Our Process

The location selected depends on our client’s brief. Among others, factors to consider include uplift potential, long-term growth prospects, rental yield and tenancy demand. Different areas offer different benefits and are appraised accordingly, in line with the priorities of our client.

An investor planning to ‘flip’ might prioritise high, short-term uplift. Someone with a low-risk appetite may be more interested in strong rental yield and tenancy demand. Others may prioritise long-term equity growth over short-term uplift. Or, they may want a balance. All of this is considered to identify an area aligned with our client’s goals. 

The key information provided here is the detailed site assessment; reviewing all planning guidelines, contractual restrictions such as covenants and easements, and the specific site characteristics. Along with cost estimates and multiple agent appraisals to help determine end value and uplift potential. See the Access To All The Info section above for a detailed list of information provided. 

We work with agents, builders and developers to find high uplift opportunities, at times securing off-market lots exclusive to WolfeSmiths. Extensive due diligence is carried out to ensure the suitability of every opportunity.

All projects are custom designed, with the intention of meeting the demands of the local demographic. We aim to achieve the best possible outcome, making the most of the block and working with our network, including local agents, to better inform decisions on factors such as bedroom numbers, design and inclusions. We lean on these local professionals, aiming to balance design and inclusions vs cost to increase uplift potential. Our professional building designers have vast experience in all our key uplift locations, with a proven track record of high-quality designs across many LGAs. They work to the relevant council or private certifier guidelines during the process.

Refer to Why Custom Builds? above for more information.

We have an extensive network of trusted builders to work with. If a new builder is required for a niche location, we ensure they are thoroughly reference-checked. We have an in-house Building Liaison Officer who monitors onboarding and is responsible for the ongoing management of all our builder partners. With their guidance, and that of local agents, we are able to help with inclusions and finishes selections while cross-checking pricing to ensure it is competitive. We can source multiple tenders if requested and warranted, though WolfeSmiths and our clients are incentivised to work with specific builders consistently as the volume allows us to achieve better prices. Regardless, the final choice will always be made by the client. 

Our fee is often partly, or at times completely absorbed by the sharp prices we achieve through these relationships. This effectively means we could work for you for the same cost as if you were to go directly to the builder! All headworks required to obtain approvals are included in the build contract or the associated preliminary agreement too. This includes your custom design, consultants and reports, town planning, council contributions, subdivision and more!

We navigate what is often the most gruelling aspect of property development: the approval process. The challenges encountered here can vary widely from project to project and council to council. Planning codes can also change. Through extensive upfront site assessments, we can significantly mitigate planning risks faced by our clients. 

In some situations, we are able to work with private certifiers who can bypass the council process altogether and provide approvals much faster! This can save months and $1000s in holding costs for clients. The downside of this process, compared to the normal council process, is that the rules are much more strict. Whereas with council, there is often more flexibility. We have been successful in the past pushing outside council guidelines in order to get more favourable designs. The best approach for any given project depends on the site, the best design outcome, and the priorities of the client. To date, WolfeSmiths has never had a project declined due to a non-compliant project proposal.

We oversee the construction stage all the way through to handover. We realise that for some of the people we work with, this may be their first ever development project, and take great pride in our approachability and transparency. Though most of our work is done through the earlier stages, construction is still a major part of any project. Throughout the entire process, you will have a dedicated point of contact; someone who is always in-the-know, and who delivers regular updates as information becomes available. At completion, we can engage independent inspectors on your behalf to ensure quality, if desired.

We complete the subdivision and titling, the cost of which is generally included in the build contract. We then engage relevant agents to assist with leasing and managing or selling if desired. We can also help with referrals for depreciation schedules or refinancing to access additional equity for the next investment. If you are ready to take the next step in your investment journey by adding another duplex to your growing property portfolio, we will be ready to help you go again. This is what many of our clients choose to do.