The land lease development sector is experiencing unprecedented growth across Australia, driven by an ageing population and the demand for affordable housing solutions. For Todd Devine Homes, which has spent 16-17 years building in this space and now delivers approximately 50 homes per month, the key to success lies in strategic partnerships that streamline construction and reduce risk.
Wayne Walsh, General Manager of Todd Devine Homes, explains how their partnership with FTA has revolutionised their approach to land lease developments, from intimate 60-home communities to larger developments of up to 240 homes across rural Victoria—from Yarrawonga to Phillip Island and Geelong.
The Land Lease Advantage
The land lease model presents unique opportunities for developers. Unlike traditional freehold developments, the developer retains ownership of the land. At the same time, residents purchase their homes and sign a 90-year lease for the land use, paying ongoing weekly fees for the land lease and access to community facilities like pools, lawn bowls and a clubhouse.
However, this model has specific construction requirements. According to building codes, homes must be transportable or movable within 24 hours, demanding foundation solutions that are both robust and reversible.
The FTA Solution
FTA’s helical screw pile system has become central to Todd Devine’s operational efficiency. “The beauty of doing screw piles with FTA is the fact that it has to be a removable model,” Walsh explains. The system allows FTA to install foundations for 10 houses in a single hit, completing the work in just 2-3 days compared to traditional concrete foundations.
The speed advantage is significant. “If you were to do that in a traditional market of slabs and footings and concrete and dirt, you’ve got soil removal. You’ve got concrete. You’ve got weather… that’ll inhibit you from moving forward really quickly,” Walsh observes. “With FTA, we’re saving about 2 weeks per home.”
Addressing Modern Construction Challenges
The partnership addresses several critical challenges facing the construction industry. With labour shortages plaguing traditional construction, FTA’s specialised approach provides reliability. “You’re not inhibited by labour either because FTA has its own specialised installation team,” Walsh explains.
Another significant advantage is weather resistance. Unlike concrete pours, which can be delayed by rain, screw pile installation continues regardless of conditions.
The system also supports Todd Devine Homes’ expansion into granny flat construction, where minimal site disturbance is crucial. “We’re not pouring concrete into someone’s backyard and we’re not removing dirt,” Walsh emphasises.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The removable nature of helical piles aligns perfectly with the land lease model’s requirements. “If we have to ever transport our homes you can pull the screw pile out, and it doesn’t disturb the land,” Walsh explains. This feature eliminates waste whilst supporting the transportable housing requirements.
Todd Devine Homes provides 10-year warranties on its homes, and the stability offered by screw piles provides confidence in long-term performance. “You get next to no movement with regard to screw piles compared to a traditional timber floor system.”
Strategic Planning and Partnership Benefits
The relationship extends beyond individual projects. “We get competitive pricing from FTA based on our volume and continuing pipeline,” Walsh notes.
FTA’s pre-construction soil testing and detailed reporting provide additional confidence. “They do thorough and detailed testing for us prior to commencement.”
Supporting Housing Policy Goals
This partnership model aligns with government housing targets. Walsh, who is the Vice President of Housing Industry Association Victoria (HIA), notes the sector’s potential contribution to the 1.2 million homes target: “The 1.2 million homes target is ambitious, but the transportable and modular housing sector can play a significant role in achieving it.”
The HIA has recently announced a national body for transportable and modular housing, with Walsh participating as the sector gains recognition for its efficiency and scalability.
Future Growth
As new developers enter the Victorian market from saturated Queensland operations, Todd Devine Homes is positioned to scale up to meet demand. The partnership with FTA provides the foundation system reliability needed to support this growth whilst maintaining quality and efficiency standards.
The collaboration between Todd Devine Homes and FTA demonstrates how strategic partnerships can transform traditional construction challenges into competitive advantages. It is a winning collaboration in the growing land lease development sector, where speed, flexibility, and reliability are paramount.
This article was originally published in Smart Building Review Australia, the official publication of prefabAUS, Australia’s peak industry body for prefabrication and Smart Building.
