<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has announced that its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lovedale-farm-1054-1184-wine-country-drive-lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale Farm</a> residential, resort and golf project has secured $24.6 million in sales in just three weeks since the opening of its display home, underscoring the appetite for premium lifestyle property in the Hunter Valley countryside.

The sales milestone has been driven by a diverse mix of buyers, including owner-occupiers and investors from Sydney, Newcastle and the local Hunter region, purchasing both land-only lots and house and land packages across the development.

<img alt="Lovedale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e173edc9-e60e-4f19-a060-9dc4421a3233" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/LovedaleFarm_20250215-1.jpg?VersionId=1LY6CvOaD.Dzrt8tWpWxXtPyfchixNIo" />

&nbsp;

The result builds on the momentum generated at the display home opening on 22 March, which attracted more than 460 attendees.

With house and land pricing from $1.14 million, Lovedale Farm continues to attract strong interest from buyers seeking a premium lifestyle offering at a compelling price point. The development’s vision, a championship golf course, future epicurean village and access to the Hunter Valley’s celebrated wine country, has resonated with a broad buyer profile, from first-time investors to those looking to make the move and call the Hunter Valley home.

<img alt="Lovedale Farm records $21.4 million in sales in three weeks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b358e789-e1eb-40ed-8105-ed5c8297136f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/20260321LovedaleFarmDisplayHomeOpening--6.jpg?VersionId=6GUO8TNnxuELONrsM6n9imDB6oc82Bor" />

Jim Hunter, Managing Director of Capital Corporation said the response since opening the display home has been encouraging.

"To reach $24.6 million in sales in just three weeks speaks to the genuine demand for a lifestyle community of this calibre in the Hunter Valley," Hunter says.

"We’re seeing buyers from across the region and beyond, including investors who recognise the long-term value, and owner-occupiers who simply want to live somewhere truly special.

“Lovedale Farm is two decades in the making, and the market’s response is everything we hoped for. We’re excited to see these first buyers become part of the Lovedale Farm story from the very beginning."

<img alt="Lovedale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54d985cf-2ac2-400b-ac02-4401f3421ac7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/20260321LovedaleFarmDisplayHomeOpening--5.jpg?VersionId=3866bPoqpLZsm.3ACg9EafAr1W3miC_f" />

&nbsp;

Spanning 240 hectares on Wine Country Drive in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale</a>, the $1 billion development is expected to deliver around 1,250 jobs during construction and inject more than $300 million into the local economy. The first 200 homes and championship 18-hole golf course are anticipated for completion in late 2027.

Capital Corporation has also lodged development plans for the Lovedale Farm clubhouse, set to become a vibrant hub for residents and the wider Hunter Valley community. Further releases are planned for later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14476]

Joel Robinson

Lovedale Farm display home opening triggers $24.6 million in sales in three weeks

Prominent Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a> has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">Aura</a>, the next stage of its $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct in Southbank, continuing its push into wellness-led, amenity-rich apartment living.

The $800 million tower, planned for 7 Hoff Boulevard, will rise 67 storeys and deliver 673 apartments, with COX Architecture drawing on both Japanese design principles and Australia’s natural landscape to shape the building’s identity. A rectangular grid aesthetic defines the building’s exterior, with COX drawing design cues from New York high-rises and Tokyo’s skyline.

Aura builds on a growing trend in high-density living, where wellness is no longer an add-on but central to the product. The development is structured around four key pillars, combining calm, minimalist residences with layered communal spaces, landscaped gardens, and a suite of wellness amenities designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367465]

At the core of the project is what OSK describes as a vertical wellness ecosystem, a multi-level approach to amenity that integrates health, lifestyle, and social spaces throughout the building rather than confining them to a single level.

