Lately I’ve been having a lot of conversations about small scale metro development and how it can sit alongside a farming business as part of a broader wealth strategy.
You may already hold a block in Perth, or you might be considering deploying capital from a few strong seasons into a well located metro site. Converting a single dwelling into between two to eight properties can be a practical way to accelerate equity growth and establish an additional income stream outside the farm.
On paper, it can look straightforward: buy well, secure approvals, build, then either sell or retain the completed dwellings. In areas where demand remains strong and supply is tight, that approach can form a valuable part of long term wealth creation and diversification.
However, in today’s environment the real advantage isn’t simply securing the right site, it’s having the right strategy and relationships behind the project.
Without an established relationship with a quality builder, it’s easy to become just another job in the queue. When trades are stretched and materials are delayed, builders naturally prioritise clients they know and trust. The same applies to surveyors, planners, accountants and lawyers who understand development and can move quickly when timing matters.
Where we see people come unstuck is committing to a site before those key conversations have taken place. Feasibilities built on outdated build rates or optimistic timelines can quickly unravel once real quotes and realistic schedules are applied.
At Johnson Property Group, our development services are designed to manage that risk and bring the right team together from the outset. We work with clients from feasibility and site selection through to consultant coordination and delivery, stress testing the numbers, confirming current pricing and ensuring experienced builders and advisers are engaged early. Our established relationships help keep projects moving, even in a tight market.
If you’re considering developing a site, or simply want to understand whether an opportunity genuinely stacks up, we would love to chat.
Andrew Johnson
Managing Director