Australian property developers in 2026 have access to a new generation of digital tools that are transforming how sites are identified, analysed, and developed. From AI-powered design generation to comprehensive property intelligence platforms, the right technology stack could mean the difference between finding opportunities others miss and losing deals to faster-moving competitors.
This guide focuses on the modern, innovative tools that Australian developers are actually using—not legacy enterprise software or generic international platforms. We cover site analysis, design and prototyping, feasibility analysis, and the emerging AI tools that are changing the game.
Site Analysis and Property Intelligence
Finding the right development site requires data. These platforms aggregate planning information, property data, and market intelligence to help developers evaluate opportunities quickly.
Archistar
Archistar is arguably the most innovative Australian PropTech platform, combining AI-powered site analysis with generative design capabilities. Founded in Sydney in 2010 by Dr. Benjamin Coorey, the platform has evolved into a comprehensive property intelligence and design tool used by developers, architects, and government planners across Australia.
Key capabilities for developers:
- AI-powered site finding with filters for zoning, FSR, height limits, and more
- Generative design engine that creates building concepts in real-time
- Integration with CoreLogic, Domain, Nearmap, and Cordell Projects data
- Automated Development Due Diligence reports
- Environmental risk mapping including flood, bushfire, and contamination overlays
- Planning rules research across all Australian states and territories
What makes it stand out:
Archistar doesn’t just show you data—it generates design concepts. Select any site in Australia and the platform can produce 3D building designs that comply with local planning rules, complete with area schedules and yield calculations. This could reduce early-stage feasibility assessment from weeks to hours.
Australian coverage: All eight states and territories with comprehensive planning data.
Pricing: Free tier available for basic site exploration and AI design generation. Paid subscriptions from around $200/month unlock full data access, unlimited design generation, and CAD exports.
Giraffe
Giraffe is a Sydney-based platform that combines 3D design with urban, financial, and environmental analytics. Founded in 2017, Giraffe has been used on projects worth billions of dollars and has partnerships with the NSW Government through their LandIQ initiative.
Key capabilities for developers:
- 3D site prototyping with real-time design tools
- Instant yield and financial metrics as you design
- Stakeholder collaboration with shared project spaces
- Shadow analysis and solar access calculations
- Carbon footprint measurement for developments
- Version control to track design iterations
What makes it stand out:
Giraffe excels at rapid prototyping. Users report reducing site analysis from weeks to hours, with the ability to test multiple development scenarios in real-time during meetings. The platform also offers strong collaboration features for working with consultants and stakeholders.
Pricing: Free tier available for exploration. Full capabilities start at $250/month billed annually.
Landchecker
Landchecker has established itself as one of Australia’s most comprehensive property intelligence platforms, aggregating planning scheme information, zoning data, overlays, and development constraints.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Zoning and overlay mapping with direct links to planning scheme ordinances
- Flood, bushfire, and heritage overlay identification
- Recent development application searches in target areas
- Site area and dimension calculations
- Contamination and environmental constraint flags
Australian coverage: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and expanding to other states.
Pricing: Subscription-based, with plans typically starting from around $99/month for individual users.
Caseview
Caseview is a free legal research tool that could save developers significant time when assessing site risk. The platform maps property-related court and tribunal decisions across Australia.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Map-based search for property-related legal decisions
- Over 50,000 cases indexed with links to full text on AustLII
- Identification of decisions affecting specific local areas
- Annotation and commentary features
What makes it useful:
Before acquiring a site, understanding any legal history related to the property or surrounding area could reveal hidden risks. Caseview makes this research accessible without expensive legal database subscriptions.
Pricing: Free.
CoreLogic RP Data
CoreLogic provides what is generally considered Australia’s most comprehensive property data platform, offering valuations, sales histories, and market analytics essential for revenue assumptions in feasibility studies.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Automated valuation models (AVMs) for comparable sales analysis
- Historical sales data and price movements by suburb
- Rental yield information for build-to-rent considerations
- Demographic data for target market analysis
Australian coverage: National coverage across all states and territories.
Pricing: Professional subscriptions may typically range from $200-$500/month depending on data access requirements.
Pricefinder
Pricefinder offers an alternative property data platform that many developers use alongside CoreLogic, particularly for sales history research and comparable analysis.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Comprehensive sales history searches
- On-market and off-market transaction data
- Suburb performance reports
- Property reports for due diligence
Pricing: Subscription plans typically start from around $100/month for basic access.
Nearmap
Nearmap provides high-resolution aerial imagery that developers and their consultants use for site analysis, shadow studies, and understanding neighbourhood context.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Current and historical aerial imagery
- Measurement tools for site dimensions
- 3D mapping capabilities
- Integration with design software
Pricing: Subscription-based, typically starting from around $150/month for individual access.
