If you are thinking about building a new home, it is crucial to understand the property development process.
From choosing the right property to complying with local regulations, land development is the first step to making your dream home a reality.
Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the basics of land development in 2026.
Why consider land development in 2026?
Adjustment: New construction offers the opportunity to customize your home to suit your lifestyle and preferences. In 2026, the trend towards personalization is stronger than ever.
Modern amenities: Benefit from the latest smart home technologies, energy efficient designs and sustainable building practices.
Investment potential: With property prices constantly rising, land development can be a worthwhile investment and can increase the value of your property over time.
Community development: Get involved in projects that make a positive contribution to your local community, such as environmentally friendly developments and community green spaces.
What is land development?
Property development is the process of preparing land for new construction.
This includes converting the natural landscape into a site suitable for building homes, commercial properties or community spaces. The term “green fields” is sometimes used to describe this type of development.
What is the difference between property development and house and property development?
Property development generally involves dividing larger lots into smaller lots and preparing these lots for sale as individual blocks to individual owners.
On the other hand, home and land developments allow buyers to secure a plot of land and build a new home in a single, streamlined process that includes two contracts – one for the land and one for construction.
![Land development](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 800 450"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Property development generally involves dividing larger properties into smaller properties. Image: realestate.com.au/buy.
Dr. Shane Geha, managing director and co-founder of rezoning company EG Advisory and professor of practice (engineering) at the University of NSW, said the first consideration was to look at the zoning as it dictated what could be done with the land.
For property development, a development application is submitted to the local council in order to approve the development plan. This must be approved for physical work to take place.
“Physical works typically include grading of the property, connection to sewerage, water and electricity supply, curb and gutter work, road construction, paving, tree planting, fencing and landscaping,” said Dr. Geha.
“Once all of this work has been completed by the builder or developer, individual parcels can be sold.”
Frasers Property Australia general manager brand and customer Emily Wood said there were many key considerations when developing land.
“When you buy a residential property from a developer, you are buying a property that has all the infrastructure such as roads and connections for electricity, water, sewage and other essential services. These elements are the ‘hardware’ of land development,” Ms Wood said.
“But some developers also focus on the ‘software.’ This includes community development initiatives such as the creation of parks and gathering spaces, the availability of schools, child care and transportation, walkable neighborhoods and a distinct neighborhood feel.”
With a house and land package, the land is purchased and a specific house is to be built on this land. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
“Generally, such developments are considered ‘master-planned’ as they incorporate more than just basic infrastructure. Once a plot of land has been purchased and agreed with the developer, you can select a builder of your choice to begin building your home.”
In a house and land package, the land is purchased and a specific house is to be built on that land, or the house may already be built.
House and land packages can be built by the developer or one of its designated partner house building companies.
What is a Land Developer?
A land developer is a company or entity that acquires zoned land and issues the permits necessary for construction.
“Land developers can also rezone properties that are not properly zoned for a variety of market-based uses, including stores, residential, commercial and industrial developments,” Dr. Geha.
Ms Wood said land developers were also buying large tracts of land to subdivide into smaller parcels and sell to individual homebuyers.
Greenfield sites are previously undeveloped land, while brownfield sites are usually metropolitan areas that have been used for other building purposes. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
“If the property does not have the appropriate residential zoning, the developer must seek to change the zoning with the council and work with all local and state authorities to obtain all necessary building permits for residential development. This allows for the creation of roads, infrastructure and other building blocks of a new community,” she said.
What is the difference between brownfield and greenfield?
Greenfield sites are previously undeveloped land, while brownfield sites are typically metropolitan areas that have been used for other building purposes and are typically surrounded by other developments.
Both greenfield and brownfield sites may need to be repurposed for future use. For example, a green space could be farmland that is being converted into a residential area, or a brownfield could be an industrial site that is being converted into a residential area.
Can I choose my own contractor?
It is possible to choose your own builder if your property purchase is not part of a house and land package.
“If you enter into a house and land contract with the development company with an agreed scope, design and contract price, you can only negotiate with the developer you have entered into a contract with,” said Dr. Geha.
Ms Wood said when you buy a property you can choose a preferred house design and developer, but may need to obtain relevant approvals.
Land development occurs in almost every city. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
“When you buy a house and land package, you will usually have already chosen your house design from a selection provided by the developer, which will make the most of the block you are purchasing,” she said.
“The property developer will typically work with a licensed builder to develop it or build your home themselves.”
Can land developments work together with house and land developments or are they separate options?
In certain cases, property developers can work together with house and property developers.
Buyers often have the option of either buying a vacant lot and designing the construction of the house of their choice on it and entering into a contract, or buying the whole package, where the developer delivers to the buyer both the house and the land on which the house stands, at the agreed price and design.
What property developments are available near me?
Victoria
The Grove – Tarneit, Melbourne
Mambourin – Wyndham Vale, Melbourne
Five Farms – Clyde North, Melbourne
Berwick Waters – Clyde North, Melbourne
New South Wales
Hillcroft – Claymore, Sydney
Newleaf – Bonnyrigg, Sydney
The Hills of Carmel – Box Hill, Sydney
Queensland
Brookhaven – Bahrs Scrub, Brisbane
Smithfield Village – Cairns
Ridgeview – Narangba, Brisbane
South Australia
The Entrance – Angle Vale, Adelaide
Springlake – Mount Barker, Adelaide Hills
Western Australia
Port Coogee-Perth
Eden Beach – Jindalee, Perth
