Introduction
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
Episode Details
Introduction
Hilary:
This week we’re doing something different. We’re shining a light on real people in the Property Mastermind community and the projects they’re working on. No theory—just lived experience.
Bob:
These are developers in the trenches, working through council approvals, financing challenges, and unexpected hurdles. They’ve each taken what they’ve learned and put it into practice, which is the most valuable teacher of all.
Hilary:
We’re sharing these stories because they’re proof that success doesn’t always look perfect. Sometimes it’s slow, sometimes it’s messy—but it’s still progress. And there’s something to learn in every one of them.
Stefan & Debbie – Holding Course Through Delays
Bob:
Stefan and Debbie were hit with a six-month delay while waiting for council approval. That’s enough to make a lot of people back out.
Hilary:
But they stayed committed. They kept momentum going, managed communication with consultants, and pushed through. Their townhouse project is now moving forward. It’s a great reminder that the development process isn’t linear—but persistence matters.
Bob:
And they’ve learned skills that will serve them long-term—how to manage uncertainty and stay solutions-focused.
Kyle – From One House to a 12-Lot Subdivision
Hilary:
Kyle’s story is a great example of how a single idea can snowball. He originally just wanted to build a home for a family member. That was it.
Bob:
But after a feasibility review and understanding what the site could really do, he expanded it into a 12-lot subdivision. It was a complete shift in thinking—but backed by knowledge and support.
Hilary:
It’s the kind of transformation that happens when you’ve got the right team behind you, and you’re open to learning.
Tom – Navigating Objections and Planning Wins
Hilary:
Tom had guts. He went for a 1-into-3 subdivision in a council that had only ever approved 1-into-2.
Bob:
And he faced a lot of objections—12 to be exact. But none of them were valid under the town planning scheme, so the council approved it.
Hilary:
Even if it had been approved as a 1-into-2, it still stacked up financially. That’s good planning and smart risk mitigation.
Durgesh – Being Ready Beats Being First
Hilary:
Durgesh secured a great site on the Sunshine Coast because he was ready to act. The property wasn’t even listed yet.
Bob:
Another buyer came in with a higher offer—but with conditions. Durgesh went unconditional. He knew the area, had finance ready, and moved quickly.
Hilary:
That kind of readiness gives you a real advantage—especially when vendors just want a clean deal.
Final Thoughts
Hilary:
Whether it’s negotiating boundary shifts, handling delays, or going unconditional, these developers made things happen by staying informed and taking action.
Bob:
And they’re not unicorns. They’re people who’ve done the work, asked questions, and leaned into their development journey with the right mindset.