Finding the right people to fund your projects is one of the biggest hurdles for aspiring developers. Whether you are looking for a "boots on the ground" partner or a silent investor, choosing the wrong person can sink a deal faster than a bad build.

In this episode of the Property Mastermind Podcast, Hilary and Bob look ahead to 2026, unpacking the strategies you need now to attract high-quality Joint Venture (JV) partners. They break down the critical difference between an Equity Partner (who shares the risk and profit) and a Loan Partner (who acts as the bank), and why knowing the difference is vital for your legal structure and profit margins.

Bob shares his "horror story" of a design-by-committee disaster where investors fought over bathroom tiles for four weeks, while Hilary reveals how a casual chat at the hairdresser turned into a potential business deal. From mastering the "two ears, one mouth" rule of networking to spotting the red flags of indecisive investors, this episode is your guide to building a capital-raising database that actually converts.

Links

• Attend the 3 Day Workshop on the Gold Coast: https://bit.ly/3UmDhjo
• Chat to Hilary about the current investment opportunity we have: https://link.propertymastermind.com.au/book-a-call
• Join the Ultra-Urban Database for upcoming investment opportunities: https://bit.ly/45sqO2F
• Head on over to our website to find out more about our workshop and education options: Our Website
• Connect with handovers.com: https://handovers.com/

Episode Highlights

01:36 – Bob’s Tip of the Week: Why choosing a JV partner is like getting married—you need to choose wisely and communicate often (because most business "marriages" don't even last two years).
02:50 – The Definition: Unpacking the difference between an Equity Partner (on title, in the deal) and a Loan Partner (lends money for a return, not on title).
06:07 – The Golden Rule: Bob shares advice from an old Italian developer: "You never go broke making a profit." Don't be greedy; sometimes it's better to pay interest than share 50% of the upside.
17:31 – Finding Partners: How to build a database of investors before you even find a site so you aren't scrambling for cash later.
22:42 – The Networking Ratio: Why you have "two ears and one mouth"—the secret to attracting partners is listening twice as much as you speak.
29:13 – The Hairdresser Strategy: Hilary shares a real-life example of how a casual conversation in a salon chair turned into a lead by finding common ground.
34:41 – The "Hobby" Mindset: Why you need to talk about property development with the same casual enthusiasm as golf or fishing to normalise it and peak interest.
49:44 – The Money Question: The one question you must ask early to weed out time-wasters (and why avoiding it is a red flag).
52:42 – Bob’s Horror Story: The 5-storey apartment project where 6 investors had design input, leading to a $20,000, four-week argument over bathroom tiles.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you a new property developer trying to figure out where to start? The biggest mistake most beginners make is trying to retire on their very first deal by taking on a project that is simply too big and too complex.

In this episode of the Property Mastermind Podcast, Bob and Hilary strip back the confusion to reveal the best entry-level strategies for aspiring developers. They unpack why "starting small" isn't just a safety net—it's the smartest way to build confidence and competence. Bob explains the difference between cosmetic renovations and true development (creating new titles), debates the pros and cons of 1-into-2 subdivisions versus duplexes, and answers the burning question: "Can I quit my day job to do this full time?" If you want to choose a strategy that fits your budget, personality, and risk profile, this episode is your roadmap.

Links

• Attend the 3 Day Workshop on the Gold Coast: https://bit.ly/3UmDhjo
• Chat to Hilary about the current investment opportunity we have: https://link.propertymastermind.com.au/book-a-call
• Join the Ultra-Urban Database for upcoming investment opportunities: https://bit.ly/45sqO2F
• Head on over to our website to find out more about our workshop and education options: Our Website
• Connect with handovers.com: https://handovers.com/

Episode Highlights
01:04 - Bob’s Tip of the Week: There are many ways to build a house, but only one great way to make a fortune.
03:02 - The absolute beginner’s strategy: Why a simple two-lot subdivision is the safest place to start.
03:59 - Renovation vs. Development: Why adding a room isn't development until you create a new title.
04:48 - The "Retire Early" Trap: Why trying to quit your job off your very first project is a flawed business plan.
11:14 - The Learning Curve: Why doing 10 townhouses teaches you the exact same lessons as doing 3 (but with significantly higher risk).
12:44 - The $600k Dilemma: Should you do one deal alone or joint venture on two? Bob reveals the path of least resistance.
16:22 - To quit or not to quit? The strategic advantage of keeping your day job for bank serviceability.
18:25 - How to cure analysis paralysis by asking one simple question: "Can I live with the worst-case scenario?"
22:32 - Why a "lukewarm" attitude is a death sentence in property development.
31:32 - The Duplex Boom: How state government density targets are opening up new opportunities for small developers.
34:27 - Cash flow flexibility: Why building on a subdivision one at a time can be financially safer than a duplex build.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holiday season is fast approaching, and for property developers, this isn't just about presents and pudding—it's a critical danger zone for your projects. With builders, councils, and solicitors shutting down for weeks, a lack of preparation can lead to costly delays or stressful holidays.

In this episode of the Property Mastermind Podcast, Bob and Hilary unpack the "Property Developer’s Christmas Checklist." Whether you are listening in December or planning for a mid-year break, this episode is your guide to getting organised. You’ll learn how to manage critical milestones before the industry shuts down, why you need to be thinking about 2026 right now, and how to handle the mental load so you can switch off without guilt. Bob also shares a horror story about a Boxing Day settlement that will make you double-check your calendar immediately.

Links

• Attend the 3 Day Workshop on the Gold Coast: https://bit.ly/3UmDhjo
• Chat to Hilary about the current investment opportunity we have: https://link.propertymastermind.com.au/book-a-call
• Join the Ultra-Urban Database for upcoming investment opportunities: https://bit.ly/45sqO2F
• Head on over to our website to find out more about our workshop and education options: Our Website
• Connect with handovers.com: https://handovers.com/

Episode Highlight:
01:46 - Book Giveaway: Why property development is the "pinnacle" of all property strategies.
02:30 - The "Christmas Shutdown" Reality: How to prepare when lenders, lawyers, and builders all disappear at the same time.
04:28 - The Boxing Day Nightmare: Bob shares a cautionary tale of a multi-million dollar settlement scheduled for December 26th.
05:27 - The "Brain Dump" Method: How to get the chaos out of your head and onto paper so you can prioritise effectively.
08:58 - The Bag of Guilt: Why you need to make a firm decision to be either 100% "on" or 100% "off" during your break.
10:00 - Projecting into the Future: Why developers are already planning for mid-2026 and 2027.
13:15 - Keeping the Team Happy: Why a bottle of wine for your accountant goes a long way.
17:22 - The Reset: How Hilary uses the break for intention setting and audiobooks, while Bob heads for the golf course and camping.
23:12 - Fun Fact: Do you know what "Stress" spelled backwards is? (Hint: It’s delicious).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.