Important Things to Look for When Looking for New Development Sites

Development sites can be attractive to many property owners and investors today in
Queensland and Brisbane. The future opportunity of a development site is something to be
looked at in various ways. Here are some guidelines for the investigation if you’re looking to
buy a development site in Brisbane or maybe anything that could be suited for development.
So, where do you start? Keep in mind that not all real estate opportunities and development
sites are created equal, and that certain areas and properties will be more suited for your
larger investment goals than others. Let’s look at that some more:

1. As you search Brisbane for possible properties to work with and develop, it is
beneficial to use a checklist technique to assist you with the initial site research.
The following things ought to be part of the review factors:
1. What is the site’s zoning? When considering potential development activities and
sites, this question is always the first one on the list. It’s a reasonable and simple
question, but it’s crucial if you’re considering the site’s future and what you can do
with it. You can see what is permitted in the precinct by consulting the local zoning
plans and laws. To discuss current regulations and activities in the zone or precinct,
you can also visit the local municipal council and speak with the planning staff. Does
the building authority or local council support new real estate developments, and if
so, how does one begin the process?
2. Is the terrain suitable for your intended use? Parking, accessibility, levels, and
building site feasibility would all be evaluated. Will the property and the parking lots
around it be appropriate for tenant occupancy and business operations? When it
comes to selling or leasing out the completed property, suites, or occupancy spaces,
the question will be highly pertinent. You might think about soil integrity and type for
construction as an extension of this subject. You can get assistance with that
investigation from certain engineers.
3. In any new construction or investment property, history is a reliable predictor of the
future. Examine the events that have occurred there as well as with neighbouring
and/or adjacent properties. It’s possible that some of those owners tried a
development or property improvement strategy. Discover what transpired and the
current state of affairs. For those owners, was the development process simple?
4. When designing and laying out a property, stormwater management and retention
will be crucial. Think about the kind and size of property you are thinking about in the
development. What size and design will the roof catchment be, and will that
necessitate special stormwater retention or control? One example of a unique issue
with stormwater is larger industrial sheds and warehouses.
5. Examine the current vegetation. Could the removal of that vegetation be
restricted? Are there any orders or notices pertaining to heritage or culture that might
have an effect on the current trees or plants?
6. To elaborate on the last point, take into account the property’s or precinct’s
environmental features and legacy. Details on any current issues or queries
regarding that should be available to the local council.
7. Consider the height of the buildings and where the development’s enhancements
should be placed. Is it possible that the structures or buildings will prevent adjacent
properties from seeing the sun? Approval procedures may become problematic as a
result.
8. Location, visibility, and functionality should all be considered when placing parking.
On the property, where would the parking lot be located? Does that make sense for
how the renovations are positioned and how the tenants use the property? Taking
this matter a step further, the final size and kind of the property will probably affect
the allotment of parking spaces. Will there be enough space in the parking lot for the
planned development? Will excavation be necessary to meet parking lot regulations?

Thus, these enquiries will assist you in clarifying your fundamental concepts of real estate
development. After that, you can get professional advice and consultant support to plan your
real estate development endeavours.

This article was written by John Highman, of Ray White Commercial Milton. John is a
commercial real estate specialist and can be reached at john.highman@raywhite.com or
0417 221 108.