The main resident hub, the Aura Club on level seven, will include a pool, cold plunge, spa, gym, Pilates and yoga studios, alongside more lifestyle-driven inclusions like a golf simulator, music rooms, library, and work-from-home spaces. Above, a series of higher-level amenity zones, including the Meridian Club and Cumulus Club, introduce more refined, social and retreat-style environments, with private dining, lounges, and premium wellness spaces positioned to take advantage of city views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367467]

The residences themselves will largely include balconies, a key design move in a market increasingly focused on natural light, airflow, and connection to the outdoors. Views will extend across the CBD, the Arts Precinct, Royal Botanic Gardens, and beyond.

Aura also introduces approximately 1,600 sqm of retail across the lower levels, further activating the Melbourne Square precinct, which already includes Kennedy Park, a Woolworths, childcare, and a growing mix of hospitality operators.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367474]

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>," says&nbsp;OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

“We have been very encouraged by the market’s response to the BLVD offering, and we know there is a strong demand for the level of amenity, service and design that the Melbourne Square precinct is known for.

“Complemented by work-from-home lounges for professionals, family friendly outdoor garden spaces, and state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, Aura will continue our focus on maximising physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing,” he said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367475]

The project follows the strong performance of BLVD, which is now around 80 per cent sold, and reinforces OSK Property’s long-term commitment to Melbourne Square as a fully integrated, mixed-use precinct.

Construction is expected to commence in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

OSK unveils AURA, the latest stage in Southbank's $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct

National developer Time &amp; Place appears to have settled on a design for its long-anticipated Potts Point project.

After several years of back and forth with local council and the NSW Government, the developer, which has spent close to a decade targeting the former The Chimes site on Macleay Street, has now progressed its plans.

Following a concept design submission last year by SJB, Time &amp; Place has lodged a full State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government, this time for a scheme designed by Kerry Hill Architects.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="504d2a27-d65f-4227-8189-1e35e3376e62" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.38.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_XqFKATYHF30KnVByPxhaI9UBzmkmfn7" />

The 16-storey proposal includes 44 apartments, 21 of which will be build-to-sell. These will comprise 19 three-bedroom apartments and two four-bedroom penthouses.

More than 50 per cent of the development will be dedicated to affordable housing, with 23 studio apartments to be delivered in line with the NSW Government’s Housing SEPP.

Kerry Hill Architects said the proposal is driven by a strong response to place.

“Our proposal for a new residential building for Potts Point in Sydney is driven by a deep consideration of place,” the practice said in its submission.

“This operates on multiple levels, including a landscape approach that reinstates endemic flora of the Sydney peninsula and provides a ground-floor garden for residents, reconnecting the site to its pre-European history. A brick podium further strengthens this relationship to context, integrating planting and fine bronze detailing that references the predominant material language of Macleay Street.”

The three-level podium will be topped by a communal resident space, featuring a covered pool designed to receive direct afternoon sun in winter, a neighbouring reflection pool, dining and event areas oriented to maximise sunset views, and an outdoor exercise zone.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d3eedc1-babb-44a3-bd96-d8a42f3adf1f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.37.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Ii7.4dvqNatu5GQi6bhqNjAswrMB998." />

The design also incorporates highly crafted shopfronts and a clearly defined residential entry to activate the street. Juliette balconies to the podium residences will provide passive surveillance and a strong sense of habitation.

Above, the larger apartments are housed within a light-coloured masonry and bronze tower.

“The tower steps back in a series of gently curved volumes that reference the rich Art Deco context of Macleay Street,” the architects said. “Carefully calibrated vertical fins frame the views while providing privacy and a sense of refuge.”

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fab60f4-3140-4469-b47a-48c781e0a30b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=e5XxrM3kzdASdKlcIACHAHbOSZhSKC9O" />

Time &amp; Place has been one of the most active developers nationally in the last 12 to 24 months. Late last year they completed&nbsp;The Queensbridge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, a mixed-use tower with 353 apartments and a hotel. They are currently selling Park Modern, 246 apartments near the famous Botanic Gardens in South Melbourne.

