Build · Develop · Downsize
Developing Your Property: Maximise Your Profit From a Successful Development
Developing your home or block can put far more money in your pocket for retirement than simply selling it.
Getting it right comes down to experience, knowing what your local market wants, and the right team around you.
Why Most Owners Don’t Go It Alone
Starting a multi-dwelling development isn’t rocket science. Getting it right means drawing on development experience, understanding what buyers or tenants in your market actually want, and adding the specialist skills each stage needs.
Many of our clients start out thinking they can go it alone. Sooner or later, sometimes too late, they realise that a team with the right knowledge, skills and experience doesn’t just save them time, stress and money. It also improves the result of the development in their favour.
“What might have worked for someone you know may not suit your property or meet your end objectives.”
Stephen Lazar, properT network
What is possible
What Could Your Block Become?
The right option depends on your land, zoning, local planning rules, budget and how long you want to stay in the area.
Backyard home or granny flat
Add a small second home and stay on your land, rent one out or house family.
Backyard homesBefore you commit
Four Steps to the Right Development
Talk to us about where you are now and what you want to achieve. This is how we work out what your property can do.
Can it be developed?
We look at your home (or other property) to see whether it can be developed, what would work best and what your local council is likely to approve.
Your goals
You tell us where you are now and what you want to achieve. We review your property against those goals.
The right solution
Every block has limitations, and every block has opportunities. We work through them with you and the other decision makers to get the most from the site while meeting council requirements.
Design and costing
Together we choose the design, inside and outside finishes and landscaping to suit your budget. It is then costed and presented to you in preliminary contracts.
From Contract to Keys
Once the right solution is agreed and you decide to go ahead, this is what happens next:
- Preliminary contracts. You receive the design, itemised site costs, the level of finishes selected and the other details that matter.
- Town planning drawings are prepared on your behalf.
- Council approval. We use our experience in gaining approvals for what has been discussed, agreed and drafted. Independent planning professionals guide you through each step.
- Conditions met, contract signed. Council either approves the plans or comes back with conditions. Once those are met, you sign the building contract and the building permit is applied for on your behalf.
- Site works and construction start on the contract dates.
- Regular updates. You receive progress reports during the build, plus site visits to see the progress and quality of work for yourself.
What is the cost to you of getting it wrong, compared with the financial upside of getting it right?
Your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions downsizers ask most about developing their property.
Do I need any development experience?
No. That is the point of having a team around you. Most of our clients have never developed before. You make the decisions; the planners, designers and builders do the technical work, and we keep it all moving.
Can I live in one of the new homes?
Yes. Many downsizers build two homes, move into one and sell or rent the other. It is a way to get a brand-new, low-maintenance home without leaving the street you know.
Do I have to subdivide?
Only if you want to sell part of the property. A second home kept on the same title does not need a subdivision. See building a backyard home for the difference.
What if I would rather not build at all?
A block with development potential can be worth more to a developer than its standard market value. We can help you sell privately or work out what your home is worth both ways.
How long does a development take?
It depends on the site, the council and the size of the project. A simple second dwelling is far quicker than a multi-unit development that needs a subdivision. We give you a realistic timeline before you commit.
No obligation
What Could Your Property Support?
Send us your address and what you are hoping to achieve. We will take a first look and tell you which options are worth exploring, with no obligation.
Prefer to call? 0413 108 125
Compare your options
Other Ways to Unlock Your Home
Invest Your Equity
Put freed-up equity to work in an income-producing investment property.
properT networkGeneral information only, current as at October 2026. Planning rules differ by state, council and zone. Obtain independent financial, legal and tax advice before you develop. More from Stephen Lazar on properT network.
One Network. Nationwide Reach.
Part Of The properT network Family
Downsizing for Retirement is one specialist site within the properT network group: the same independent advisory approach, applied across states and property types.
How to Retire With More | Make Your Home Work Harder
October 7, 2026 at 11:28 am
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