Thinking of property development? This Melbourne-based architecture firm can kickstart your journey the right way

Property development can be daunting, especially if you're embarking on your first project. To survive the whirlwind of council requirements, subdividing, project management, construction timelines, and financial arrangements, you’ll need to arm yourself with a great team — or run the risk of burnout. 

With plenty of property development projects under his belt, and years of experience as an architect, John Low — founder of John Low Architect — is a passionate supporter of first-time property developers. Understanding the risks, fears, and challenges associated with property development, John has offered his services to assist those on their property development journey.

Who is John Low Architect?

“I’m a registered architect with a background in structural engineering and expertise in building inspections. My wife, Angela, has a background in accounting, finance and real estate that complements the investment side. Together we deliver a distinguished experience for any property developer, new or experienced. I should also mention that we’re property developers ourselves, so it’s often our personal experience that we share with our clients,” John explains.

John’s 15 years of experience in the architecture and design industry, alongside his own experience as a developer, has given him a deep understanding of the development process and the kind of support developers need.

“We offer a wide range of assistance from the very start of a project including pre-purchase reports, feasibility reports, designs, documentation, and even marketing material. We’re big advocates for helping you throughout your journey, something that sets us apart from your typical architecture design firms.”

John illustrates his point by sharing a recent project that highlights the kind of support, and subsequent success, his clients receive. 

“Our clients David and Sarah purchased an investment property under a joint venture trust for $640,000, with the rent covering the mortgage payments,” he explains.

“We designed and subdivided the lot into side-by-side dual occupancy, built for $1 million. The sale price for each unit was $1.1 million, resulting in a tidy profit of $250,000 per unit. Safe to say, David and Sarah were very pleased with the results.”

Misconceptions and expert advice

One of the main misconceptions around property development is that you need to spend a lot to achieve a high-end result. However, John explains, this doesn’t have to be the case.

“Good design is not expensive, but bad design and poor management can devalue your property, causing you to spend more money in the long run.”

Relying on a team that doesn’t have your best interests in mind, or trying to manage everything yourself, can also be a recipe for disaster.

“I’ve heard draftspeople say, “Don’t care, not my problem”, which is heartbreaking. Architects generally care for their clients and the building inhabitants, prioritising investment protection. We strive to ensure every aspect is built for longevity because we believe any problem should be the consultant team’s problem.”

To set yourself up for success, John recommends investing a significant amount in the design and quality of your property, as you never want to end up in a situation where your investment is deteriorating.

“Most development horror stories arise from the ‘hot potato’ effect: develop as cheap as you can, as fast as you can. Of course, that approach always ends up cheap and nasty, especially for inhabitants.”

Alongside sound design, contracting an experienced building inspector will help you identify core issues and areas that can’t be compromised.

“Don’t be afraid to start small and get the best team you can afford, because it will drive your project towards success. There is a lot of unregulated information out there, which is why property development can feel daunting, but with a good team on your side, you’ll be fine. Building and developing should be an exciting prospect — if your gut feeling is telling you something’s wrong, always get an expert opinion,” John says.

If you’re interested in working with John Low Architect on a future project, John encourages you to get in touch via ArchiPro, social media, or his online booking system.

Learn more about John Low Architect.