Ep. 198 - Spotting Hidden Development Potential

Not all great development sites come with a “development opportunity” sign on them. In this episode of the Property Mastermind Podcast, Hilary Saxton and Bob Andersen explore the hidden potential in everyday homes and blocks—those overlooked sites that could become profitable projects with the right eye and a little creativity. They cover how to spot opportunities in wide frontages, corner blocks, older homes, sloping land, and zoning quirks. You’ll also learn why understanding what’s happening in your local council—and how others are getting things approved—can uncover more value than you might expect. Whether you’re new to property development or looking for your next site, this episode will open your eyes to deals hiding in plain sight. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to uncover the real value in everyday property. Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction – What this episode is all about and who won this week’s book giveaway. [02:38] Local council relaxations – How temporary zoning leniency can offer short-term development opportunities. [05:38] Research tip – Check local planning approvals to see what others are doing. [06:51] Large backyards and wide frontages – Why these may be more valuable than they look. [09:41] Renovate or not? – When to update the front house or sell as is. [12:10] Staging your project – Using one part of a site to fund another. [14:55] Zoning impacts and lot size minimums – Why smaller lots may allow more than expected. [16:14] Corner blocks and dual street access – Multiple frontages create flexible options. [21:04] Granny flats and secondary dwellings – Extra value on land you already own. [25:41] When slope works in your favour – Building into gradients and avoiding stormwater issues. [28:48] Local development activity – What it can reveal (and what it can’t). [31:20] Financial feasibilities and funding approvals – Why getting the numbers right matters for lenders too. [33:00] Town planner insights – Why local expertise reveals more than the town plan. [34:45] Choosing a development-friendly council – How to avoid your first project becoming a nightmare. [36:02] Five questions to ask before buying a site – Simple ways to avoid costly mistakes. 🏠🏠🏠 Check out all the episodes - https://bit.ly/3ZDe2fZ  🔑 Exclusive Property Mastermind Mentoring - https://bit.ly/4ieAu6B 🔑 Property Mastermind Courses: 👉 Getting Started in Property Development - https://bit.ly/4iwTI7E👉 The Ultimate Property Development Bundle - https://bit.ly/3OH4VVy  Property Mastermind Events: 👉 The 3-Day Live Workshop - https://bit.ly/3ZnBe0j👉 Full Event Schedule - https://bit.ly/4g0inzD  Connect with us: 👉 Property Developer Secrets & Hacks on Facebook - https://bit.ly/49r6kJo👉 Facebook Page - https://bit.ly/3D2eH1S👉 Instagram - https://bit.ly/3D1a7AP👉 YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Vp4ToG  🏠🏠🏠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.