Episode Summary:

In this episode, I sit down with Karlie Wolfe, Senior Director of Residential Development & Advisory at Opteon, to unpack how professional valuers assess development feasibility and what really determines whether a project stacks up.

Karlie brings over two decades of experience valuing residential development projects across Western Australia—from small triplex sites to large-scale apartment towers. We dive deep into the numbers behind development: how land values are calculated, why construction costs are crippling some projects, and what junior developers often underestimate when they first get started.

If you’ve ever wondered how banks evaluate development deals, why certain projects never get built, or what separates profitable developments from financial disasters, this episode is essential listening.

✅ How valuers assess development feasibility for banks and developers

✅ The key factors that determine whether a development site is viable

✅ Why location, site shape, and topography dramatically impact profitability

✅ The residual land value method used to calculate what developers can afford to pay

✅ Why construction costs are the biggest challenge facing developers today

✅ The difference between small-scale townhouse developments and large apartment projects

✅ Why Perth has a “dead zone” in medium-density apartment supply

✅ The ongoing supply shortage driving Perth property prices higher

• Understand Your Costs: GST, site works, finance costs, and holding costs can dramatically change feasibility.
• Flat Land Matters: Sloping sites can add tens of thousands in retaining walls and site preparation.
• Design Drives Profitability: Well-designed smaller homes often sell better than larger poorly designed ones.
• Avoid Overcapitalising: Match finishes to the suburb and target buyer profile.
• Use Professional Advice Early: Valuers, builders, and local agents can help validate your assumptions before committing to a purchase.

Feasibility Must Work Today: Banks and valuers assess projects based on today’s market—not predicted future growth.

Connect with Me

Website: https://rezzi.com.au/

Podcast Hub: https://rezzi.com.au/podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rezziau/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rezzi5526

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more WA property investors discover the insights they need to make smarter decisions.

In this episode, I sit down with Cameron Leckey — owner of Rise Urban and WA President of the Planning Institute — to unpack one of the biggest questions facing Western Australia: how do we actually build more housing without destroying the character of our suburbs?

Cameron brings a rare inside perspective on how planning really works — from 10-year greenfield developments to infill density around train stations. We explore why planning sometimes feels like “computer says no,” what needs to change in order to address affordability, and how infrastructure, rezoning, and community consultation all shape the homes that eventually hit the market.

If you want to understand why supply is slow, where density is heading, and what the future “Australian Dream” looks like, this episode is essential listening.

✅ Why housing developments can take 10+ years from paddock to titles

✅ The role of structure plans, rezoning, and infrastructure sequencing

✅ Whether planning is slowing down housing supply

✅ Why developers aren’t the villains many think they are

✅ The reality of NIMBY vs YIMBY movements

✅ The State Government’s density push around train stations

✅ Infill at scale vs backyard subdivisions

✅ The evolving “Australian Dream” — from land size to lifestyle

• Understand the Time Lag: New land supply doesn’t appear overnight — 10-year pipelines are common.
• Watch Transport Nodes: Density around train stations will drive future growth and value shifts.
• Infill at Scale Is Key: Large infill sites (like former government land) will shape Perth’s next growth phase.
• Infrastructure Drives Value: Roads, pipes, schools and power dictate where housing can actually happen.
• Demographic Shifts Matter: Downsizers are prioritising location and convenience over land size.

Connect with Me

Website: https://rezzi.com.au/

Podcast Hub: https://rezzi.com.au/podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rezziau/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rezzi5526

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more WA property investors make informed decisions.

In this episode, I’m joined by Robert Mandanici, Vice President of REIWA and Director of Paddington Realty, to unpack one of the most debated topics in Australian real estate right now: transparency in property sales and the growing role of government intervention. We start by examining proposed changes coming out of Victoria around compulsory disclosure of auction reserve prices—and why those reforms could have unintended consequences for both buyers and sellers.

Rob brings a seasoned, on-the-ground perspective to the conversation, explaining why auctions, when conducted properly, can actually be one of the most transparent sales methods available. We also explore how WA’s market differs from the eastern states, the risks of poorly designed regulation, and what investors should be watching as governments respond to housing affordability, planning reform, and sustainability pressures.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Why compulsory disclosure of auction reserves may backfire

✅ Auctions vs private treaty — transparency myths and realities

✅ How buyers can end up bidding against themselves in low-stock markets

✅ The impact of government intervention on property prices and transaction speed

✅ Why WA’s auction framework differs from Victoria and NSW

✅ Planning reform around transport hubs and higher-density living

✅ Sustainability, insurance risk, and how banks are shaping property values

✅ The growing role of AI and data in real estate decision-making

Actionable Insights for Property Investors:

• Understand the Method of Sale: Auctions can be highly transparent—but only when properly regulated and understood.
• Beware of Unintended Regulation: Government reforms can change buyer behaviour and pricing dynamics in unexpected ways.
• Know Your Market: WA operates very differently from the eastern states—don’t assume policies translate cleanly.
• Watch Planning Changes Closely: Density around transport hubs will reshape long-term supply and values.

Factor in Sustainability: Insurance and lending criteria are increasingly influencing what properties can be financed or insured.

Connect with Me

Website: https://rezzi.com.au/

Podcast Hub: https://rezzi.com.au/podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rezziau/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rezzi5526

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review—it helps other WA property investors find the information they need to make better decisions.