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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

There’s no better way to learn than by hearing real stories from real developers doing the work.

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on four real-life projects from our community. You’ll hear about the wins, the challenges, and the creative solutions that helped these deals get across the line.

From battling a tricky council process to negotiating a joint venture with a landowner, we share what these developers did—and what they’d do differently next time. If you’ve ever wondered how others overcome roadblocks like site access issues, zoning surprises, or holding costs blowing out, this episode is packed with insights that can save you time and money on your own journey.

Episode highlights

[00:00] Introduction and book giveaway
[01:52] Stefan & Debbie: From townhouse plan to council pushback
[07:30] Resolving challenges and changing plans
[10:11] Kyle: Accidental developer lands a 12-lot subdivision
[14:18] Working with council, engineers, and persistent neighbours
[18:03] Why holding longer worked in his favour
[21:07] Tom: Rural site, public objections, council approval
[23:56] Corner access wins and lessons from planning
[25:36] Durgesh: Securing a site off-market and winning with certainty
[28:45] Council changes on driveways and how he adapted
[31:14] Final reflections and takeaways

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s episode is a straightforward and practical guide to getting started in property development—today. Hilary and Bob cover the most common reasons people delay taking action and the mindset shifts required to overcome them.

From decision-making to education, finance and focus, this episode lays out the first three essential steps you need to take right now to move from idea to implementation.

Whether you’ve been thinking about property development for weeks or years, this episode will help you break the cycle of inaction and make a clear plan for moving forward.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Why Today Matters
Hilary and Bob explain why starting today—not tomorrow—is the key to gaining momentum in property development.

02:30 – Common Barriers to Action
A discussion on how fear, distraction, perfectionism, and overcommitment stop people from making decisions.

05:00 – The Four Personality Styles
Hilary explains how different personalities create different patterns of inaction—and how to break them.

07:30 – The Habit of Indecision
Why not deciding is still a decision—and how it becomes a limiting habit over time.

09:30 – Step 1: Decide
The critical first step is making a real decision to do property development—and stop delaying.

11:30 – Step 2: Learn
Why you need a comprehensive education and what to look for in a quality course or mentor.

15:30 – Choosing the Right Educator
Bob and Hilary share stories about their personal choices to learn from the best, not the closest or cheapest.

20:20 – Step 3: Understand Your Borrowing Power
Before looking at sites, you need to know what you can afford and whether you’ll need investors.

22:15 – Joint Ventures and Risk
A conversation about the right way to assess JV opportunities and avoid common mistakes.

25:45 – Examples of Real-World Mistakes
Stories of people who nearly made costly errors by skipping due diligence or relying on bad advice.

27:30 – Final Summary: Your First Three Steps
Decide, learn, and understand your finance options—these are the actions you can take today.

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Property Mastermind Courses:

👉 Getting Started in Property Development - https://bit.ly/4iwTI7E
👉 The Ultimate Property Development Bundle - https://bit.ly/3OH4VVy

Property Mastermind Events:

👉 The 3-Day Live Workshop - https://bit.ly/3ZnBe0j
👉 Full Event Schedule - https://bit.ly/4g0inzD

Connect with us:

👉 Property Developer Secrets & Hacks on Facebook - https://bit.ly/49r6kJo
👉 Facebook Page - https://bit.ly/3D2eH1S
👉 Instagram - https://bit.ly/3D1a7AP
👉 YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Vp4ToG

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The success of any property development project doesn’t come down to just the site or the numbers—it’s the people you surround yourself with.

In this episode, Hilary Saxton and Bob Andersen walk through the ten essential roles every developer should fill to give their project the best chance of running on time, on budget, and with minimal stress.

From early-stage planning and finance to construction and sales, it takes a skilled team to cover all the moving parts.

This episode gives you a practical framework to identify who you need on your side—and why.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction and book giveaway
01:35 – Why your team matters more than you think
02:55 – #1: Mentor – insight, strategy and accountability
04:28 – #2: Accountant – getting the right structure and tax advice
06:10 – #3: Broker – making finance deals work
07:45 – #4: Town Planner – dealing with council and approvals
09:30 – #5: Surveyor – getting critical site data
10:50 – #6: Designer – building design that works
12:10 – #7: Engineers – civil and structural explained
13:50 – #8: Builder – getting the right fit for your build
15:15 – #9: Solicitor – contracts, JV agreements, settlements
16:40 – #10: Sales Agent – selling stock successfully
18:00 – Common mistakes people make with their teams
19:30 – Advice for building your own team
21:00 – Wrap-up and invitation to connect

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Check out all the episodes - https://bit.ly/3ZDe2fZ

🔑 Exclusive Property Mastermind Mentoring - https://bit.ly/4ieAu6B 🔑

Property Mastermind Courses:

👉 Getting Started in Property Development - https://bit.ly/4iwTI7E
👉 The Ultimate Property Development Bundle - https://bit.ly/3OH4VVy

Property Mastermind Events:

👉 The 3-Day Live Workshop - https://bit.ly/3ZnBe0j
👉 Full Event Schedule - https://bit.ly/4g0inzD

Connect with us:

👉 Property Developer Secrets & Hacks on Facebook - https://bit.ly/49r6kJo
👉 Facebook Page - https://bit.ly/3D2eH1S
👉 Instagram - https://bit.ly/3D1a7AP
👉 YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Vp4ToG

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 203 of the Property Mastermind Podcast, Hilary Saxton and Bob Andersen unpack the overlooked gems in the world of property development—those sites that others walk straight past.

