115 – Maxwell Shifman – Is Property Development Dead?

Property development in Australia is getting harder—and this episode unpacks why. Soaring costs, endless planning delays, contradictory government policies, and a risk-averse planning culture are pushing developers to the edge. If you're struggling to make your numbers work, you're not alone.

In this episode of the Property Developer Podcast, we explore what’s broken in the system and what needs to change. Our guest, Maxwell Shifman from Intrapac Property, shares blunt insights from the front lines of residential property development including:

Why planning systems are paralysed by zero-risk thinking

How rising construction and infrastructure costs are crushing feasibility

The myth of affordable apartments near train stations

Why government housing targets are set up to fail

How rezoning taxes and red tape are stalling supply

The real reason developers are shelving projects across Australia

Strategies for surviving and adapting in today’s tough market

"We tax housing like we want less of it—then wonder why no one’s building."

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