Design and Prototyping Tools
Modern property development increasingly involves rapid design iteration. These tools help developers test concepts before engaging architects for detailed documentation.
TestFit
TestFit is a US-based generative design platform that’s gained significant traction among developers globally for rapid site planning and building optimisation.
Key capabilities for developers:
- AI-powered building layout generation
- Real-time feasibility metrics as you design
- Zoning compliance checking
- Generative design that tests thousands of configurations
- Cut and fill calculations for site earthworks
- Professional PDF feasibility reports
What makes it stand out:
TestFit can generate and evaluate thousands of design options in seconds, optimising for parameters like FAR, parking ratio, unit mix, and yield on cost. Users report reducing preliminary design work from days to minutes.
Pricing: Tiered subscriptions starting with a free Urban Planner tier for massing studies.
Autodesk Tandem
Autodesk Tandem represents the next evolution of Building Information Modelling—digital twin technology that creates living digital replicas of buildings.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Digital twin creation from BIM models
- Real-time performance monitoring via IoT sensors
- Asset and space management
- Historical data analytics and trend prediction
- Integration with Revit and other Autodesk tools
What makes it relevant:
While primarily used for building operations, Tandem is increasingly being adopted during development to create digital handover packages for building owners—a differentiator for developers targeting institutional buyers or build-to-rent operators.
Pricing: Free tier available for importing Revit/IFC models. Paid tiers for full digital twin capabilities.
SketchUp
SketchUp remains the most accessible 3D modelling platform for developers who want to test concepts themselves before engaging architects.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Intuitive interface for non-designers
- Quick massing studies to test development envelopes
- Shadow analysis for solar access compliance
- Extensive library of pre-built components
Pricing: Free web version available; Pro version from approximately $470/year.
Understanding Your Architects’ Tools
While developers don’t typically operate BIM software themselves, understanding what your architects use matters for documentation quality and data extraction.
Autodesk Revit is the industry standard for Building Information Modelling in Australia. BIM models can generate accurate area schedules for feasibility calculations, and quantity surveyors can extract data directly for cost estimation.
AutoCAD remains widely used for 2D drafting. Site surveys are typically delivered in DWG format, and many council submissions require DWG or PDF outputs.
Feasibility Analysis
Feasibility analysis sits at the heart of property development decision-making. Getting the numbers right—and understanding how changes in assumptions affect outcomes—could determine whether a project proceeds and ultimately succeeds.
Feasly
Feasly is purpose-built feasibility software designed specifically for Australian property developers. Built in Australia for Australian requirements, Feasly focuses on making complex development feasibilities simple to model.
Key capabilities for developers:
- GST Margin Scheme calculations built into the modelling engine
- Australian development finance structures including capitalised interest
- Loan-to-Cost and Loan-to-Value ratio calculations
- Multiple funding stack modelling (debt, equity, mezzanine)
- Professional feasibility reports suitable for finance applications
- Cloud-based access from any device
Why Australian-specific matters:
The GST Margin Scheme alone can significantly impact development feasibility, yet many international platforms don’t handle it correctly. Similarly, understanding how Australian lenders assess development finance—including presale requirements and interest capitalisation—requires locally-built modelling capabilities.
With Feasly’s feasibility software, developers can model different funding structures and understand how changes affect project returns before committing to a site.
Pricing: Subscription plans designed to be accessible for individual developers through to larger development companies.
The Spreadsheet Question
Many developers—particularly those starting out—use Excel or Google Sheets for feasibility analysis. While spreadsheets offer flexibility, they present several risks:
- Formula errors that go undetected
- Inconsistent methodologies between projects
- Difficulty maintaining version control
- Outputs that may not meet lender requirements
Purpose-built feasibility software typically addresses these risks while providing more reliable analysis.
Project Coordination
Property development projects involve coordinating multiple consultants, managing documentation, and tracking progress across various workstreams. These modern tools help without the complexity of enterprise software.
PlanRadar
PlanRadar offers an accessible project management platform well-suited to small-to-medium developers.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Defect tracking and snag lists
- Photo documentation linked to drawings
- Task assignment and tracking
- Reporting dashboards
- Mobile app for site visits
Australian coverage: Fully localised for Australian market.
Pricing: Plans from approximately $45/user/month with a free tier available.
Monday.com and Asana
General project management platforms like Monday.com and Asana are increasingly used by development teams for internal coordination.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Task tracking and assignment
- Timeline and Gantt chart views
- Team communication and updates
- Integration with other business tools
Pricing: Monday.com from approximately $12/user/month; Asana from approximately $15/user/month with free tiers available.
These platforms work well for smaller development teams who need basic coordination without enterprise software complexity.
