Sam Black Sessions

Sam and Ryan unpack Henderson’s Yield Acceleration Method (YAM) and why secondary dwellings have become such a powerful property investment strategy. They discuss how adding a high-quality secondary dwelling can increase rental income, reduce holding costs and help investors stay in the market longer. Sam breaks down site selection, DA vs CDC approvals, funding requirements, valuations and why location and design matter. They also explore single vs double-storey secondary dwellings and how YAM can provide a lower-risk introduction to property development before progressing into larger projects like duplexes and townhouses.

We’re joined by Brendan Lowbridge to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing property investors today: borrowing capacity. With lending rules tightening and serviceability becoming a major roadblock, we discuss why earning more income may be more important than simply finding the perfect structure. We explore how investors can make better use of limited borrowing capacity, from renovating and upgrading their own homes to buying in stronger locations, selling down assets and moving into development. We also dive into co-buying strategies and how younger investors can get creative to enter the market and build wealth sooner.

In this episode of Development Insight, Ryan Houston & Sam Black dives into the fundamentals of creating value in the luxury property market. We explore how developers assess comparable sales, square metre rates, scarcity, views, amenities and buyer demand when purchasing development sites. Ryan shares real-world examples from Newcastle, Merewether and New Lambton, highlighting how strong sales can create new market benchmarks. We also discuss rising construction costs, the shift towards more affordable townhomes and villas, and why older existing apartments can offer compelling value. Plus, we unpack how developers can identify opportunities that others may overlook and build feasibility around conservative, achievable numbers.

In this episode, Ryan Houston and Sam Black unpack key insights from Urbanity and the Gold Coast development market. They discuss the region’s strong growth, pro-development environment and emerging opportunities in areas like Southport. The conversation covers rising construction costs, finding the “1% efficiencies” that can make or break a project, the importance of upfront design and consultant collaboration, and delivering the right product to the right buyer. They also explore current market uncertainty, development acquisition opportunities, downsizing demand and why patience, preparation and understanding vendor motivations can create some of the best buying opportunities in challenging market conditions.

In this episode of Money chats, Brendan Lowbridge and Sam Black unpack the role valuations play in property development and construction finance. They discuss why valuations can fall short in changing markets, how build cost increases and upgrades can impact lending, and why comparable sales are critical when challenging a valuation. The conversation also explores strategies for developers, including the value of pre-sales, the risks involved in getting projects off the ground, and the growing role of non-bank lenders as traditional finance becomes more restrictive. A practical episode for investors, developers and anyone navigating today’s lending environment.

In this episode of Development Insight, Ryan Houston and Sam Black discuss why market uncertainty can create some of the best opportunities for property investors and developers. They break down the difference between A-grade and C-grade properties, explain why understanding vendor motivation is just as important as analysing the market, and explore how experienced investors capitalise on changing conditions while others sit on the sidelines. From the “four Ds” that drive property transactions to creative strategies like call options, this episode is packed with practical insights to help investors cut through the media noise, stay focused on long-term goals, and make smarter property decisions.

In this episode, we unpack the latest changes to self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and what they mean for property investors. We explain why there’s been a surge in buyers racing to secure residential property before the new rules take effect, while highlighting the opportunities that remain in commercial property. We cover how SMSFs are set up, lending and servicing requirements, contribution strategies, commercial property risks, and how business owners can use their SMSF to own their business premises. We also discuss joint venture structures, unit trusts, and why having the right accountant, broker and property adviser is more important than ever.

In this episode of Development Insights, we discuss why successful property investors and developers must adapt as the market evolves. From the decline of property flipping to the rise of secondary dwellings and single-level villa developments, we explore how changing construction costs, interest rates and buyer demand are reshaping investment strategies. We also discuss why understanding your end customer is more important than ever, the growing demand for downsizer-friendly housing, and how dual-income properties are helping investors improve cash flow and reduce holding costs. A practical conversation on recognising market trends and pivoting your strategy to stay ahead.

Brendan Lowbridge returns to unpack the recent negative gearing changes and their ripple effects across the property market. He and Sam break down how removing negative gearing benefits has slashed borrowing capacity by 20-30%, hitting mum-and-dad investors and aspiring upgraders hardest, while banks scramble to adjust servicing calculators. They explore why entities like trusts and companies are gaining appeal for asset protection, the tight 40-50 day window facing self-managed super fund buyers before lending changes hit, and the shift toward commercial property in SMSFs. A candid look at real investor economics, rental supply pressure, and what’s really at stake for everyday Australians trying to build wealth through property.

In this episode of Development Insights, we dive into one of the biggest challenges in property development — understanding the numbers.

We discuss why a feasibility is never an exact science, but rather a calculated estimate built around comparable sales, construction pricing, experience, and risk management. From purchase price, build costs, council fees, and final resale values, there are always moving parts that can impact the outcome.

We break down why banks view a developer’s margin as a “risk margin” rather than just profit, and why having enough buffer in your numbers is critical if construction costs rise or market conditions change.

We also cover the importance of choosing the right builder and consultants, why the cheapest option can cost you more long term, and how quality relationships with architects, planners, builders, and trades can make or break a project.

Key topics:

• Why feasibility numbers change throughout a project

• Profit margin vs risk margin

• The importance of conservative assumptions

• Using comparable sales instead of relying on hope

• Choosing quality builders and consultants

• Why experience and relationships have real value

• Understanding estimates vs quotes vs final construction costs

• Managing unexpected costs and contract variations

Property development will always have unknowns — the goal isn’t to remove risk completely, but to understand it, manage it, and have the right team around you.