Finding the right development property for sale in Australia can be the key to unlocking serious long-term returns. Whether you’re an experienced developer or looking to make your first move into the property development space, success comes down to making smart, informed decisions from the outset. The challenge? Not all sites are created equal, and what looks like a golden opportunity on paper may come with costly obstacles buried beneath the surface.
If you’re aiming to secure a property with true development potential, here’s how to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
1. Location Is Everything – But It’s Not Just About the Postcode
The value of a development site isn’t based on location alone. Yes, proximity to transport, schools, parks, and employment hubs plays a role – but what truly matters is how the site fits into the broader growth of the area.
Look for areas experiencing strong population growth, backed by infrastructure spending and urban renewal programs. Suburbs within strategic growth corridors in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne are prime examples. These areas benefit from government investment, improving amenity, and rising demand – all of which support future resale value.
At Billbergia, we’ve spent over three decades identifying and delivering projects in precisely these locations, because that’s where long-term value lives.
2. Understand the Zoning and Planning Framework
Before you get carried away by a site’s potential, check the zoning. Councils determine what can and can’t be built on a parcel of land, and these rules vary significantly between LGAs.
You’ll want to confirm:
- Current zoning classification (residential, mixed-use, commercial)
- Allowable building heights and floor space ratios
- Setbacks, heritage restrictions and flood zones
- Likelihood of rezoning or upzoning in future
A site with favourable zoning can fast-track approvals and significantly reduce risk. If you’re looking at a development property for sale with unclear planning controls, factor in additional time and cost for potential amendments.
3. Pay Attention to Site Dimensions and Orientation
A common trap for developers is buying land that looks appealing on the surface but presents practical design challenges. Before making an offer, assess the site for:
- Width and depth (can it support the yield you want?)
- Frontage access and corner positioning
- Slope and topography (flat sites are generally easier and cheaper to build on)
- North-facing orientation (often more desirable for residential projects)
Even small differences in site layout can dramatically affect build costs, design flexibility and end-user appeal. A poorly configured site could limit your ability to achieve your desired return.
4. Know the Numbers: Feasibility Is Everything
Every development site should go through a detailed feasibility assessment before purchase. This means carefully calculating land costs, construction costs, professional fees, holding costs, marketing, finance and end value.
Your goal is to confirm that the development will generate a healthy margin – typically 15 to 20 percent minimum – before you commit.
If the numbers don’t stack up, walk away. In development, discipline always trumps emotion.
5. Investigate Infrastructure Access and Service Connections
A site without easy access to essential services such as sewer, water, electricity and NBN can add significant cost and complexity. Sites located far from existing service lines may require upgrades or contributions that eat into your budget.
Ask for a serviceability report or consult with a civil engineer before you go unconditional. A smart developer doesn’t just buy based on what’s visible – they do the homework on what’s underground.
6. Consider Market Demand and Exit Strategy
Even if a site ticks all the planning and design boxes, you need to ensure there’s demand for what you’re planning to build. Study the local demographic profile and understand what buyers or tenants in the area are looking for.
In a market like Australia, where lifestyle plays a major role in buying decisions, developments that integrate open space, walkability, and smart design consistently outperform cookie-cutter builds.
Before you buy a development property for sale, have a clear exit strategy. Are you planning to build and hold? Sell down apartments off-the-plan? Target the owner-occupier market or investors? Your approach should align with both the market and your capabilities.
7. Buy from Reputable Vendors and Developers
Some of the best development opportunities in Australia come from larger, trusted developers who release surplus land or future stages within a masterplanned community. These sites often come with fewer unknowns, clearer development potential and better value thanks to the surrounding amenity already in place.
At Billbergia, we develop and sell sites that meet the same quality standards we hold for our projects – strategically located, well-serviced and future-focused.
Buying a development property for sale in Australia isn’t just about chasing the biggest block or the lowest price. It’s about buying smart. It’s about identifying real potential, backed by data, planning insight and a solid vision for the finished product.
When you get it right, development can be incredibly rewarding, financially and creatively. But the best results come when you take the time to assess every angle.
Looking to explore premium development opportunities? Get in touch with the team at Billbergia and discover sites with real potential in Australia’s most promising growth locations.