The developer has approval for The Burke, a mixed-use project in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;being delivered in partnership with Woolworths. The 60 apartments, positioned above a new Woolworths supermarket, are expected to launch in the coming months. Time &amp; Place is also progressing plans for the redevelopment of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/northcote-vic-3070">Northcote</a>&nbsp;Plaza, and have recently submitted plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/time-place-unveils-plans-22-storey-south-melbourne-tower">22-storey tower</a>, another in South Melbourne.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a>, the developer has two projects in Manly: Two Tides, which is currently under construction, and an ultra high-end building on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/shoreline-manly-beach-89-90-north-steyne-manly">North Steyne</a>, fronting the beach. It is also continuing to work through the redevelopment of The Chimes building on Macleay Street in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a>, as well as Marlborough House, the redevelopment of the original David Jones warehouse building in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surry-hills-nsw-2010">Surry Hills</a>.

First look: Time & Place settles on design for The Chimes, Potts Point redevelopment

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/develotek">Develotek</a> is joining the likes of TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital, betting on a boom in Five Dock ahead of the 2032 mooted opening of the Five Dock Metro Station.

Develotek, which is currently developing Bianca on the Drummoyne waterfront and has plans approved for a tower in Chatswood, has filed a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">two-building project in the evolving Kings Bay precinct</a>.

The buildings, one more boutique just five storeys and the other 26 storeys, will rise from an 3,158 sqm site across&nbsp;79–81 Queens Road and 2–8 Spencer Street, will home 134 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, above ground-floor retail and five basement levels of parking.

A key component of the proposal is the inclusion of 15 per cent of residential floor space as in-fill affordable housing, unlocking additional height and density under the Housing SEPP.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ee31bf7-75ba-4bc5-b190-49885193219f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_2.png?VersionId=730UbrduuwK3C1sO28RHjiLPUPqXqjkh" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a podium-and-tower configuration, with a five-storey street wall along Queens Road transitioning to a 26-storey tower set deeper into the site. The ground plane prioritises activation and permeability, with retail frontages and a new through-site link connecting Queens Road to Spencer Street.

At the upper levels, the tower façade has been conceived using a modular system to support prefabrication and reduce construction waste, while improving build efficiency. The splayed form draws on the geometry of surrounding industrial rooftops, reinterpreting the area’s heritage in a contemporary expression while also helping to reduce solar heat gain to east and west-facing apartments.

“This project aspires to transform a former industrial site into a connected, resilient and people-focused urban community, grounded in Country, shaped by history, and designed to enrich everyday life within the evolving Kings Bay Precinct,” said John Walsh, Principal at Plus Studio.

The proposal reflects the broader transformation of the Kings Bay Precinct under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, marking a shift from its industrial past to a higher-density, mixed-use urban neighbourhood.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abde734c-1e31-4a97-a1d2-fa9bcf31c380" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/building%20podium.png?VersionId=fNUupP6u146yEytQT31kKVRxwtACgPpP" />

Develotek is emerging as an active participant in the state’s affordable housing-led uplift pathway. The developer recently secured approval for a 34-storey mixed-use tower in Chatswood, where it similarly leveraged the in-fill affordable housing provisions to increase scale and deliver a 101-unit scheme with dedicated affordable apartments.

Their entry into Five Dock places them alongside a growing list of developers targeting the suburb ahead of its anticipated transport uplift, with Sydney Metro set to extend into the area. Major players including TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital are all progressing large-scale precinct-style developments nearby, collectively reshaping the low-rise industrial fabric into a higher-density mixed-use corridor.

The Five Dock site sits within the Kings Bay Precinct, a key renewal area under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, where planning controls support significant uplift tied to affordable housing delivery. The consolidated 3,158 sqm site is currently occupied by low-rise industrial uses, including warehouses and vehicle workshops, earmarked for transition.

First Look: Develotek joins in Five Dock apartment boom

Ascot’s Racecourse Road continues to be a hive of activity for Brisbane developers.

