right for you?
[01:55] What it really takes to be a property developer (beyond money).
[04:10] The difference between investors and developers—and where you might fit.
[07:45] Signs that you might not be suited to development.
[10:20] Common traits of successful developers.
[13:30] How to work out your tolerance for risk and pressure.
[16:05] The learning curve and why education makes the difference.
[19:10] Why some people fail—and how to avoid their mistakes.
[21:50] Development as a tool for building long-term wealth.
[25:00] Final thoughts on how to assess if you’re ready to take the next step.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.