In this episode of the Property Mastermind Podcast, Hilary Saxton and Bob Andersen unpack key takeaways from their recent masterclass and share powerful insights every developer should know.
From the importance of closing knowledge gaps to when (and if) property development is the right move for you, this episode offers practical advice for new and experienced developers alike.
They cover lessons from real projects, like the value of due diligence, how to handle assumptions that can derail progress, and why understanding commercial finance can unlock opportunities many people overlook.
You’ll also hear why trust and professionalism are essential when forming partnerships, and how live events build not just knowledge—but lasting connections.
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Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction – Overview of the episode and a recap of the recent masterclass.
[03:11] New Masterclass Format – How applying the 9-step process to a real development added clarity.
[05:16] The Value of Filling Knowledge Gaps – Why skipping steps or assuming things can cause major issues.
[07:18] Is Property Development Right for Everyone? – Why some people should consider investing instead of developing.
[09:29] Don’t Assume It’s Been Done – Real-world example of a missed task that nearly derailed staging.
[11:45] Understanding Commercial Finance – Why serviceability isn’t always required in development lending.
[13:19] Finance Insight for First-Time Developers – A game-changing realisation about how commercial finance really works.
[16:51] The Power of Live Events – How attending workshops builds networks and long-term relationships.
[18:25] Two Key Creative Strategies Explained – Joint ventures with equity partners and landowners.
[21:36] The Role of Trust and Professionalism – Why you need both to succeed in joint ventures.
[25:27] When Is the Right Time to Start? – Why perfection is not the goal and decision-making matters.
[28:48] Risk vs. Potential Problems – Preview of next week’s topic on risk through the development process.
[29:45] Final Thoughts & Upcoming Events – How to keep learning and take the next step forward.
