How Peter Unlocked the True Potential of His Property in Retirement
When Peter retired, he wanted more than to simply downsize or sell his family home — he wanted to transform the land he’d invested in for decades into a lasting financial legacy for his family. With a large residential block in a prime suburban location, Peter knew there was untapped value, but he needed the right advice to bring it to life — and to ensure the project was structured tax-effectively, without risking his hard-earned retirement security.
Peter came to Lightbulb for our experience in complex property development strategy and our reputation for clear, independent structuring advice. We worked side-by-side with Peter to turn an idea into a plan — and a plan into a profitable, secure retirement outcome.
Goals
- Unlock the full development potential of a prime residential block by building 5 new townhouses.
- Secure the right lending facility to fund the project without overexposing personal assets or retirement savings.
- Ensure the project structure was tax-efficient and protected Peter’s wealth.
- Keep Peter’s retirement lifestyle secure throughout the development cycle.
Recommendations
- Conducted a detailed feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis to confirm the project’s viability and profitability.
- Managed property valuations and worked closely with trusted partners to obtain realistic, bank-ready figures.
- Sourced and negotiated with an appropriate lender that understood the unique nature of Peter’s project and income position.
- Provided lending product selection, securing a facility with competitive rates, staged drawdowns for construction, and flexible repayment options.
- Advised on the most effective ownership structure to safeguard Peter’s personal wealth and minimise tax exposure.
- Coordinated all specialist advice — legal, planning, and construction — through our extensive professional network.
Outcomes
- Full development approval secured for a 5-townhouse build, significantly uplifting the value of the original property.
- Lending facility approved and tailored to Peter’s specific needs, with the right balance of interest-only terms and flexibility to manage repayments.
- Clear, secure structure in place to protect Peter’s wealth during and after the development.
- A robust plan for sales and rental income that will deliver sustainable cash flow through retirement — well beyond what a simple sale would have achieved.
- Complete peace of mind that Peter’s lifetime asset is now working harder, smarter, and entirely aligned with his family legacy plans.