How is selling to a developer different from selling to a residential buyer?

Selling to a developer focuses on your property’s development potential, not just its value as a home.

A traditional residential sale, handled by a real estate agent, targets homeowners and investors. A development sale is different. Developers assess land size, zoning, allowable floor space, and the profit potential after redevelopment.

Because of this, a development sale can achieve a higher price if your site meets the right planning and zoning criteria.

We specialise in identifying this potential and connecting owners with qualified developers ready to purchase your property.

Will I get more money selling to a developer?

Often, yes.

If your property has development potential, for example, it’s zoned for apartments or townhouses, developers will value it based on what they can build, not just the current home.

In many instances, this can mean they’re willing to pay more than a standard buyer because they see things through a completely different lens.

Do I need to go to market to sell to a developer?

No. You don’t need 100 enquiries to end up with one or two bidders. Chem Property can engage a curated, targeted shortlist of qualified developers who are ready to pay top dollar for the exclusive opportunity.

Our no-fee, discreet, off-market process maximises value from the right buyer without the noise, stress, and exposure of a public campaign.

I own an apartment in a strata block, can we sell to a developer?

Yes. If your building has development potential, for example, the zoning allows more height, floor space, or different uses, developers may be interested in buying the entire block.

Selling the whole building together in what is known as a ‘collective sale’ can often achieve a higher price than selling units individually, because developers pay for what can be built on the site.

Chem Property can help assess the site’s potential, bring owners together, and connect you with qualified developers ready to make competitive offers.

What is the strata renewal process?

In NSW, the strata renewal process is the legal framework that allows all owners in a strata scheme to sell the entire building to a single buyer, often a developer, for redevelopment.

Under the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (NSW), if at least 75% of owners (by unit entitlement) vote in favour of the sale, there is a formal pathway to proceed as one site. The process involves preparing a strata renewal plan, obtaining the required level of owner support, and lodging the plan with NSW Fair Trading for review.

While the legislation allows a sale with 75% agreement, in practice, it is highly recommended to have 100% of owners aligned. This makes the transaction far smoother, reduces the risk of legal disputes, and generally helps secure stronger offers from developers.

What terms could I expect for a development sale?

Because development sales involve a premium price and more complex conditions, developers often offer a lighter deposit structure and often secure the site using an option agreement. This allows them to control the property while they work through approvals before settlement.

Most developer purchases involve a settlement period of 18–24 months. This gives the developer time to secure planning and building approvals before taking full ownership.

Longer settlements can benefit owners too; they often include an upfront fee and allow you extra time to relocate while locking in the agreed sale price.

What is an option agreement?

An option agreement is a contract that gives a developer the legal right — but not the obligation — to buy your property within an agreed time frame, usually at a pre-agreed price.

In development sales, this is most often either a call option or a put and call option:

• Call option: Gives the developer the right to buy within the option period. You receive an upfront option fee for granting this right. If they choose not to proceed, you keep the fee and retain the property.

• Put and call option: Works both ways. The developer can choose to buy (call), but you also have the right to require them to buy (put). This gives you more certainty that the sale will go ahead under the agreed terms.

Developers use option agreements to secure a site while they work on planning and development approvals, locking in the price while reducing their risk. For owners, it can mean a premium price and a clear, structured pathway to sale.

If there are multiple owners, how do we split the total purchase price?

In a collective strata sale, the price is usually split based on unit entitlement, which reflects each lot’s share in the building.

For adjoining houses, it’s often split by land size, although other factors like location within the site, frontage, or existing improvements can influence the final agreement.

We work with owners early to agree on a fair formula so the process stays smooth and dispute-free.

How do the low and mid-rise housing reforms affect my property?

The NSW Low and Mid Rise Housing Reforms can make it easier and more profitable to sell your property to a developer. If your site is in an eligible area, the new rules may allow more height, more floor space, or a different type of housing than before.

This extra development potential can attract more developers and drive a higher sale price. We can check your zoning and let you know exactly how these changes apply to your property.