Introduction
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
Episode Details
Introduction
Hilary:
This week, we’re unpacking the top 10 team members you need for a smooth-running property development project. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, the strength of your team can make or break your results.
Bob:
Some of these roles are obvious—like your builder or broker—but others, like the right town planner or surveyor, can be overlooked. We’ll walk through what each team member does and what to look for to make sure they’re a good fit.
Top 10 Team Members You Need for Property Development
1. Property Mentor
A good mentor gives you guidance, helps avoid costly mistakes, and keeps you accountable. They know when to say yes and when to say no—and a great one tailors advice to your goals.
2. Accountant
Not just any accountant, but a property-savvy one who understands tax-effective structures. The wrong advice here can cost you thousands in unnecessary tax or setup mistakes.
3. Finance Broker
A broker who understands development finance can make the difference between getting a deal across the line—or missing out. They know the best lenders for your deal structure, timing, and equity position.
4. Town Planner
They help you get your development approval and navigate council rules. A good planner will also stand firm with councils and push back when needed, ensuring your application has the best chance of success.
5. Surveyor
Often overlooked, a quality surveyor provides the detailed site information your designer and planner need. Good detail early on saves time and money later.
6. Architect or Building Designer
Whether you choose a building designer or a registered architect depends on the project scale. The right one balances design flair with buildability and cost-effectiveness.
7. Engineers (Structural and Civil)
Your structural engineer ensures compliance and safety. Civil engineers manage the connections and layout of services like water and sewer. For larger projects, hydraulic or geotech engineers may be needed too.
8. Builder
Communication, experience, and transparency matter most here. Don’t just go for the cheapest quote—go for the builder with a solid track record and good references.
9. Solicitor or Conveyancer
From contracts and settlements to JV agreements and loan document reviews, your solicitor is involved at multiple stages. Use someone experienced in property development.
10. Real Estate Agent
Your sales agent is your front line when it comes time to sell. Choose someone with a solid local network, a good reputation, and who understands how to market development stock effectively.
The Wrap-Up
Hilary:
That’s your top 10 team. Getting these relationships right means fewer delays, less stress, and more successful outcomes.
Bob:
And if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve helped hundreds of developers build these teams from scratch. If you’re thinking about development, we’d love to have a chat.
Hilary:
We’ve also got a potential new project coming up—so if you’re interested in investing, reach out to us directly.
Bob:
See you next week for another episode of the Property Mastermind Podcast.