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Choose the right approach

How does DevelopSURE compare?

Find the right way to assess your development site. We've compared DIY research, DevelopSURE, and hiring a professional so you can make the choice that works for your project and budget.

DevelopSURE vs Your Alternatives

Three ways to run due diligence on a Queensland property. Each has its place. This comparison helps you understand what you're trading off.

Criteria DIY Research DevelopSURE Hire a Town Planner
Cost Free, but highly time-intensive $0–$59/month $2,000–$10,000+
Speed Days to weeks of research Minutes to hours 1–4 weeks for full assessment
QLD-specific data Hit or miss via council sites Built-in for 7 major councils Yes, if they work locally
Infrastructure charges Manual lookup from council Auto-calculated and explained Included in report
Zoning & overlay checks Manual search through planning maps Automated in seconds Professional analysis included
Feasibility modelling Build spreadsheet from scratch Built-in calculator Custom model as part of service
Expert review No — you're on your own Available as paid add-on Yes, included in full service
Best for Learning the basics, exploring ideas Screening sites quickly, saving money upfront Final validation before committing, complex projects
When to use each

Choose based on your stage and confidence.

Use DIY Research if:

You're new to property development and want to understand how the process works. You have plenty of time. You're exploring multiple sites and learning what questions to ask.

Use DevelopSURE if:

You need to screen sites quickly and cheaply. You want to check 3–10 properties before narrowing down. You want to understand feasibility before engaging an expensive consultant. You prefer self-directed research with smart tools.

Hire a Town Planner if:

You've found a site you're serious about. Your project is complex (multiple lots, tricky zoning, overlays). You want professional sign-off before spending six figures on a land purchase. You need DA strategy and approvals advice.

The honest version: DevelopSURE was built by a registered town planner. For complex projects or final validation, we recommend combining our tools with professional planning advice. This comparison isn't meant to say "don't hire a planner" — it's meant to help you avoid paying for a full due diligence report when what you actually need is a quick feasibility screen. Use DevelopSURE to make better decisions about when to engage a professional, not as a replacement for professional advice.

Ready to try

Start with DevelopSURE

Get access to the feasibility calculator and property intelligence tools. Screen sites in minutes instead of days. All at a price that makes sense for your first 5 properties.

Start Free Trial →
Work with me directly

Need professional planning advice?

For complex projects or professional sign-off, connect with Urban Planners Queensland. Same expertise, but with full DA strategy and approvals support.

Visit upqld.com.au →

Common questions

Can I use DevelopSURE instead of hiring a town planner?
For screening sites and running quick feasibility checks, absolutely. For getting professional sign-off on a $500K+ purchase, or navigating complex zoning and overlays, you'll likely want a planner involved. Think of DevelopSURE as the screening stage. It helps you decide if a site is worth the investment in professional advice.
Is the data in DevelopSURE up to date?
Yes. The council data (zoning, overlays, infrastructure charges) is sourced from official Queensland planning schemes and is regularly refreshed. However, like any tool, it's a guide, not a legal document. We always recommend verifying critical details directly with the relevant council before making a final decision.
What if my property is in a council not covered by DevelopSURE?
We've built DevelopSURE around the 6 most active development councils in Queensland: Brisbane City Council, Gold Coast City Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Logan City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, and Redland City Council. If your property is in a different council, you can still use the calculator and research framework, but you'll need to manually check council-specific data. We're expanding coverage regularly.
Can I get a town planner's expert review through DevelopSURE?
Yes. Our expert review service (available for Urban Planners Queensland clients) provides detailed planning feedback on your site assessment. It's more affordable than a full due diligence report but gives you professional validation on zoning, overlays, and feasibility.
How much do I actually save by using DevelopSURE?
If you're screening 10 sites, using DevelopSURE instead of hiring a planner for each could save you $15,000–$50,000+. You narrow down to your best 1–2 options, then engage a professional for final validation on just those. The real saving is in avoided consulting fees on properties that wouldn't have worked anyway.
What if my feasibility doesn't stack up? Can I talk to someone about it?
If you're a DevelopSURE user and want to discuss your results, you can reach out to us at jessica@developsure.com.au. We can discuss your numbers and help you understand what you're looking at. For complex strategies or approval pathways, that's where a professional planner comes in.
Is DevelopSURE suitable for commercial or multi-unit development?
DevelopSURE currently focuses on residential development (single lots to small-scale residential schemes). For larger commercial or industrial projects, you'll definitely want professional planning advice from the start. Hire a planner for those.