Notion
Notion has become popular among smaller development teams as an all-in-one workspace for documentation, task management, and knowledge bases.
Key capabilities for developers:
- Flexible document and database creation
- Project wikis and knowledge management
- Task tracking with multiple views
- Easy sharing with external consultants
Pricing: Free tier available; paid plans from approximately $10/user/month.
Emerging AI and PropTech Tools
The Australian PropTech sector is rapidly evolving, with over 350 active firms according to Proptech Australia. Several emerging capabilities are worth monitoring.
AI-Powered Design Generation
Platforms like Archistar, Giraffe, and TestFit represent the first wave of AI-assisted design tools. These are evolving rapidly:
- Generative design automatically creates building layouts optimised for specific parameters
- Compliance checking validates designs against planning rules in real-time
- Carbon footprint calculation helps developers meet sustainability targets
Property Data Integration
The integration of multiple data sources into single platforms is accelerating. Modern tools combine:
- Planning scheme data
- Transaction histories
- Demographic information
- Environmental overlays
- Development application tracking
This consolidation reduces the time spent jumping between different data sources and browser tabs.
Collaboration Platforms
Real-time collaboration tools are enabling distributed development teams to work more effectively:
- Shared design models with version control
- Stakeholder comment and approval workflows
- Live data synchronisation across team members
Building Your Development Tech Stack
The right combination of tools depends on your development type, team structure, and budget.
Suggested Starting Stack for Small-Medium Developers
For developers completing 2-10 projects annually:
| Category | Recommended Tool | Approximate Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Site analysis + design | Archistar (Free tier) | $0 |
| Planning data | Landchecker | $100-$200 |
| Property data | Pricefinder | $100-$150 |
| Legal research | Caseview | Free |
| Feasibility | Feasly | $50-$150 |
| Project management | Notion or Asana | $0-$50 |
Total estimated cost: $250-$550/month
This represents a small fraction of typical project values but could provide significantly improved efficiency and risk management compared to manual approaches.
For Developers Doing Heavy Site Analysis
If site identification is a major part of your workflow, consider upgrading to:
- Archistar (paid tier) for AI-powered site finding and unlimited design generation
- Giraffe for 3D prototyping and stakeholder collaboration
- CoreLogic for comprehensive property data
For Scaling Operations
As project volumes increase:
- Add enterprise property data subscriptions with API access
- Consider TestFit for rapid building optimisation
- Implement dedicated project management platforms
Australian-Specific Considerations
Several factors make Australian property development unique and influence tool selection:
State-Based Planning Systems
Each Australian state operates its own planning system with different:
- Zoning nomenclature (R1/R2/R3/R4 in NSW vs RGZ/GRZ/NRZ in Victoria)
- Development application processes
- Assessment criteria and policy frameworks
- Third-party appeal rights
Tools that understand these state variations—like Archistar, Giraffe, and Landchecker—may save significant time compared to generic international platforms.
GST and Tax Treatment
Australian property development involves complex GST considerations, particularly the Margin Scheme for residential development. Tools that don’t correctly model GST implications could produce materially incorrect feasibility outcomes.
Development Finance Structures
Australian development finance typically involves:
- Senior debt with Loan-to-Cost ratio limits (commonly 65-70%)
- Presale requirements before drawdown
- Capitalised interest during construction
- Line fee and establishment cost structures
Feasibility tools need to model these structures accurately to produce meaningful profit and return calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best app for property development in Australia?
There is no single “best” app—most developers use a combination of tools. For site analysis and early design, Archistar and Giraffe are leading choices. For feasibility, purpose-built software like Feasly offers advantages over spreadsheets. The right stack depends on your development type and team size.
Do I need expensive software to start property developing?
No. Many modern tools offer free tiers that provide genuine value. Archistar’s free tier includes AI design generation, Caseview is entirely free, and platforms like Notion and Asana offer free project management. You could build a functional tech stack for under $300/month.
Is property development software tax deductible?
Software subscriptions used for income-producing purposes are generally tax deductible as a business expense. Specific treatment depends on individual circumstances—consult your accountant for advice.
Summary
The Australian property development technology landscape in 2026 offers genuinely innovative tools that can transform how developers identify and evaluate opportunities. Modern platforms like Archistar and Giraffe combine AI-powered design with comprehensive property data, while purpose-built feasibility software like Feasly addresses uniquely Australian requirements.
For most Australian developers, a practical starting point includes:
- A property intelligence platform for site identification and planning data (Archistar, Landchecker)
- Free legal research tools like Caseview for due diligence
- Purpose-built feasibility software for financial modelling (Feasly)
- Lightweight project management tools appropriate to team size
The best tools are those that actually get used. Start with platforms that solve your most pressing pain points, and expand your tech stack as project volumes grow.