With site scarcity and high construction costs still impacting feasibility, spotting a development opportunity requires more than just browsing listings. This episode shares practical examples of developers who turned overlooked blocks into profitable projects using creative thinking, market knowledge, and smart negotiation. From joint ventures and delayed settlements to boundary tweaks and back-lot builds, Bob and Hilary explain how to look at the market through a different lens and offer real-world steps to get started.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Technical start, mic adjustment, and episode introduction
[01:00] This week’s book giveaway goes to Mia Cowley
[01:40] Why developers need to think creatively in today’s market
[02:56] Case study: Stale listing turned into a joint venture win
[05:18] Structuring a “stock-back” deal to benefit both parties
[06:30] Mentoring student Tom’s 1-into-3 approval after 12 objections
[07:40] “Change your specs to change what’s next”—seeing with new eyes
[08:12] Keeping the front house, building on the back: a strategic combo
[09:58] Creative fix: buying 600mm of land from a neighbour to gain driveway access
[11:39] Spotting when overpriced properties could be JV opportunities
[13:59] Negotiation tip: long settlement as leverage for better deals
[16:17] Student success: Marina's JV deal and the confidence that came from learning
[18:40] Delayed settlement strategy with industrial developments
[21:02] Why relationships with agents can give you first access to opportunities
[23:21] Being “ready to go” beats higher offers with conditions
[25:35] Bob’s mini challenge: Understand what you can afford, where, and what to build
[27:58] Hilary’s challenge: Spend 30 minutes tonight researching your patch
[30:22] Recap of active mentoring students succeeding with real developments
[32:40] Final tip: Stay open—many sites have potential if you look again

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Property Mastermind Courses:

👉 Getting Started in Property Development - https://bit.ly/4iwTI7E
👉 The Ultimate Property Development Bundle - https://bit.ly/3OH4VVy

Property Mastermind Events:

👉 The 3-Day Live Workshop - https://bit.ly/3ZnBe0j
👉 Full Event Schedule - https://bit.ly/4g0inzD

Connect with us:

👉 Property Developer Secrets & Hacks on Facebook - https://bit.ly/49r6kJo
👉 Facebook Page - https://bit.ly/3D2eH1S
👉 Instagram - https://bit.ly/3D1a7AP
👉 YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Vp4ToG

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 202 of the Property Mastermind Podcast, Hilary Saxton and Bob Andersen revisit the most important points from their recent live lunchtime event on property development finance.

This episode is a must-listen if you're unclear about how development finance works, who lends the money, and how to structure deals for approval. From the two core funding stages to no-doc loans, capitalised interest, and lender types, Bob shares real experience and practical insight that new and seasoned developers need to understand.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Intro and recap of the live finance session
[01:20] Why limited-time replays drive action and protect valuable IP
[02:45] Plans to re-record the session as a more visual YouTube version
[03:54] Book giveaway: Property Millionaires Exposed goes to Genita Abraha
[04:57] The two stages of property development finance: acquisition and construction
[07:15] Three ways to finance a development depending on cash and approvals
[09:50] Why residential banks don’t typically finance developments
[12:00] Understanding non-bank lenders and when to use them
[14:02] Why some developers use investment loans as a workaround for site purchases
[16:03] How second loans replace first mortgages at construction phase
[17:19] When private individuals provide second mortgages
[18:57] Types of lenders: banks, non-banks, and private equity
[20:00] APRA vs ASIC vs unregulated lenders
[21:29] No-doc loans: what they are, who uses them, and how they work
[24:58] Capitalised interest and why it helps manage cash flow
[26:39] How non-banks assess the deal more than the person
[27:44] Understanding line fees and how they affect your costs
[29:44] Real-world finance win: 4-hour loan approval on an apartment project
[31:45] Real-world finance challenge: when a broker’s misstep nearly lost a deal
[34:43] Why your feasibility must include what valuers and lenders need
[36:28] Developers selling to developers: why transparency matters
[37:50] Handover success for mentoring student David—project complete and listed

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Check out all the episodes - https://bit.ly/3ZDe2fZ

🔑 Exclusive Property Mastermind Mentoring - https://bit.ly/4ieAu6B 🔑

Property Mastermind Courses:

👉 Getting Started in Property Development - https://bit.ly/4iwTI7E
👉 The Ultimate Property Development Bundle - https://bit.ly/3OH4VVy

Property Mastermind Events:

👉 The 3-Day Live Workshop - https://bit.ly/3ZnBe0j
👉 Full Event Schedule - https://bit.ly/4g0inzD

Connect with us:

👉 Property Developer Secrets & Hacks on Facebook - https://bit.ly/49r6kJo
👉 Facebook Page - https://bit.ly/3D2eH1S
👉 Instagram - https://bit.ly/3D1a7AP
👉 YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Vp4ToG

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.