Following Fortis and GRAYA, which are both preparing new projects along the key strip connecting Kingsford Smith Drive and Eagle Farm Racecourse, local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skyhold">Skyhold</a> is the latest to lodge plans for its own development.

The group is proposing One One Two Residences, a boutique project comprising just seven apartments, named after its address at 112 Racecourse Road.

The proposal outlines a five-storey building on an 810 sqm site. The built form slightly exceeds the four-storey expectation under the neighbourhood plan, aligning instead with the emerging character of the strip. As the planning report notes, “the locality is characterised by a transition toward medium-rise residential development, with a number of recent developments… above the stipulated height limits.”

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec577631-8c51-4163-960e-e7b3a77d655b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot.png?VersionId=iAzQ46D4Uu1UqiS0mVnlcy9jeFKBpJIj" />

Designed by 111 with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/paul-bangay-garden-design">Paul Bangay Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a layered architectural approach with strong articulation and a subtropical response. Deep balconies, integrated planters, and a mix of masonry and textured finishes define the façade, while upper-level setbacks reduce perceived bulk. The architectural statement describes “a series of horizontally expressed layers, defined by deep balconies and a consistent robust material palette,” aimed at delivering a refined streetscape presence.

Apartments are configured as large-format residences, including multiple three-bedroom layouts and a full-floor penthouse, supported by ground-level parking. A rooftop terrace will provide communal amenities including a pool and landscaped recreation areas. The design prioritises privacy, natural ventilation, and greenery, with planting integrated across all levels to soften the building form and contribute to the public realm.

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e1219bd-b45a-4d7f-bbc7-7207d7b2fc94" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot%20entry.png?VersionId=JIoUOLMgQ5xWpEF0etEI3ffIoIVjD7gO" />

The proposal sits within the Racecourse Road precinct, a key mixed-use spine in Ascot that continues to attract renewed development interest.

Later this year national developer Fortis will launch its own boutique development, which, pending council approvals, will be 16 apartments designed by Koichi Takada Architects, just down the street.

“Racecourse Road is going through a massive revitalisation and we’re proud to be a part of that transformation,” said Fortis's QLD General Manager, Dan Boman.

Nearby, GRAYA is advancing its larger-scale The Gallery, a mixed-use shop-top housing project designed to act as a “catalytic project for Racecourse Road.”

First Look: Racecourse Road, Hamilton revitalization to continue as Skyhold joins the party

Cash Flow

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The Agency Group has denied a Fairfax Media report alleging it had delayed acquisitions "as it scrambles for cash."
<div>
The burgeoning agency has told its shareholder it had delayed the acquisitions of two key real estate businesses.
The West Australian company was due to settle on its $950,000 acquisition of another WA estate agency Sell Lease Property last week.
The Agency was also expected last week to exercise an option to acquire real estate group Top Level, which operates as The Agency East Coast under a licence agreement.
Instead it extended a trading halt in place since Monday until this Tuesday.
The Agency Group acquisition of the ServTech Global Limited subsidiaries Sell Lease Property Pty Ltd, Complete Settlements Pty Ltd and Value Finance Pty Ltd had been delayed due to a "small number of conditions" needed to be satisfied prior to settlement. 
</div>
<div>
The acquisition of Top Level is reportedly delayed due to procedural issues relating to ASX compliance.
The AFR advised acquisition of the two businesses "would transform the cash-strapped start-up from a cash-flow-negative operation to one that is cash-flow positive."
The Agency released a quarterly update of its financial position indicating the first quarter of 2018 could see a negative cash flow position of $3.1 million.
</div>
<div>
The Agency raised $1.92 million through the issue of new shares. The acquisition of Top Level will be through the issue of around 366 million shares in The Agency which requires shareholder approval.
Previously called Ausnet Financial Services, The Agency is backed by mortgage broker Finsure, co-founded by mortgage broker John Kolenda.
An updated AFR report noted its report on the company had the words "as it scrambles for cash" removed from its online version.
In its half year report lodge with the ASX, covering the six month period to 31 December 2017, The Agency Group confirmed it had completed 322 settlements across their wholly-owned operations, valued at $190.5 million.
The number of listings grew to 492 listings during the period, a 30 percent increase on June HY2017.
Gross commissions for December HY2017 came in at $3.76 million, a 45 percent rise on June HY2017. 
“The six months to 31st December 2017 has been a pivotal time in the short history of the company as we continue our significant growth trajectory in both west coast and east coast property markets," said The Agency Group Australia managing director, Paul Niardone, adding that "the company’s unique business model works and will continue to provide significant revenues going forward.”
Top Level, which boasts some of Australia’s leading property professionals, is operating under licence to The Agency Group.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Agency Group denies it's scrambling for cash

