Property Development Masterclass
Your guide to mastering the property development process with expert insights, practical strategies and real-world industry knowledge.
Tuesday 25 November 2025
Melbourne
About the event
The Urban Developer proudly presents its Property Development Masterclass, a practical, industry-focused program tailored for professionals seeking to sharpen their skills in property development.
Delivered by leading experts from Urbis, Stamford Capital, Gadens and Mitchell Brandtman this hands-on course covers the entire property development lifecycle—from site selection, feasibilities and town planning to construction and funding.
The day will conclude with a candid discussion featuring one of Victoria’s most accomplished property developers.
In a conversation with Adam Di Marco, founder and chief executive of The Urban Developer, they will explore their personal journey, including how to identify opportunities, manage risk, anticipate market cycles and create a lasting legacy.
Special guest to be announced soon…
Details
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Gadens, Melbourne Office
8.30AM – 4.30PM AEDT
40+ C-Suite Professionals
TUD+ Member: $595 + GST
Non-Member: $795 + GST
Participants will gain
A comprehensive understanding of the property development process
Practical strategies for navigating planning frameworks and approvals
Legal and contractual essentials specific to Melbourne developments
Insights into budgeting, builder procurement, and cost management
Financing solutions tailored to current market conditions
First-hand lessons from one of Melbourne’s most accomplished developers
Who should attend
Aspiring developers wanting a clear introduction to the development process
Emerging professionals looking to broaden their property knowledge
Private developers and investors aiming to sharpen skills and avoid pitfalls
Consultants and service providers seeking insight into the developer’s perspective
Industry leaders after a refresher on best practices and market trends
Presenters
Christina McRae
Director
Urbis
Christina McRae has over 20 years’ experience in strategic and statutory planning, specialising in complex projects across Melbourne. With deep knowledge of the Victorian Planning System, she advises on major approvals, scheme amendments, and mixed-use developments, integrating heritage and contemporary design to deliver strategic, practical and persuasive planning outcomes.
Brihony Boan
Partner
Gadens
Brihony specialises in property development and distressed asset sales, with expertise in mixed-use projects, subdivisions and insolvency-related transactions. She advises developers, corporates and lenders on acquisitions, disposals and leasing. Recognised by Doyle’s Guide and Best Lawyers, Brihony also serves on UDIA Victoria’s Greenfield Development Committee, reflecting her industry leadership.
Julian Chai
Partner
Mitchell Brandtman
Julian Chai, Director at Mitchell Brandtman’s Melbourne office, brings 34 years’ experience as a Quantity Surveyor. Renowned for expertise in cost management, builder coordination and project delivery, he partners with clients to navigate construction complexities and deliver tailored solutions that achieve efficiency, resolve challenges, and meet financial objectives.
Angus Sheedy
Director
Stamford Capital
Angus is a Director at Stamford Capital, specialising in bespoke funding strategies across bank and private credit. He advises developers through the full project lifecycle and has helped arrange over $1.6b in debt and equity. His expertise spans development finance, joint ventures and preferred equity across diverse asset classes.
Adam Di Marco
Founder and Chief Executive
The Urban developer
With more than a decade of professional experience in property, Adam founded The Urban Developer in 2014 and has led its growth into an integrated media, events and education network that has established an enviable reputation in media and property circles.
Adam remains active within the property industry as a director of Brisbane-based property developer, Di Marco Group.
Course outline
Registrations & Networking
Connect with fellow attendees and industry leaders over coffee as you prepare for a day of learning.
Introduction to the Course
A quick overview of the day’s agenda, learning outcomes and key speakers.
What will be covered:
Outline the day’s structure and schedule
Introduce facilitators, guest speakers, and city-specific leaders
Highlight key learning outcomes for property development professionals
Property Development 101: From Concept to Completion
Get to grips with the fundamentals of property development, including lifecycle stages, emerging market trends and practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls.
