Developers are on the move – and the race is heating up.
Costi Cohen has seen a sharp rise in enquiries from developers seeking development-approved (DA) and Complying Development Certificate (CDC) sites, with childcare and residential projects leading the charge. With construction costs starting to stabilise, ready-to-build opportunities with clear development pathways are being snapped up at record speed.
The Development-Ready Checklist
1. Construction-Ready Confidence
Construction Certificate (CC) Status: Confirm whether a CC has been secured, or if the plans are already CC-ready – this can accelerate your start date.
Tender-Ready Documentation: Check for the availability of working drawings and engineering reports, which help fast-track builder engagement and ensure accurate pricing.
Builder Discussions: Engage builders early. With DA/CDC approval in place, you can move swiftly from approval to construction with the right team onboard.
Approval Conditions Review: Review the approval conditions to ensure clarity on any requirements prior to construction.
2. Site Attributes & Design Efficiency
Optimal Lot Configuration: Regular-shaped, level sites with wide or corner frontages often allow for better design outcomes and parking efficiency.
Topography & Earthworks: Identify any works needed for site preparation – level sites typically allow for quicker starts and simpler builds.
Services Availability: Confirm connections for sewer, water, power, and NBN. Having services nearby or ready is a major value-add.
3. Market Alignment & Demand on Completion
Demographic Momentum: Population growth, new infrastructure, and low vacancy trends are strong indicators of end demand.
Comparable Sales & Rents: Review recent data to validate potential end values – especially helpful for funding and feasibility confidence.
Resale or Leasing Strength: Whether you plan to sell or lease, strong demand and short vacancy periods help secure strong returns and peace of mind.
4. Feasibility Review
Clear Exit or Hold Strategy: Review key feasibility drivers, including realistic build cost assumptions, holding costs, and revenue projections.
Recent Development Transactions
Residential
Leveraging deep market access and expert negotiation, Costi Cohen has secured two (2) premium, DA-approved residential sites in tightly held Eastern Suburbs locations.
Both sites feature elevated, build-ready parcels with expansive views – positioned in blue-chip suburbs where development-ready sites are scarce. Each opportunity presents a compelling opportunity for capital growth in highly sought-after coastal areas.
Childcare
Costi Cohen has recently purchased two (2) development approved Childcare Sites in key South West and Western Sydney demand areas for an established NSW childcare developer/occupier through a targeted and direct off-market process.
Both sites featured:
- Development approval for childcare use
- Prominent corner frontage
- Excellent exposure and access
- Level and build-ready topography
- Minimal overlays and planning risk
- High underlying childcare demand supported by proximity to strong mix of schools
Speak with us about your next acquistion.
If you’re looking to secure your next development site, our team can help you move quickly, strategically and off-market. We assess opportunities with precision and discretion to ensure you’re making the right move.