8 Minutes With... Keith Johnson, Johnson Property Group

Keith Johnson is the Managing Director of Johnson Property Group. 

Johnson Property Group utilises its knowledge and expertise to create exceptional developments in picturesque locations. Each project is unique and contributes to a diverse portfolio of residential holdings throughout New South Wales.

Keith Johnson gives us some insight into his strategy, background and his plans for the future.

Q. Johnson Property Group is one of the largest private developers of residential land in New South Wales with approximately 7000 government approved land lots across its various development projects. What is the key factor to its success?

It is important to be persistent and have a strategy and never waiver on your long-term vision. I also pride myself on surrounding myself with the best people in the business whether that be employees, contractors or consultants.

Q. In your view, what is the most important factor when developing a master planned community?

Quality. We pride ourselves on the quality of our communities and make sure that there is also a variety of lot sizes and housing, activated retail and a wide range of community facilities and amenities from sporting fields to children’s playgrounds. Our masterplanned communities are distinguished by their premium streetscape and landscaping with all our projects featuring wide tree-lined streets with plenty of parks and green open space. We take great pride in ensuring a true sense of community is established and incorporate facilities which even the broader community can use and benefit from. We’re building a new car park, landscaped areas with sheltered picnic areas along with upgrading Punt Road at our Vermont Estate in Pitt Town for instance providing easier and safer access to the Hawkesbury River while at Trinity Point in Lake Macquarie, we will upgrade the sea baths which the entire community will enjoy. We also research and understand who our market is, assess the demand in the area and make sure that there is easy access to infrastructure and transport.

Q. What key factors do you consider when acquiring a parcel of land for a development?

We always research what infrastructure and services are available and what employment opportunities are available to the community. Ideally, we’re also attracted to the natural attributes, views and typography that a site affords. Many of our land estates have water frontages/views with both Vermont located on the Hawkesbury River, while our masterplanned marina development, Trinity Point boasts a prime waterfront location on stunning Lake Macquarie. 

Q. What are some of the major challenges you are facing with proposed policy changes to property investment?

The major challenges we are facing at the moment are funds availability from the banks and the cost of government levies.

Q. Which development has been your personal favourite and why?

My favourite and most challenging to date would be our $388 million dollar development Trinity Point in Lake Macquarie. But 2016 will be a big year for us with construction starting on our luxury terraces as well as our world-class 188 berth Marina. Upon completion, Trinity Point is planned to include:

• 189 residential land lots and medium-density housing
• 250 apartments comprising of a mix of residential and short stay units
• a 188-berth marina
• a 5 Star Pullman hotel
• A 200-seat restaurant with additional outdoor dining
• A 300-seat function room
• A 60-80 seat cafe
• 5 Star resort facilities including a luxury Day Spa, pool, gymnasium
• Retail precinct

Q. How do you see your business operating in 10 years’ time?

I see us continuing to be a leader in the industry with my sons at the helm of the company. Offering more diversity among our product and expanding on how we market our projects as we steer more towards online avenues.

Q. What is the most satisfying part of your work and why?

Finishing off a development and seeing the community come to life as well as settlements and getting cash in the bank! We’re in the business of turning people’s dreams into a reality – it’s incredibly rewarding to see individuals, couples or families find their dream block of land and build their dream home or holiday home. Similarly, seeing buyers sell a property and make a massive capital gain on their original investment. It’s one of the great joys in the business.

Q. What got you into property development initially?

I knew when I was 14 living in North QLD that I wanted to be in property and initially went into selling real estate before opportunities arose and I crossed over into development.

Q. Throughout your career, what has been the key learning that has made the most profound impact on you? 

That obstacles can become your biggest successes!

This article has been revised and was originally published by The Urban Developer in 2016 (which still holds true today).