4 Townhouses development - Melbourne

MTR - My ol' man's a builder, I built my first house when I was 21 and still own it (Mount Waverley).

I do projects on the side, quite easy. Buy the land - get the plans done and go to council. We do the build and done in no time, for 5 townhouses they can be complete 6-9 months. Apartments are better money but takes capital and time....

Town planning is taking longer in certain areas yes, can be frustrating as you get your plans done pre-settlement and then demolish, on my current development we had 7 on the block (same as the project across the road ) - council said nope, we made a mistake on the one across the road, so that impacts me. In the growth zone so no problem just delays the process - happens alot across most areas of Melbourne of late speaking to independent town planners. You get an objection and your delayed by 6 months.

Cheers Ivan

 

I wouldn't but have clients that do this. Can get real complicated - you want to ensure everything is documented in the event of a dispute. Also when it comes to a construction loan all applicants need to service so don't partner with a loser Saying this I do developments with family members, current is 50/50 Ivan & Wife and My parents and my dad is builder....

Cheers Ivan

 

Thanks, great information. Your dad a builder, lucky you

On average if you don't get any objections, from your experience how long does it take to go through council/get your plans permits approved ready to build?

MTR

 

Hey MTR,

So good to hear about your news, I am aiming to progress to next step July this year, let's talk soon

 

Great news.
Sure anytime

 

Did you receive my email a while ago?

 

MTR - depends. We have used the same guy to do plans for the last 20 years, now he is careless and stupid. My plans were straight out rejected and this was major - never happened, however we are now getting a independent review of drawings to ensure:
1. They satisfy the regulations
2. They make the most out of the space.

The layout is underrated - my sister reviews all plans - she sees the future, me I just want the bloody plans through ASAP so I can knock down walls.

The design needs to be good but generally our finishings are awesome. If they are sold off the plan, the guys will get extras such as extra AC Unit, blinds etc and landscaping.

MTR - My Bro left financial services to build too. Does very well, doing apartments and townhouses.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but interesting reading.

When you look at Noble Park let me know, buy off market and don't focus on the stigma as you know (like Thomastown) its a investment decision.

Cheers Ivan

 

Did you ever face issues regarding the construction loan? One of my dilemnas currently involves banks My serviceability is apparently ok, I worry more about hiccups along the way.

 

Councils!

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences.

 

Hijack away, wow, very interesting indeed. If you have a formula that has generally been working well then I don't want to reinvent the wheel, I just jump on the bandwagon

I am a gal that purchased in Broadmeadows, stigma, I let the locals worry about that, if it makes money I am in

OK, down the track I will take you up on the offer with regards to Noble Park.

Cheers
MTR

 

Hey Ivan,

Can you share one of ur projects in noble park?

 

Hi MTR

I'd still really like to know the cost per square you paid for the house construction not including the storm water retention and driveway and landscaping.

Your build price sounds amazing to me but it may not be in context to size.

Thanks.

 

Hi Ivan @Redwood what would you say is a reasonable number of units on a 980 sqm block in the Residential Growth Zone in Dandenong? (Can go up to four storeys). What is the building cost per square metre? What is more popular--one, two or three bedroom units? thanks

ps Sorry MTR for going off on a tangent on your thread. x

 

I can only give you the full turnkey amount $1400 per sq, includes everything apart from demolishing the house. I also have upgrades with this stone bench tops kitchen, bathroom, oak floorboards

Prices vary dependent on specification. You really need to compare apples with apples as prices will vary significantly I am sure.

 

1400 per sqm? Including Stone benchtops and floorboards?
And you seem to have a good experience with the builder, also? Is he location-specific or willing to work elsewhere?

Do you have costings for your Croydon development yet?

 

actually I made a mistake its around 1450 per sq

No not my Croydon development yet and I wont post anything about this project until its completed/settled for privacy reasons.

MTR

 

Holy cow that's still amazing.

 

@MTR and @Redwood Have either of you built with pre-cast concrete or anything other than bricks?

 

MTR - another questions burning my mind.

Finding the right builder is essential.

Could you please tell me the process you went through to find your builder?

thanks

 

She's mentioned earlier that for this project she went through someone who sourced the builder as well as permits and land.