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<div>
The young high flying Sydney investor Nathan Birch has been quietly sued by a lender after his company defaulted on a $535,000 mortgage on a Gold Coast investment property.
Birch has confirmed he had "briefly" fallen behind on "one or two mortgages" citing increased lending restrictions arising from the much-heralded Australian Prudential Regulation Authority investor crackdown.
Birch (below), who proudly describes himself as a little bit bogan, drives a $200,000 Bentley bearing the number plate CSHFLO.
He was named Your Investment Property magazine's runner-up investor of the year in 2013.
The arrears situation is a small part of the portfolio built up by Birch who describes himself as "young, bold, brash" - and "one of Australia’s most successful, respected and listened-to property investors."
His $50 million portfolio of over 200+ properties, saw him tally a net worth exceeding $30 million dollars with a passive income after expenses north of $2 million since buying his first property at eighteen.
Court documents cited by the Australian Financial Review showed Birch's company HLG One Holdings Pty Ltd had failed to pay amounts owing on a $535,000, 30-year interest-only mortgage for 9 Victor Avenue, Paradise Point, which has three two-bedroom rental units on one title.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/1/8/nathan.jpg" alt="">
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<div>
HLG One Holdings, of which Birch is the sole shareholder and guarantor over the loan, was given 31 days to remedy the situation or be in mid-year default.
At the time in a <a href="https://binvested.com.au/nathan-birch-selling-properties/" target="_blank">blog post</a>, Birch announced he was selling down his portfolio.
“For a long time now, I’ve been collecting properties like kids collect action figurines in a Happy Meal,” he wrote. “I never like to see one go.
“But recently, the finance environment has changed. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for a buy-and-hold investor — but I need to optimise to [suit] the times we are in by letting go.”
Birch told news.com.au mid-year he was looking to offload up to 20 properties estimating he would reduce his debt to about $18 million.
</div>
<div>Birch blogged that he was adjusting his portfolio and riding the finance challenge "without breaking a sweat".</div>
<div>
"For years now I have been channelling equity into deposits for new properties, but it's no secret that equity is very hard to release these days – even if you have millions of dollars of it," he told his many devotees.
His recent HLG company sales include a Box Hill, outer Sydney holding which fetched $625,000 last November, having cost $567,000 in 2015.
Among the property HLG retains is a townhouse at Woodridge in Queensland which was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-woodridge-120184193" target="_blank">bought in 2015 at $124,000 when tenanted at $220 a week</a>. Last month it sought tenants at $200 a week having sought tenants in November at $230 a week.
<div>Permanent Mortgages sued HLG One Holdings and Birch claiming repossession of the property together with $548,367 and interest accrued on the amount at a rate of 11.94 per cent a year from August. The claim was filed in the Brisbane District Court by solicitors Dunstan Hardcastle, acting on behalf of Permanent Mortgages, a subsidiary of non-bank lender La Trobe Financial.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>On October 24 Permanent Mortgages secured judgement against HLG One Holdings, but has yet to undertake any public sale. It <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unitblock-qld-paradise+point-121557538" target="_blank">last sold in 2016</a> at $815,000, then returning a total of $780p/w.
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<div> </div>
</div>
<div>In his recent emailed response on the court matter to the Financial Review, Birch advised 2017 had "more than anything highlighted just how important strong cashflow is".</div>
<div>
He said that he had had to adapt his investment strategy.
"As a result of the tighter lending practices, I have simply sold some smaller properties and purchased larger ones to set myself up for a development phase in my portfolio," he advised.
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Cash flow issues catch up with investor Nathan Birch on Paradise Point property

