How to become a Property Developer

Also called: Property Development Manager

Purchases dwellings and land and enhances them to increase their value for resale. Works with Professionals and Technicians and Trades Workers to design, obtain approvals for, build and sell properties for profit.

Main tasks

• Identifies and purchases profitable real estate opportunities
• Works with Architects, builders, and other Professionals to design and plan property developments
• Obtains necessary building approvals and permits from local councils and other regulatory bodies
• Monitors the progress of the renovation or development of dwellings and land, and manages related budgets and finances
• Monitors market trends and property values to determine optimal selling times, and markets and sells developed properties to potential buyers

Ways in

• University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• University: Architecture & Built Environment degrees, Offered by 24 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419); Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220); Diploma of Building Design (CPP50921); Diploma of Property (Agency Management) (CPP51122)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $142,688 a year
• About 14,700 people work in this job group now, and about 19,000 are projected by 2035. (+29.3%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Construction Project Manager
• Engineering Manager
• Project Builder
• Surveying Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Property Developer?

Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Architecture & Built Environment degrees; Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice; Diploma of Building and Construction (Building).

How much does a Property Developer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $142,688 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Property Developer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 29% by 2035, from about 14,700 to about 19,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Property Developer?

Usually. 66% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Property Developer?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04