Yearly Wrap Up 2022

Today’s cautious tender market continues to produce uncertain cost and time results, which is in turn, challenging project feasibilities and the overall value for money equation. There are no clear signs of this divide between cost and affordability easing in the short term, particularly with the festive season upon us, which is historically a difficult time to approach the market. 

The reality is that tomorrow’s developments will need cost and time certainty to progress, so Asset owners are starting to look at innovative ways to deliver, including adaptive reuse of existing assets to avoid challenges faced on sites currently.

It is also a timely reminder that existing building insurance values will be challenged by recent rapid construction price changes nationally. Contact our team to ensure you have an up-to-date Insurance Replacement Cost Estimate of your building asset.

Enhance the value of your investment and put more money in your pocket when you receive your tax return.

With the amount of real cost escalation SEQ has experienced over the last 18 months, project feasibilities are not surprisingly becoming challenged as we watch the dynamic between supply and demand continue to be troublesome.

The Mitchell Brandtman Quarterly Construction Cost Update has been put together to help keep you informed on the movements of the market to better position yourself for your current and future projects.

Mitchell Brandtman is proud to be a sponsor of Urbanity 2022.

Urbanity is Australia’s premier conference for the property and urban development industry. After hibernating through the pandemic, Urbanity is now back: bigger and better!


Over several days, Urbanity brings together industry leaders from across the Asia Pacific to deliver an inspired program of learning and connection. Urbanity is a must-attend event for anyone that is involved in urban development.

Our industry is in the grips of challenging times!

The Mitchell Brandtman quarterly Construction Cost update has been put together to help keep you informed on the movements of the market to better position yourself for your current and future projects.

Important to note:
The recent significant flooding event across SEQ and Northern NSW is expected to put additional strain on an already volatile market.

The following data is for information only and is based on analysis of typical market projects undertaken across the sector. This generally excludes large scale, one off type developments and infrastructure related projects.

As we move into our 51st year, it is time to restructure our firm to better reflect who we are in 2021 and to provide the platform for the next phase of our growth.


As of 1 July 2021 our trading entity will change from Est Chasley 1970 Pty Ltd as trustee for the Chasley Trust to Mitbrand QLD Pty Ltd (ACN 143 773 648) ATF Mitbrand QLD Trust.

This change will bring us in line with our teams in other States and also pave the way for the next generation of leaders within our firm.

All active projects will be novated to the new firm and Mitbrand QLD will also be collecting all outstanding accounts on behalf of Chasley Trust. Please take this opportunity to update our new ABN and banking details in your system.

All too often we hear of development budgets being set, following a quick conversation with a friendly builder. And why wouldn’t you? 


Every builder I speak to is always nice and willing to offer their opinions on costs and build rates, and some will even provide a proper estimate – if it means getting a foot in the door. So why not tap into this seemingly free service? Well as a passionate cost advocate and Quantity Surveyor, with a deep respect for Contractors and the fine art of building, here’s 5 of my top reasons why a builder shouldn’t set your budgets: 

1. Builders are not Quantity Surveyors. Builders are masters in the art of managing construction. Quantity Surveyors are cost masters. We literally think about, and work with building costs all day, every day. 

2. Builders intimately know the projects they build. Quantity Surveyors are involved in hundreds or thousands of projects and have access to structured cost information and benchmarking data across an entire market. 

3. All builders are different and provide advice relative to their specific situation. Quantity Surveyors only provide independent, unbiased advice without a commercial interest. 

4. Builders have great estimating teams that are designed to nail a tender opportunity. Quantity Surveyors undertake estimates as one part of a holistic cost management role. 

5. Builders want to focus on what they are good at, not solve someone’s development budget equation. Quantity Surveyors eat budget equations for breakfast. 

Our QLD team is now in a shiny new office location.

Are you Overloaded? We understand that now more than ever, getting work through the door is key.

Use Mitchell Brandtman’s experience and technology to get ahead of your competitors and keep your clients happy.

Our highly agile and reliable team will work with you to deliver your trade packages and quantify changes to free up your internal resources for getting new revenue streams.

Get in touch with us to discuss!