A completed YDC residential home
YDC Connect

Buying a property to build on?

Not every property is as straightforward to build on as it looks.

I'm Tobias. I buy, design and develop residential property, and I help buyers understand what's possible before they commit.

Whether you've found a vacant block, you're considering a knockdown-rebuild, or you're unsure where to start, I'm happy to talk it through.

A free 15-minute conversation. No obligation.

Who it's for

Know what you're buying before you commit.

You've found a vacant block, or you're about to make an offer on one

Before you commit, I'll look at what the site can realistically take and what could trip you up: access, services, overlays, the shape of the block. Cheap to know now, expensive to find out later.

You're weighing a knockdown-rebuild

An established home on a good street can be the smartest way in, if the site and the numbers work. I'll help you see what's possible, what might get in the way, and a realistic sense of cost, before you buy.

You're ready to build, but unsure where to start

You need a clear order of things, the right builder for the job, and a budget you can trust. I'll help you set that up so the early decisions are the right ones.

This early guidance is a starting point, not a formal feasibility study, building quote, planning approval or certification. Where you need those, I'll point you to the right people.

Tobias Dyer-Smith
Who you'll be talking to

I buy, design and develop residential property. That experience is yours to draw on.

I'm Tobias. I buy established properties and infill sites, design homes, manage the costs and deliver the build. So when we talk about a property, I'm drawing on decisions I make on real projects, not theory. The aim is simple: help you avoid the expensive mistakes and buy with confidence.

Recent homes: 221 Coolum Parade and 131 Coolum Parade, and Herbert House, a knockdown-rebuild now under construction.

See the homes ↗ See more on Instagram ↗
How it works

Three simple steps.

01

Send me the property

Flick through the listing, the address, or just a few lines on what you're thinking.

02

We have a chat

A quick call, no prep needed. Tell me what you're looking at and what's worrying you.

03

We'll identify your next steps

What matters most, what's worth checking before you commit, and who you might need to speak with next.

Talk to Tobias

Looking at a property? Let's talk before you commit.

Send through the listing or address and I'll come back to you to set up a time to talk. No obligation, no sales pitch, just a straight read on whether it stacks up. Or, if it's easier, call or text me on 0402 550 475.

No obligation to proceed with a builder. Your details are used to respond to your enquiry, and are only shared with a builder or other relevant party with your consent.

Call or text Tobias
Based in
Brisbane & Sydney
On builder introductions
If it makes sense, I can introduce you to a builder from a small panel I trust. Where you appoint a builder I've introduced, YDC may receive a referral fee. I'll always tell you when that applies.
Before you buy

Buying a property to build on?

Before committing to a property, there are a few things worth understanding.

Can a sewer line affect where I build?

Yes. Underground services can restrict building locations and increase construction costs. It's one of the first things I check on a property, so if you're looking at one, give me a call before you commit.

Does zoning affect what I can build?

Yes. Zoning and planning controls can influence the type, size and positioning of a new home. If you're unsure what applies to a particular property, send me the address and I'll give you a straight read.

What if a property has unapproved structures?

Existing improvements may create compliance issues or additional costs when developing the property. It's easy to miss on inspection. If something looks off, call me and we'll work out whether it's a real problem.

Can I knock down an existing house and rebuild?

Often, yes. However, planning restrictions, site conditions and existing infrastructure need to be considered. I'm building one myself right now, so if you're weighing one up, send me the listing and I'll tell you what I'd look at first.

How do I know if a property is suitable for my proposed build?

A site assessment before purchasing can identify potential constraints, costs and development opportunities. You can wait on a builder to look at it for you, but by then the property may be gone. Call me and we'll talk it through while it still matters.

Considering buying a property to build on? Let's talk.

Send an enquiry ↗