Sam Black Sessions

In this episode of Money Chats with Brendan Lowbridge from Money Links, we unpack the recent shake-up in trust and company lending. Major banks have tightened policies, reduced options, and blown out approval times, leaving many investors caught off guard—even with pre-approvals in place. We break down why people buy in trusts, how servicing was previously assessed, what’s changed, and why non-bank lenders are now playing a bigger role. Yes, rates may be higher—but strategy matters. This episode is about adapting, understanding regulation, protecting your long-term plan, and staying in the game when finance policy shifts.

In episode two of 2026, we dive deep into what it really means to be deal ready and how to consistently find quality property opportunities. We unpack having the right structure set up, finance organised, conveyancers and consultants on standby, and why relationships with agents give you a serious edge. We also break down the importance of specialising in one market, understanding supply and demand, attending auctions for real-time insight, and doing smart due diligence before you commit. Finally, we cover negotiation strategies that create win-win outcomes. If you want to move fast, reduce risk, and secure better deals, this one’s gold.

We’re back for 2026 and kicking things off in the new (almost finished) podcast studio with Ryan Houston for a deep dive into one of the biggest decisions developers face: volume builders vs custom builders.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why your end buyer should always come first and how that decision shapes everything from design to builder selection

• The real differences between volume builders and custom builders—cost, speed, quality, systems, and risk

• How volume builders win on price, repetition, speed, and fixed-price certainty, especially for investor-focused projects

• Why custom builders are better suited to premium locations and owner-occupier markets, where design, emotion, and the 1%ers matter

• The role of trade repetition, systems, and timelines, and how speed directly impacts feasibility and profit

• How developers get caught out by using the wrong comparables, leading to blown margins or unsellable stock

• Why design flexibility is powerful but expensive, and when it makes sense to pay for it

• Real-world insights from Ryan’s background as a tradie working under volume builders and how those systems actually operate on site

This episode is all about aligning location, buyer avatar, design, and builder choice so your development stacks up—not just on paper, but at sale time.

Whether you’re a first-time developer or scaling into larger projects, this is a must-listen to start 2026 the right way.

Sam Black and Brendan Lowbridge unpack SMSF

In this episode, Sam Black and Ryan Houston dive deep into the hidden costs that can blindside even experienced property developers. From surprise DA conditions to mine subsidence blowouts, they share real-life stories and practical lessons from projects across Newcastle.

You’ll hear how a simple council requirement turned into a $15,000 curveball, why a developer’s $50k grouting allowance ballooned to $250k, and why every feasibility needs a strong contingency buffer.

They also break down:

• Why the standard 20% development margin is actually a risk allowance

• How to structure your feasibility to absorb cost shocks

• Why off-the-plan sales are heating up again

• And how to protect your cash flow when the unexpected hits

Whether you’re tackling your first build or managing multi-site projects, this episode gives you a clear look at what can go wrong — and how to plan for it.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to safeguard your next development and stay profitable when the unexpected happens.

In this episode, Sam Black sits down with Brendan Lowbridge from MoneyLinks to unpack how aspiring developers can make the leap from renovating to their first small-scale development, such as a duplex project.

They explore why many investors—despite having strong equity positions—struggle to progress due to serviceability limits or lack of accessible capital, and how joint ventures (JVs) can be the bridge to get projects off the ground. Brendan and Sam break down:

• ​ The key reasons people turn to JVs (e.g. one party has equity, the other has borrowing power).
• ​ How to structure ownership correctly through trusts, companies, and unit holders.
• ​ The importance of defining roles and responsibilities early—before engaging solicitors.
• ​ Why “available equity” is different from “paper equity” and how to set up funding in advance.
• ​ How to avoid stamp duty traps when changing entity ownership mid-project.
• ​ The importance of accountants and lending specialists in mapping both the purchase and construction phases.
• ​ How to build a complementary team—leveraging different strengths rather than duplicating them.

The conversation emphasizes planning with the end in mind, building a reliable team, and treating joint ventures as real businesses, not handshake agreements.

In this episode of Development Insights, Sam Black and Ryan Houston reflect on two years of consistency—both in recording the podcast and in their own property businesses. They dive into how staying disciplined, even through uncertainty, has been the key driver of growth and bigger opportunities.

Sam shares how stepping into the unknown can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also what pushes developers to the next level. Ryan reflects on lessons from working with some of Newcastle’s biggest developers, where track record and reliability become powerful assets—turning you from the one prospecting into the one being prospected.

The conversation explores:

• Why consistency and discipline underpin both business and development success.

• How strong track records open doors to off-market and government-led opportunities.

• The ripple effect of development on the wider economy—trades, consultants, cafes, and councils all benefit.

• Why profit margins are crucial buffers against rising build costs and market turbulence.

• The patience required in site selection—sometimes reviewing hundreds of sites before securing just one.

From lessons on building credibility to insights on navigating risk, this episode unpacks the reality of property development, and why finishing projects is critical not just for profits, but for the communities they shape.

Hosts: Sam Black & Brendan Lowbridge

In this episode of Money Chat, Sam and Brendan dive deep into the realities of financing small-scale property developments — from duplexes and triplexes to boutique townhomes. They unpack why the big banks often treat construction loans like home loans, the hurdles that creates for developers, and how non-bank lenders step in with more commercial, flexible solutions.

In this episode of Development Insight, Sam Black and Ryan Houston dive into one of the most overlooked risks in property development—zoning changes. They unpack why proposed zoning shifts on development sites may not always be feasible, especially when councils and resources don’t align with developer expectations.

The discussion highlights the importance of thorough due diligence, with a focus on the pitfalls that can arise when assumptions are made too early in a deal. Featuring insights from Dillion, this episode serves as a reminder for developers to stay cautious, do the legwork, and avoid costly mistakes.

If you’re navigating the complexities of development approvals and planning strategy, this is a must-listen.

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Howston to unpack the real highs and lows of property development. From the importance of cash flow and buffers, to lessons learned through wins and losses, we dive deep into why scaling up requires more than just capital—it’s about strategy, longevity, and building a trusted brand. Whether you’re just starting with renos and granny flats or eyeing $10M+ projects, this conversation is packed with insights on how to stay in the game for decades, compete with the big players, and set yourself up for lasting success.