Understanding how developers choose where to build can help buyers make smarter decisions. Whether you're looking for your first home or a solid investment, knowing what drives site selection can give you a real edge.
In this episode of Property Now, host Michael Carbone sat down with industry leaders to explore how developers choose their sites and what that means for the average buyer. Guests included Steve Maroon from Lane, Daniel McMahon from Colliers, and Chris Ferris, CEO of Coposit and former property developer.
The Triple S Rule: Schools, Shops, Stations
The most successful developers follow a simple rule. They look for sites near schools, shops, and stations. This “Triple S” method ensures the location appeals to both buyers and renters.
If you are a buyer, ask yourself the same questions. Is the property walking distance to a train station? Are there schools and shops nearby? If yes, the property is likely in high demand.
Developers Think Like Buyers
Good developers always start with the end in mind. They imagine who will live in the home or rent it in the future. That person becomes the reason for everything they build, from apartment sizes to finishes.
Steve Maroon explained how Lane focuses on quality, substance, and long-term trust. Daniel McMahon confirmed that developers who consider their end user from day one tend to deliver better outcomes. Chris Ferris added that buyers often want what developers want, and that overlap is key.
Why Brand Matters in Property
After years of building defects and media scandals, trust has become a major factor in new developments. Developers now build visible brands to show buyers they are reliable, experienced, and here to stay.
If a developer is willing to speak publicly, attend open days, or appear on podcasts, they are not hiding. That builds confidence. As Chris said, “If anything goes wrong, we are here. We are not running away.”
Gentrification and Future Growth
One of the clearest signs of a good investment is gentrification. This happens when a once-overlooked area begins to attract new infrastructure, young families, cafes, and better housing.
Developers look at things like rezoning, new train lines, and government investment to predict where the next boom suburb will be. Buyers can do the same. If a suburb is next to an expensive one but still affordable, it might be next in line for growth.
Why the Government Is Pointing the Way
In New South Wales, major planning changes are shaping the future of development. Programs like the Low to Medium Rise Housing Code and Transit-Oriented Development are designed to increase housing supply near transport hubs.
This makes it easier to see where apartments and townhouses will appear next. It also gives buyers a roadmap. If the government is building a metro station and upgrading roads and schools, there will likely be new homes and strong demand in that area.
Developers Are Getting Selective
Site selection has become even more critical in recent years. Construction costs have jumped. Interest rates have increased. Many developers have shifted from large-scale apartments to boutique projects or land subdivisions.
Developers now ask: Will this site attract the right buyer? Can we build what people want here? Will it stack up financially, even if the market slows? They also look for flexibility. If the market changes, can they pivot the design?
What Buyers Should Ask
Buyers can borrow the developer mindset. When considering a project, ask:
- Why did the developer choose this site?
- Who is the ideal resident?
- What schools, shops, and transport options are nearby?
- Does the design reflect what people want today?
If the agent can’t answer those questions clearly, think twice.
The Role of Coposit
Coposit is helping buyers get into the market without a huge upfront deposit. With as little as $10,000 and weekly payments during construction, you can secure a brand-new home. It’s not a loan. It’s a smarter way to buy off the plan.
Projects on Coposit often meet the same criteria developers use when choosing sites. That means buyers can access high-quality, well-located homes with less financial pressure.
Developers succeed when they buy well and build for real people. Buyers succeed when they think like developers. Look for the same signs. Choose areas with growth potential. Ask the right questions. Trust the brand behind the build.
And if saving for a deposit feels impossible, Coposit gives you a way forward.
