I am currently looking at developing a 5 unit site which will need subdivision and development approval. For DA application am I better hiring an architect and getting plans to submit, and once approved taking this to prospective builders, or am I better going to the builders, choosing one and submitting those plans for DA. I must add that I am looking to sell house and land packages after council approval. Are there pros and cons of doing it either way in relation to cost and timing?? Thanks in advance for any advise provided…
A five unit development can be potentially very time consuming and a strain financially. But I assume you already know that! I would suggest that you find someone that can help you with the process more than any single part of the process.
A well considered outcome will include an architect and builder (and perhaps a planner) and their opinions, but ultimately you, acting as developer, must ensure the continuity of the project. Get good advice at the start, make sure the buying and selling structures are right, that tax is properly considered, and that the research is sound.
The selling of "house and land packages" can also be handled in several different ways. You, as the developer and vendor, can enter into contracts to sell off the plan, or you could sell the land contingent upon the purchaser entering into a contract directly with the builder. Alternatively, you could build them and speculate. These, of course, are not the only options but they are issues that should be considered earlier rather than later.
I guess what I'm saying is that in my opinion getting the plan right, and structuring to accommodate those intentions, may be more important than the builder/architect question.
Good luck with the project.
Thanks for the input, and I am factoring in tax details into out feasability study. I aam thinking for the option of selling the land component and then linking the buyer to the building contract. Less risk,outlay and responsability. We ave found a couple of builders who do the whole process from DA application to 3D images of finished products for marketing purposes. There is a precedent in the area of other developers selling land as such through particular builders/agents. So, yes I agree if the price is right a one stop shop is most desirable, particularly one that has experience in this type of development
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