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<img src="/images/2016/05/25/Holdencapital_banner.jpg" alt="" width="603" height="127">
SPONSORED POST
The property development scene continues to evolve and developers are always looking to find new ways of improving their product and returns, however there are a number of commonly used acquisition strategies that they continue to utilise and I thought I would evaluate the 5 most common strategies and look at why they are effective.
1. Buy and hold strategy
This is where the developer purchases the property and holds on to it long term while waiting for the right market conditions to maybe reposition its use via a change of zoning and then redevelop it. To be effective there needs to be a cash flow generated from the property via a retail tenancy or similar that enables the developer to achieve a neutral cashflow utilising a level of debt funding that is prudent but maximises his effective use of his capital. Ideally if it can amortise some of that debt over time, all the better. Ideally this gives the developer the option to sell a rezoned site at a profit or assume the development risk and achieve an enhanced return. This strategy requires a significant capital outlay and the return may only be marginal if the full development strategy is not taken up. 
2. Buy and on-sell
The developer may purchase a property with an intention to purely on-sell it in the short to medium term. This could be due to identifying an opportunity to secure good terms or a low price enabling a profit to be made from a quick turnaround sale. This might be achieved by offering to purchase with a cash unconditional contract that might be attractive to a purchaser under financial stress enabling you to negotiate a lower price. Alternatively you might identify the ability to obtain a development approval and significantly increase the site value enabling a quick on sale where there is strong demand for the amended use. This approach is much smarter the being the biggest idiot who pays top dollar for a prime site already with a DA in the hope that he will then make a development profit. 
3. Option contract
A number of creative developers seek to secure a property by putting it under an option contract enabling them to then work up a strategy and either on-sell or develop. This is a creative way to acquire control of a property without having to own it. If they take the on sale route, there is the added benefit of a potential stamp duty saving (please take advise from your solicitor as there are varying state legislations in respect to this strategy), as the developer has not legally purchased or settled the property but has a legal right to deal with it including transferring their rights under the option agreement. This may include obtaining a development approval to increase its potential and enhance its value. This method of acquisition allows a developer to have control over the property buy not requiring to put much cash into buying the property until they have increased the value of the property, example by obtaining a DA. 
4. Buy &amp; develop
Clearly this is the most common strategy that a developer will utilise especially in a quiet market where there are opportunities to buy in at low prices. An example of this was in 2008 during the GFC here a number of developers needed to sell property at liquidated prices. Over the years the market improved and the property would have increased in value to either develop then or sell at a profit. If a developer has acquired a site in a soft market, then there could be good potential uplift in the land. However, if they are in a cooling market then they may have purchased a  site at top prices and find themselves in a challenging situation. The current market does indicate that sentiment is easing and that there may be risk of oversupply in some locations. 
5. Development agreement 
This is where a developer secures a deal with a land owner. This is typically called a Land Development Agreement (LDA), where the developer has the experience and skill set to obtain a development approval and complete a development. The land owner retains ownership of the land for the developer to develop and receives his land value along with a share in the end profits. This is a good win-win solution for both parties. This scenario occurs more frequently where the land size is large with multiple stages enabling the developer to undertake the project without the need to purchase and hold the balance land over an extended period. In most cases the land owner is not experienced in development and benefits from a share in the uplift in value created by the developer which they would not ordinarily get to do if they tackled the DA process by themselves. As always, you need to do your due diligence on who you do business with and take appropriate advice as different states have differing stamp duty rules which may apply. 
Conclusion 
Each of the above acquisition strategies have different pros and cons. There may be stamp duty implications that may or not apply to the purchase. The capital component is different for each scenario and market conditions can change as well, so a developer will need to be very mindful of current market conditions and be ready to adapt should conditions change and seek appropriate advice. 
For example, the construction finance with major banks has shifted from fluid to extremely limited within the last 6 months. Most developers who acquired their sites last year had expectations that their bank would automatically provide them with terms as they had done in the past. However, all major banks are now very cautious with their lending and are doing so at reduced levels of exposure with many developers now find themselves committed to their site but not having certainty of the funding required. 
Developers need to broaden their understanding of the growing number of alternative funding options that are available to them as the construction finance sector is rapidly changing. 
Just as you would normally take advice from an experienced town planner before lodging a DA, it pays to seek expert finance advice when considering to purchase a property to develop. By working closely with a specialised financer who understands your needs, the market conditions and the structure being utilised to acquire the site places you in a strong position to find the best construction finance solution for your next project.
This article was written by Dan Holden of HoldenCAPITAL, who are a bespoke construction finance firm, they arranged over $300 million of construction finance in 2015 across 52 projects. To discuss your project finance requirement please call (07) 3171 4200 or visit <a href="https://www.holdencapital.com.au" target="_blank">www.holdencapital.com.au</a>
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Top 5 acquisition strategies for property developers: HoldenCAPITAL

