In this episode, I sit down with Tim Connoley, Partner at Urbis, to talk about the big-picture forces shaping Perth’s growth, housing supply, and the future structure of our city. Tim works with large-scale developers and government on major urban development projects, so he brings a unique perspective on how cities actually grow, not just where houses are built, but how infrastructure, migration, planning, and economics all come together to shape communities over decades.

We discuss population growth, urban sprawl versus infill development, housing affordability, infrastructure constraints, and the long timelines involved in delivering new housing supply. Tim also explains the concept of “gentle density,” why greenfield developments are still necessary, and how government policy, planning systems, and infrastructure investment influence where and how Perth grows. If you want to understand why housing supply takes so long and what Perth might look like in 10–20 years, this episode is essential listening.

✅ Population growth and migration shaping Perth’s expansion

✅ Urban sprawl vs infill development — why we need both

✅ Why housing supply takes years (sometimes decades) to deliver

✅ Infrastructure constraints — water, power, roads, and transport

✅ How developers plan new suburbs and master-planned communities

✅ What makes a suburb successful and livable

✅ Housing affordability and the role of government

✅ Regional housing challenges and market failure

✅ Gentle density, townhouses, and low-rise apartments

✅ Innovation in housing construction (prefab, steel frame homes)

✅ The future shape of Perth over the next 10–20 years

If you’re investing in property in Western Australia, understanding how cities grow and where infrastructure is going is critical to long-term investment decisions.

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✅ Share this episode with other property investors and developers

✅ Visit https://rezzi.com.au for more WA property insights and resources

Podcast Hub: https://rezzi.com.au/podcast/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rezzi5526

In this episode, I sit down with Michael McGowan to unpack the role government policy plays in shaping the WA property market. From planning reform to housing supply and affordability, we explore how decisions made at a policy level flow directly through to property prices, development feasibility, and investor outcomes.

Michael shares his perspective on the challenges facing Western Australia—from balancing growth with infrastructure, to managing community expectations, to unlocking new housing supply. We also discuss the complexities of government intervention, the trade-offs involved in reform, and what needs to happen to create a more efficient and sustainable housing system.

If you’re a property investor trying to understand how policy impacts the market—and where opportunities and risks may emerge—this episode is essential listening.

✅ The role of government policy in housing supply and affordability

✅ Planning reform and its impact on development timelines

✅ Infrastructure constraints and their effect on housing delivery

✅ The balance between community expectations and growth

✅ Government intervention vs market-driven outcomes

✅ Challenges in accelerating housing supply in WA

✅ The long-term vision for housing and urban development

If you want to stay ahead as a property investor, understanding policy and planning is critical.

✅ Subscribe to the WA Property Q&A Podcast

✅ Share this episode with fellow investors and professionals

✅ Visit https://rezzi.com.au for more WA property insights

Connect with Me

Website: https://rezzi.com.au/

Podcast Hub: https://rezzi.com.au/podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rezziau/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rezzi5526

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I sit down with Karlie Wolfe, Senior Director of Residential Development & Advisory at Opteon, to unpack how professional valuers assess development feasibility and what really determines whether a project stacks up.

Karlie brings over two decades of experience valuing residential development projects across Western Australia—from small triplex sites to large-scale apartment towers. We dive deep into the numbers behind development: how land values are calculated, why construction costs are crippling some projects, and what junior developers often underestimate when they first get started.

If you’ve ever wondered how banks evaluate development deals, why certain projects never get built, or what separates profitable developments from financial disasters, this episode is essential listening.

✅ How valuers assess development feasibility for banks and developers

✅ The key factors that determine whether a development site is viable

✅ Why location, site shape, and topography dramatically impact profitability

✅ The residual land value method used to calculate what developers can afford to pay

✅ Why construction costs are the biggest challenge facing developers today

✅ The difference between small-scale townhouse developments and large apartment projects

✅ Why Perth has a “dead zone” in medium-density apartment supply

✅ The ongoing supply shortage driving Perth property prices higher

• Understand Your Costs: GST, site works, finance costs, and holding costs can dramatically change feasibility.
• Flat Land Matters: Sloping sites can add tens of thousands in retaining walls and site preparation.
• Design Drives Profitability: Well-designed smaller homes often sell better than larger poorly designed ones.
• Avoid Overcapitalising: Match finishes to the suburb and target buyer profile.
• Use Professional Advice Early: Valuers, builders, and local agents can help validate your assumptions before committing to a purchase.

Feasibility Must Work Today: Banks and valuers assess projects based on today’s market—not predicted future growth.

Connect with Me

Website: https://rezzi.com.au/

Podcast Hub: https://rezzi.com.au/podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rezziau/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rezzi5526

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more WA property investors discover the insights they need to make smarter decisions.