21 Aug 2025

Step 7: Property development – a high return strategy

Featuring Damian Collins and Philip Anderson

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Property development can deliver high annual returns, but how do you navigate the high-risk, high-reward world of development investing?

Host Damian Collins continues the Property Investing Roadmap podcast with step seven of his proven nine-step framework: Property development – a high return strategy. Joined by Phillip Anderson, Head of Development at Westbridge Funds Management, they explore how development can accelerate wealth creation whilst examining the significant risks that come with potentially superior returns.

What you’ll learn:

  • Why development should only represent around 10% of your investment portfolio
  • Three critical areas developers must master: market understanding, project numbers, and council regulations
  • Why partnering with expert teams is crucial for managing development complexity
  • How to assess if a development will suit the local market using data and local knowledge
  • Key financial calculations including profit margins and annualised returns
  • Navigating the complex council approval process and dealing with community opposition
  • Strategic acquisition opportunities where combined properties are worth more than individual values
  • How to add value through planning approvals and rezoning without laying a brick
  • Main development risks and safety nets to protect your investment

 

FREE RESOURCE

Want to learn about property development opportunities and risk management? Discover the three growth fundamentals that high-performing properties have in common in Momentum Wealth’s free online guide, available here.

 

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SUPPORT FOR INVESTORS

Looking to explore property development opportunities with professional guidance? Discover the tailored support available to investors through Damian’s property investment advisory, Momentum Wealth, and Westbridge Funds Management: momentumwealth.com.au

Featuring

Damian Collins

Host, Property Investing Roadmap
Managing Director, Momentum Wealth
Chairman, Westbridge Funds Management

Damian Collins is the Founder and Managing Director of residential property advisory, Momentum Wealth, and Chairman of Australian property funds management company, Westbridge Funds Management. Damian is the author of the Amazon Best Seller, Property Investing Roadmap: How to build an income from property for life and host of the Property Investing Roadmap podcast. He is a well-known advocate across Australia’s real estate industry, previously serving as President of the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) from 2018 to 2022 and as a Director of the Real Estate Institute of Australia. Having been an active property investor himself for over 30 years, Damian continues to apply his extensive experience to help fellow investors grow wealth through direct and syndicated property investments.

Philip Anderson

Head of Development, Westbridge Funds Management

Philip holds a Bachelor of Law from The University of Western Australia and is the Head of Development at the MW Group’s funds management arm, Westbridge Funds Management. Philip has extensive experience in the end-to-end delivery of development projects across a broad spectrum of areas including residential land subdivision, residential apartments, commercial and retail built form, and industrial land subdivision. Philip is a strong advocate for WA’s residential property and development sector both within and outside of his role at Westbridge and is an active member of the Property Council of WA Residential Committee.