Multi-Unit and Retirement Housing Development

Harrington Homes  Property Developer Information

Harrington Homes specialises in multi-unit, apartment, and retirement village developments in Queensland and Victoria. Established in 1974, we are a registered builder with a dedicated in-house team of builders, project managers, architectural draftsmen, business managers, and support staff. We also offer franchising opportunities for those interested in partnering with a trusted industry leader.

 

Disclaimer:
The information presented is for informational purposes only and is intended to assist potential investors, landowners, or developers. This page provides a general overview of our property development in Victoria and Queensland, specifically addressing multi-unit dwellings and retirement village developments. For advice or information specific to your project, please contact our team directly.

Multi-Unit Developments

Our Capacity

Our multi-unit developments involve constructing multiple residential dwellings on a single lot or subdivided parcels. Depending on the location, type, and specific project requirements, we can develop up to 16 units per site. Unit pricing typically starts at around $200k per unit.

Our projects include:

  • Townhouses: Attached or semi-detached homes sharing common walls.
  • Duplexes and Triplexes: Two or three dwellings under a single property title.
  • Low-Rise & Mid-Rise Apartment Complexes: Residential buildings offering multiple self-contained units.

Additionally, with Australia’s aging population, retirement living developments have become increasingly important. These projects cater to residents aged 55+ and offer:

  • Single-Level, Accessible Designs: Tailored to meet mobility and lifestyle needs.
  • Shared Facilities: Including community centers, healthcare access, and recreational spaces.
  • Flexible Ownership Models: With strata or leasehold arrangements.
  • Low-Maintenance Living: Designed for ease of management and long-term sustainability.

    Multi-Unit Developments

    Our Services

    At Harrington Homes, we integrate every stage of your multi-residential project to maximize profitability while adding value to the community. Our involvement begins at the initial design stage and extends through to final handover and beyond, ensuring every detail aligns with your business objectives and regulatory requirements. We work closely with leading consultants and experienced contractors to deliver a seamless, end-to-end service. The following sections detail how we support your project at each stage—from design development and cost planning to construction supervision and post-construction management.

      Design Development:

      We oversee the evolution of your project’s design from concept through to detailed plans, coordinating with architectural and engineering consultants to ensure that every design element meets your business objectives and community needs.

      Early Contract Involvement

      By engaging contractors at an early stage, we secure competitive pricing and obtain practical input on constructability. This early collaboration helps identify potential challenges and minimizes risks during subsequent phases.

      Cost Forecasting & Planning:

      We provide detailed cost planning to help you understand your financial commitments at every stage. Our process includes budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and cost monitoring to keep the project financially viable.

      Preliminary Construction Estimates:

      Before construction begins, we deliver comprehensive preliminary estimates that outline expected construction costs, helping you make informed decisions about project feasibility and financing.

      Value Engineering

      We conduct systematic reviews of design and construction methodologies to identify opportunities for cost savings. This process refines project efficiency by balancing cost reduction with the maintenance of quality standards.

      End-to-End Project Management

      Our project management team oversees the project from initial planning through to final handover. We ensure that timelines, budgets, and quality standards are maintained at every stage, providing structured oversight and detailed progress tracking.

      Civil Works Management

      Before construction begins, we deliver comprehensive preliminary estimates that outline expected construction costs, helping you make informed decisions about project feasibility and financing.

      Regulatory and Compliance Advisory

      Our experts guide the project through the complexities of obtaining planning permits, zoning approvals, and adherence to local, state, and national regulations. This advisory service ensures that all aspects of the development meet legal and compliance standards.

      Supply Chain Management

      Our team oversees the tender process and manages supplier relationships to procure high-quality materials and services. This ensures that all components are delivered on schedule and at competitive prices, while meeting required technical specifications.

      Need technical guidance? Contact us now.

      Case Study:

      Investment Group – Retirement Villages

      Project Overview
      A prominent Retirement Investments Group develops and operates retirement housing projects across multiple states. Harrington Homes has provided comprehensive support on numerous projects for this group, focusing on the construction of 4 to 8 dwellings per build, with individual unit prices ranging from $270,000 to $350,000. Each development is meticulously designed to maximize dwelling value while operating within strict land and budget constraints, with units sold upon completion to achieve a profitable return on investment.

        Project Overview
        Harrington Homes managed these projects comprehensively, delivering technical excellence and full oversight from inception to handover. Our services included developing detailed architectural designs tailored for retirement living, with consultant coordination to ensure compliance with local building codes and community standards; engaging contractors early and conducting thorough financial planning—including budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and preliminary cost estimates—to secure competitive pricing and project viability; and applying rigorous value engineering to optimize design and construction methods for cost efficiency and quality. Additionally, our experienced project managers oversaw every phase of development to ensure on-schedule, within-budget delivery, while our regulatory and compliance oversight secured the necessary permits and clearances across multiple states. We also managed all civil works—covering site preparation, grading, drainage, and infrastructure development—with stringent on-site supervision and quality assurance, and provided post-construction support, including facility management and assistance in establishing ownership structures, to maintain asset value over time.

          Client Objectives
          The investment group’s primary objectives were to:

          • Optimise asset value by leveraging efficient design and cost-effective construction methods.
          • Develop retirement housing that meets regulatory requirements and community needs across different regions.
          • Manage projects within defined budgetary constraints while enhancing market appeal.
          • Achieve timely project delivery from design through construction, ensuring each unit’s quality and value.

            Outcomes and Impact
            The projects under Queensland Retirement Haven consistently met the investment group’s objectives:

            • Each development was delivered within the targeted timeframe and budget, reinforcing financial viability.
            • The high-quality construction and optimized design led to units that achieved strong market value, facilitating profitable sales.
            • The investment group has continued to engage our services for subsequent projects, reflecting the positive impact and reliability of our integrated project management approach.

            Case Study:

            Private landowner – Townhouses (Strata)

            Project Overview
            A private landowner purchased a 1,200m² urban parcel with the intent of developing four modern townhouses under a strata title arrangement. The objective was to transform the single block into a high-value asset that maximises land use and appeals to the urban market. The project focused on delivering architecturally refined townhouses designed for contemporary living, with efficient use of space and quality finishes.

              Project Services
              Harrington Homes managed the entire project on behalf of the client, providing comprehensive technical expertise and oversight from design through post-construction. Our services included developing bespoke architectural designs with coordinated consultant input to maximize space, privacy, and natural light while ensuring regulatory compliance; engaging contractors early and conducting rigorous financial planning to secure competitive bids and detailed cost estimates; and applying value engineering to optimize design and construction methods without compromising quality. We oversaw the project from initial permit applications to final handover with strict quality assurance, managed all civil works and on-site construction supervision, established a strata title framework, and offered post-construction support including final quality audits and facility management guidance to enhance long-term asset value.

                Client Objectives

                The individual client aimed to:

                • Convert their privately owned land into a multi-dwelling asset to optimise its value.
                • Develop four distinct townhouses that would perform well in the market and attract discerning buyers.
                • Ensure the project was delivered efficiently and within a controlled budget, without compromising on quality.
                • Establish a robust strata framework to manage shared common areas and facilitate future sales.

                    Outcomes and Impact

                    • The project was completed on schedule and within the client’s budget, delivering four high-quality townhouses.
                    • The establishment of a robust strata framework ensured effective management of common areas and enhanced the long-term value of the asset.
                    • The completed development achieved strong market appeal, positioning the client’s property as a desirable urban living solution.
                    • The success of the project has provided the client with a profitable asset and a model for potential future developments.