In profile: ID_Land director Jeff Garvey

ID_Land's Jeff Garvey says he would invest a spare $750,000 in an inner-city investment property, but could also be tempted by a Lamborghini Aventador.

Agent: Jeff Garvey

Position: Director

Company: ID_Land

Office location: Melbourne

How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in working in real estate and property development for over 18 years. I started ID_Land with my business my business partner, Matt Belford in 2008 and we are approaching our fifth birthday with five projects in Melbourne’s growth corridors and an inner-city townhouse development to come.

What’s happening in the area you specialise in?

Thankfully some tempered positivity has returned in 2013 and we are already seeing the benefits of this across our business. It is an exciting time at ID_Land with many projects underway including Fairview in Mernda and the first stage of our Potters Grove project in Officer now complete.

Describe the most interesting property you have sold/leased/developed/managed:

There have been many over my career including a property I managed many years ago where the tenant allowed the premises to be over-run by chickens...that would be by far the most interesting!

I find that each development has its own set of idiosyncrasies but we enjoy overcoming challenges. For instance, our development, Fairview, Mernda required over 14 external agreements and a range of external works in order to the deliver the allotments. It was very satisfying to see the project come to life.

What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?

Key to anything is having fun or you will struggle to find a level of satisfaction from your work. You need to be truly passionate about your business and the product you’re developing – if you don’t love the product, how can you expect others to? Also, being a good listener and problem solver is an important ingredient helps you to be prepared as tomorrow’s challenges always differ from today's.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

The diversity of the development industry is fantastic. You can be chatting with a farmer on the bonnet of your car in the morning and be doing business on Collins Street that afternoon. We pride ourselves taking the time to speak with everyone involved in the development process from the policy makers through to communities to deliver the best product for our purchasers.

Where would you invest a spare $750,000?

I would purchase an investment property as close to the CBD, as possible. Buyers should be conscious of the long-term population forecasts and demand for product in proximity to city centres will always be strong.

Alternatively, a Lamborghini Aventador  – it would rapidly decrease in value but simply looks awesome.

Which football team do you support?

To cover all codes: Essendon, Melbourne Rebels and Melbourne Storm.

What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?

My iPhone and iPad – I’ve just started using the “My Fitness” app to keep my calorie count and fitness in check.

However, the ultimate gadget is my remote control helicopter which I am gradually mastering, one crash-landing at a time.

How do you use social media?

I use Twitter (via ID_Land’s account) and I enjoy following different people and groups – its great how you can simply skim through and read tweets from Rupert Murdoch, find out what local community groups are doing while still following the location of the taco truck.