What will be covered:
Overview of the development lifecycle from concept to completion
Introduction to key phases: site selection, feasibility, approvals, financing, construction, and marketing
Market insights and emerging trends within the property development industry
Common pitfalls and best practices for developers at various stages
Roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in a project lifecycle
Presenter: Adam Di Marco, Founder and Chief Executive, The Urban Developer
Networking Morning Tea
Take a moment to recharge with refreshments and exchange perspectives on the morning’s discussions with peers.
Town Planning and Design: Navigating the Approval Process
Learn how to navigate the town planning process with insights specific to Melbourne. Streamline approvals, address design challenges and align with community expectations.
What will be covered:
Local Planning Frameworks: Learn to interpret Melbourne and Victorian planning schemes.
How to Manage Site Overlays: Identify and mitigate risks from overlays such as flooding, bushfire zones, and heritage constraints
Community Expectations: Explore strategies to align developments with local community needs and regulatory requirements
How to Streamline Approvals: Discover practical tools to fast-track development applications and minimise delays
Residential Design Standards: Understand how to meet essential design requirements, including building heights, setbacks, and landscaping.
Presenter: Christina McRae, Director, Urbis
Legal Essentials: Understanding Agreements Required For Development
Gain clarity on contracts, due diligence, off-the-plan sales and builder procurement to ensure your project is on solid legal footing.
What will be covered:
Understand Victorian contract types and due diligence requirements, including title, zoning and easement checks
Learn obligations for off-the-plan sales under Victoria property laws, including disclosure and cooling-off periods
Agency agreements, sales contracts, and disclosure documentation specific to Victoria regulations
Overview of construction contract types and strategies for selecting and managing builders
Presenter: Brihony Boan, Partner, Gadens
Networking Lunch
Break for lunch and continue the conversation with fellow attendees over shared insights from the morning.
Construction and Delivery: Estimating, Procuring and Managing a Builder
Master the art of budgeting, tendering and contractor management to deliver your projects on time and within budget.
What will be covered:
An overview of techniques for accurate cost forecasting and budget planning
Key steps in selecting and negotiating with builders to achieve project goals
Strategies for effective communication and oversight during construction
Presenter: Julian Chai, Partner, Mitchell Brandtman
Project Funding: Optimal Financing Solutions for a Project
Discover financing structures, funding sources and strategies to optimise your project’s financial performance.
What will be covered:
Understand the current funding landscape and its implications for Victorian developers
Explore common financing structures used in property development in the region
Evaluate costs and strategies to optimise financial performance for Melbourne and Victorian projects
Presenters:
Angus Sheedy, Director, Stamford Capital
Developer Spotlight: To be announced...
Hear directly from one of Victoria’s leading developers as they share lessons learned, business strategies and their approach to navigating challenges in the industry.
In a conversation with Adam Di Marco, founder and chief executive of The Urban Developer, they will explore their personal journey, including how to identify opportunities, manage risk, anticipate market cycles and create a lasting legacy. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from one of Victoria’s most accomplished property developers.
Presenters:
Guest to be announced…
Adam Di Marco, Founder and Chief Executive, The Urban Developer
Networking Drinks
Unwind over closing drinks while sharing reflections on the day’s discussions and building new relationships.
Buy your ticket
TUD+ MEMBER
$595+ GST
- Full-day expert-led masterclass sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Comprehensive course materials
- Practical insights tailored to your city
- Morning tea, lunch and refreshments
- Networking drinks post event
- TUD+ members save up to $200
NON-MEMBER
$795+ GST
- Full-day expert-led masterclass sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Comprehensive course materials
- Practical insights tailored to your city
- Morning tea, lunch and refreshments
- Networking drinks post event
Program at a glance
Through keynote presentations, thought-leading panels, and curated case studies, we’ll explore:
- Where the next wave of office supply will come from — and why
- The impact of capital markets on feasibility, scale and delivery
- How flight-to-quality is reshaping development pipelines
- Adaptive reuse and repositioning as pathways to value creation
- The role of mixed-use precincts in CBD and fringe revitalisation
- Trends in design, amenity and technology influencing projects.
- The market signals developers should be watching over the next decade
Full Program
View all session details, speakers, timings and formats
Register your interest
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