Resources

Urban Greenfield specialises in the negotiation sale and management of greenfield, brownfield, and infill development sites, and we’ve represented landowners in over $1.2B in development site sales. In fact, it’s all that we do. As property development consultants and land brokers, our experience is not limited to property sales. We are regularly engaged by Councils, corporate organisations and individuals for expert advice on development feasibilities, land acquisitions and to project manage planning requirements. This means we have practical experience across all facets of the property development life cycle, and we explicitly understand the process a prospective purchaser goes through. As consultants, we are uniquely positioned to inform and support you (and the developer) from initial offer, through the due diligence period and onto settlement.

As with all real estate agencies, Urban Greenfield holds a full Corporation’s License (#10058608) under the Property Stock and Business Agents Act – 2002. But what really sets us apart is our hands on experience in the property development industry, representing landowners in over $1.2B of development site sales and conducting our own land subdivisions and development projects. In addition to on-the-ground experience, Trent holds a Master of Property Development, Master of Project Management, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Technology, Sydney. Emma, who is responsible for executing your property’s marketing strategy, has spent 20 years honing her craft across various industries. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Macquarie Business School (formerly Macquarie Graduate School of Management).

Similar to a traditional real estate agent, we operate on a commission basis, meaning if you don’t sell, we don’t get paid. Our point of difference lies with our development experience and as part of our commission structure; we provide you the added value of:

• Feasibility analysis of your site to determine highest and best use and potential yield,
• Consultations with local Council and State Government (if required) to better understand your property’s development potential; including attending pre-DA meetings with the developer to ensure your interests are represented at all times,
• Access to our extensive network of developers and homebuilders active in the northwest; and
• Once an offer has been accepted we will act on your behalf right through to settlement. Meaning each time the developer or a consultant that has been engaged by the developer steps onto your property, we will be there to greet them. We are also happy to act as the conduit between the developer and your surrounding neighbours, should they require access to adjoining properties.

Yes, we have past clients that are happy for you to contact them. Our past clients include:

• Landowners who recently sold with us in the Vineyard Precinct (Stage1), Gables, Box Hill and Marsden Park
• Councils and private organisations we have completed consulting work for. Please ask us for their details.

One of the most common questions we get asked is: “What makes a good deal?” and “How can we be sure it will actually proceed?” Especially in a market where so many fall over.
The truth is simple—a good deal is one where both parties win. For any transaction to succeed, it has to work for both the landowner and the developer. That’s why at Urban Greenfield, we take the time to understand your priorities and structure deals around what matters most to you.
There’s a well-known saying in property: time is money. And it’s true.

• For some landowners, maximising price is the top priority. In these cases, developers often need more time for due diligence, planning, and approvals in order to meet that price.
• For others—especially those feeling the pressure of rising land tax or council rates, or simply ready to move on—a shorter settlement timeframe might be more important, even if it means a slightly lower offer.

We’ve seen this play out firsthand in areas like the Vineyard Precinct, where rezoning can dramatically increase holding costs. For some, waiting isn’t viable. For others, it’s worth it for the higher return.
Every landowner is different. Our job is to work closely with you to find the right balance and the right structure—so that both sides get what they need for the deal to move forward.

One of the most important strategic decisions landowners face is whether to sell individually or in collaboration with neighbours. Depending on your block’s location, shape, and how it fits into the precinct layout, joining forces with one or more neighbouring properties can significantly enhance your value and buyer appeal.
At Urban Greenfield, we work with a national database of over 7,000 developers, builders, and investors—each with different preferences. Some are interested only in land subdivision, others specialise in house-and-land packages, apartment builds, commercial developments, or boutique townhouse projects. Some developers are targeting large-scale parcels (20+ acres), while others prefer smaller, more manageable sites.
We’re always happy to advise on the best approach for your property—whether that’s selling on your own, or teaming up with others to achieve scale and maximise appeal based on your rezoning and the precinct layout.

Unlike traditional residential sales, most development transactions in areas like Riverstone East Stage 3 are structured through Put and Call Option Agreements rather than standard contracts. These allow both the developer and landowner to move forward with confidence, while allowing time for essential investigations and approvals.

There a 9 key inclusions in a Put and Call Option Agreement:

1. Option Period

• Specifies how long the option remains valid (often 12–24 months – sometimes longer).
• Includes a due diligence (DD) period— which provides time for the developer to investigate the land.

2. Put Option

• Gives the landowner the right to require the buyer (developer) to purchase the property.
• Typically, only becomes available if the developer does not exercise the call option by a certain date.
• Protects the landowner from being left in limbo.

3. Call Option

• Gives the developer the right to buy the land at a pre-agreed price.
• Often exercised after due diligence is complete and all conditions are satisfied.

4. Deposit and Option Fees

• Due Diligence Fee: This is a separate, non-refundable fee paid to you, the landowner at the start of the DD period and typically ranges from $20,000-$50,000)
• Call Option Fee or Deposit: Paid by the developer on exchange of the Put and Call Option deed and following the DD period. We prefer to negotiate no less than 5% of the purchase price, and that the fee be released unconditionally to our client. It is non-refundable and is not held in trust.
• Put Option Fee: Often nominal or zero, depending on negotiation.
• Call Option Fee: Progress payments during the life of the transaction may also be paid (ie. at month 12, month 18 etc)

5. Purchase Price

• Clearly defined and fixed in the agreement.
• May include escalation clauses in long-term options (e.g. CPI-linked or time-based increases).

6. Due Diligence Conditions

Specifies what the developer is allowed to do and assess on-site. A typical DD period can range from 3-6 months.

Common inclusions:

• Contamination testing
• Bushfire risk and flood mapping
• Flora and fauna assessments
• Planning constraints, easements, and access
• Infrastructure servicing checks (e.g. sewer, roads)

7. Settlement Terms

• Outlines the settlement period after the option is exercised (e.g. 30–90 days).
• Defines any early access provisions for surveyors or consultants.

8. Landowner Obligations

May include:

• Maintaining the property
• Not creating new tenancies or encumbrances
• Cooperation during assessments

9. Termination Clauses

• Outlines when and how either party can withdraw, if conditions aren’t met.
• May include forfeiture of fees in some scenarios.

Not all Put and Call Options, deals and circumstances are the same and vary from transaction to transaction. If you have further questions or would like specific advice on your situation, please email:
[email protected] or phone 0418 654 715.