top of page

Guide to Conducting A Property Development Feasibility Study

Property development is an ever growing industry in Australia, offering numerous opportunities for investors and developers. Consequently, there is a notable increase in the number of property developers, a surge in development projects, and ongoing fluctuations in the market.


However, achieving success in property development requires meticulous planning, thorough analysis, and a keen understanding of the Australian real estate market. One crucial aspect of this process is the feasibility study.


A well-structured feasibility study can provide you with the information needed to assess the viability of your project, mitigate risks, and make informed decisions.


Let’s explore the significance of feasibility studies and guide you through creating a comprehensive template tailored to the Australian property market…


Feasibility studies are the foundation when it comes to measuring a project's success. When executed effectively, they can serve as your roadmap to achieving successful property development ventures. This is because they play a vital role in evaluating a project's possibilities and averting potential challenges.


Here are some of the key reasons why feasibility studies are crucial:

  • Risk Assessment: A feasibility study identifies and evaluates potential risks associated with the project. This includes environmental, regulatory, and financial risks, among others.

  • Financial Viability: It enables you to determine whether the project is financially feasible by estimating costs, revenues, and profitability. This is essential for securing funding and ensuring a solid return on investment.

  • Informed Decision-Making: Feasibility studies provide the data and analysis necessary for informed decision-making, allowing developers to adjust their plans or abandon a project if it proves unviable.

  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance: They ensure that the project adheres to all relevant laws and regulations in the Australian context, helping avoid legal pitfalls.

Now that you understand the significance of creating a feasibility study template, let's delve into the essential items to include when developing one:

  • Executive Summary: Initiate your feasibility study with an executive summary, offering a concise glimpse of your project. Summarise key project details, objectives, and expected outcomes. This might encompass outlining your development strategy, addressing property zoning constraints, and navigating relevant legislative and development control plans.

  • Project Description: In this section, provide a comprehensive description of your property development project. Include details such as the project's location, size, intended purpose, and the extent of work involved.

  • Market Analysis: Conduct an extensive analysis of the local real estate market to gauge demand and competition. Incorporate demographic data, market trends, and identify potential buyers or tenants.

At this stage, after considering the elements mentioned above, you should have gained some insight into the potential return on investment for this specific development. While it may not be an exact figure, it should provide you with a basis for determining whether it justifies further, more detailed analysis.


If the project demonstrates promise, it becomes imperative to...

  • Site Analysis: Evaluate the chosen site's suitability for your project in greater detail. Analyse aspects like accessibility, environmental conditions, infrastructure, and potential constraints that may affect your project's success.

  • Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Examine the necessary overlays, council requirements, approvals, and compliance requirements for your project. This is a critical aspect in navigating Australia's complex regulatory landscape to ensure your development complies with the local council.

  • Financial Projections: Estimate the financial aspects of your project, covering costs, revenues, and potential profitability. Offer a detailed breakdown of construction costs, operating expenses, and projected rental or sale prices, taking into account local market dynamics.

  • Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate potential risks that have the potential to affect the success of your project. Provide contingency plans and tactics to minimise these risks, showcasing your preparedness to tackle unforeseen challenges. Within your risk evaluation, be sure to contemplate various exit strategies as well. These strategies should outline your approach in case the project faces insurmountable obstacles, ensuring you have a clear plan to safeguard your investments and minimise potential losses.

  • Development Schedule: Create a comprehensive timeline that outlines the project's key milestones, from conceptualisation to completion. Include critical phases such as approvals, construction stages, and marketing activities. A well-structured schedule enhances resource management and minimises delays.

  • Organise Your Team:Property development is a team sport, even if your feasibility study is impeccably crafted and seemingly flawless, the success of your project hinges on assembling the right team. Without the expertise and skills of the right professionals, your project may never evolve into the thriving success you envisioned. It is imperative to carefully assess the specific requirements of your development and determine the expertise and specialists needed to ensure its realisation. Building a strong and capable team is the foundation upon which the potential of your project can be fully realised.


  • Financial Assumptions: Offer a transparent list of the assumptions made in your financial projections. This transparency allows stakeholders to understand the foundation of your financial estimates and provides room for validation and adjustments as necessary.


Conducting a feasibility study is an indispensable step in property development in Australia. It not only provides the means to assess your project's viability but also serves as a detailed roadmap for its successful execution.


In the competitive and evolving landscape of Australian property development, a well-prepared feasibility study can make the difference between a successful project and costly setbacks.Remember that a well-structured feasibility study is not just a tool for assessment, but a strategic guide for achieving success in the dynamic world of development.


Need help with your feasibility? Or want our team to provide you with one for a particular project? Get in touch with us today!


Happy Developing!


The materials provided on this platform are meant for educational and professional development purposes. OwerDeveloper has put in extensive efforts to ensure the accuracy and usefulness of these materials. However, it is crucial to understand that they cannot be held responsible for any information or advice provided, nor for any potential consequences that may result from using such information or advice. Therefore, it is highly recommended that individuals seek their own legal, accounting, town planning, and consulting advice that is tailored to their specific situation or site. Seeking professional guidance is of utmost importance to make informed decisions and ensure the best outcomes.




143 views1 comment
bottom of page