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GUEST OBSERVER
A few short years ago, locations like Port Hedland in Western Australia or Emerald in Queensland were offering returns of up to 15%.
Well, that was then, this is now and the dive in commodities prices has been mirrored in property investment returns.
Adding to the slowdown, most lenders have dropped the LVRs on higher returning investments such as student accommodation and serviced apartments to levels that would have left many investors scratching their heads and wondering if the extra deposit required was really worth the returns.
This raises the obvious question of whether cash flow positive investments are dead or at least, needing urgent resuscitation.
Having owned several cash flow positive properties in both Queensland and WA, I know firsthand how much it can hurt when rentals start to fall.
Yet, despite this, I am still adamant that positive cash flow is the right investment strategy for most investors.
So, that means the next question is where in the current market can you find cash flow positive properties?
The answer is quite simple. You have to create them rather than hold off in the hope they find you.
Duplexes and dual key properties are the best and safest cash flow positive property an investor can acquire, particularly in today’s tough economic climate.
They can be developed in most metropolitan locations which means you don’t run the risk of fluctuating returns based on local industry plus there’s the opportunity for two rental incomes under one roof which generally shows a profit rather than a loss.
Duplexes also have the added benefit of a potential development profit through subdivision.
And this potential for development is really worth considering because instead of sitting back and waiting for capital growth you can create and drive equity, in turn, becoming a master of your own destiny.
Here’s a checklist of issues to consider:
Location due diligence is still just as important as any other property investment so narrow your search to growth areas with high rental demand for three bedroom dwellings.
Make sure the land is subdividable before you purchase. It’s too late once you’ve signed so think about enlisting the services of a town planner.
Find an experienced builder that has undertaken these types of build before and don’t over pay. Sure, it’s a bigger build but it’s all under one roof.
If you’re thinking about planning and subdivision always refer to local professionals who know the intricacies of the council with whom you will be dealing.
Finally, remember that you don’t need to sell the property to make a profit.
When you factor in things like agent’s fees and capital gains tax, you can actually access the same, if not more, equity by simply revaluing the property and increasing your mortgage.
This type of  “equity release” can then be used to move onto the next project and the duplex could still be cash flow positive, depending on the rental income.
This is a very sound strategy as the property can still create an income and gain capital growth while you continue to build your portfolio.
Paul Bieg is the founder of <a href="https://www.bigpropertyinvest.com.au/" target="_blank">Big Property Investments</a>
<a href="https://www.bigpropertyinvest.com.au" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;"> </a>
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