Home-Based Property Potential Adviser

Homeowners, small investors and first-time developers wanting a sanity check before they commit to architects, builders or a purchase.

A fixed fee per feasibility report, hourly consulting for follow-up questions, and possible referral work with other professionals if disclosed properly.

• Reading council planning rules and zoning maps
• Basic costing and feasibility maths
• Writing clear reports for non-experts
• Background in building, planning, valuation or real estate helps

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Check your state's rules on what counts as real estate agency work, valuation or town planning advice before you offer it
• Advice on loans or investment products may need a financial services licence, so stick to the property side
• Planning rules change and vary by council, so state clearly that reports are not a guarantee of approval
• Check council approval for running a home-based business
• Disclose any referral fees you receive

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your insurance, software, mapping tools and website. These are estimates, so confirm quotes for professional indemnity and public liability insurance before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many reports and consultations you complete and your fees. This is an estimate of revenue before costs, and most of the work is desk research.

Check your state's rules on what counts as real estate agency work, valuation or town planning advice before you offer it. Also check whether loan or investment advice needs a financial services licence, council approval for a home business, and disclose any referral fees.