Case Study: Delivering Affordable, Contemporary Housing in Springfield Lakes
- Adam Bahrami
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Location: Springfield Lakes, Queensland
Project Type: Affordable Residential Development
Target Market: First-home buyers & property investors
Price Range: Under $200K
Rental Yields: 5%–8%
Introduction
In a challenging post-pandemic market, OwnerDeveloper executed a smart, high-yield residential development in one of Southeast Queensland’s fastest-growing regions: Springfield Lakes, just 33km from Brisbane, Australia's largest master-planned community, offering unique opportunities for both first-home buyers and investors. This case study showcases how strategic land acquisition, market-driven design, and innovative deal structuring enabled us to deliver affordable homes —while achieving rental yields of up to 8%.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time developer, Springfield Lakes is a blueprint for profitable and purpose-driven property development.
Project Overview
Springfield Lakes, an integral part of Greater Springfield—the largest master-planned community in Australia—presented a prime opportunity for an innovative housing project. OwnerDeveloper successfully delivered a contemporary and affordable residential development, tailored for first-home buyers and investors.
Through strategic sourcing, smart deal structuring, and an understanding of market trends, we secured land at competitive prices, overcoming challenges posed by market uncertainty and COVID-19-related disruptions. The result? A thriving, adaptable community that offers strong rental yields and long-term investment potential.
Recognising the Opportunity
Springfield Lakes is just 33km from Brisbane and continues to experience rapid growth, supported by government-backed infrastructure projects and high housing demand. This project aligned with market needs by offering:
Affordable homes
Flexible, expandable designs to accommodate future lifestyle changes.
Strong investment returns with rental yields between 5% and 8%.
OwnerDeveloper leveraged established relationships with land developers to acquire prime blocks at a significant discount, setting the stage for a highly successful development.
Strategic Land Acquisition
We secured premium blocks originally listed at $230,000 for just $180,000 under a builder’s terms agreement that included:
$2,000 deposit
12-month deferred settlement
Immediate construction access
This allowed us to reduce upfront capital requirements while maintaining development momentum and flexibility.
The Transformation
Each home was purpose-built for long-term liveability and investor appeal:
Open-plan living with abundant natural light
Energy-efficient appliances and materials
Private courtyards and functional outdoor areas
Expandable floor plans (future additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or kitchenettes)
This design flexibility future-proofs the homes for changing household needs or dual-income setups.
Overcoming Challenges
Market Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic led to uncertainties in off-the-plan sales and delayed settlements until October 2020. However, our proactive approach mitigated risks by leveraging government incentives like the HomeBuilder Grant, which increased demand among first-home buyers.
Cash Flow Constraints: With settlements deferred, maintaining liquidity was a challenge. By working directly with builders and securing wholesale pricing, we ensured continued construction progress without excessive financial strain.
Buyer Financing Issues: Market uncertainty made financing difficult for some buyers. By structuring deals with flexible payment options and leveraging government incentives, we maintained strong buyer interest and uptake.
Investment Performance
This development was structured with multiple exit strategies, appealing to both homeowners and investors:
Single-income rental: ~5% return.
Dual-income configuration: ~6.5% return.
Co-living arrangement: Up to 8% return.
With low vacancy rates and increasing demand, Springfield Lakes continues to perform as a high-yield property investment location.
The Numbers
Key Achievements
Affordable, market-aligned housing: Delivered modern homes under $200K, catering to first-home buyers and investors.
Smart acquisition strategy: Secured land below market value with favourable terms, ensuring financial flexibility.
Strong rental yields: Generated returns between 5-8%, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
Community-focused design: Created homes that promote long-term stability and growth for residents.
Conclusion
The Springfield Lakes project proves that smart property development isn’t just about land and construction—it’s about understanding market needs, adapting to economic challenges, and creating value through strategy.
OwnerDeveloper continues to lead with data-driven, results-focused property solutions that empower developers and investors to grow their portfolios with confidence.
Ready to Secure Your Next Investment?
📊 Not sure if your land or project idea stacks up financially? Before diving into a high-yield project like Springfield Lakes, it’s crucial to understand your site’s full potential. Learn how to run the numbers with confidence in our guide to feasibility in property development — and make smarter investment decisions from day one.
If you’re a property owner, developer, or investor looking for your next high-growth opportunity, let’s talk.
Book your FREE consultation today and start building your next profitable project.
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