THE CHALLENGE
Right now, Australian homebuyers and investors are facing a perfect storm. The traditional construction sector has become notoriously complex and costly, while aggressive urban sprawl continues to push housing availability to its absolute limits. You want a smart, high-quality way to maximize your existing property footprint—whether that means creating space for growing family needs or securing a high-yield investment.
But between skyrocketing fees, endless council red tape, and unpredictable builders, trying to add a second dwelling often feels like a risky, full-time job. The market desperately demands a smarter path forward, because it shouldn't be this difficult to invest in your own backyard.
THE SOLUTION
A Smarter, Friction-Free Path Forward
We believe that the answer isn't pushing further out into the sticks, it's building smarter, right where communities already exist. By leveraging existing property footprints, small second dwellings deliver immediate, premium housing supply right where it is needed most.
But we also know that when it comes to building, execution is everything.
THE DESIGN STANDARD
A TurnKey Service
That is why we bridge the gap with a transparent, end-to-end service that covers all the bases. We take the friction out of the entire process by handling the complexities of the build from concept to completion:
Navigating Council & Engineering: We handle the local council approvals and engineer the site from day one, keeping you entirely out of the regulatory red tape.
Budget-Tailored Finishes: We tailor the finishes to your exact budget before construction begins, ensuring total financial transparency with absolutely no hidden surprises.
Complete Turnkey Execution: From the first blueprint to the final handover, we manage the timelines, logistics, and builders. We handle the complexities of the build, so you can simply enjoy the results
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Founding Directors
James Cole
MANAGING & MARKETING DIRECTOR
James brings close to two decades of practical experience in digital marketing, e-commerce, and business operations to the team. With a background that includes agency roles at Clemenger BBDO and running his own digital consultancy, OBD Services, James handles the day-to-day management and marketing strategy for The Small Home Project. His focus is on building clear, straightforward digital channels that connect buyers directly with sustainable, alternative housing solutions.
Lincoln Benbow
SALES & PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR
Lincoln oversees the sales, distribution, and commercial partnerships for The Small Home Project. An experienced entrepreneur with a background in business growth and corporate recruitment. Lincoln coordinates high-level alliances with industry bodies, financial advisors, and builders to generate bulk deal pipelines. Simultaneously, he manages our retail real estate networks by securing foundational MoUs, implementing practical sales training, and delivering direct market feedback to the project team to ensure scalable distribution.
GROWTH NETWORK
Advisory Panel
CONSULTING DIRECTOR
Neil Jens
REA PARTNERSHIPS
Neil provides strategic guidance to The Small Home Project, bringing over 40 years of local real estate and property development experience. Well-known for his long-standing work in regional Victoria's property sector and his governance roles across social housing and disability services, Neil helps steer the venture's commercial and community directions. His focus is on ensuring the project delivers practical, high-quality, and accessible housing options that address genuine community needs.
CONSULTING DIRECTOR
Leo Hollands
PRODUCT & COMPLIANCE
Leo has an extensive background in large-scale property development and corporate governance. He is provides The Small Home Project advice to ensure all builds meet strict quality, safety, and environmental standards, and checking that the supply chain and manufacturing pipelines to deliver projects reliably and in line with local building regulations.
SHAREHOLDER & ADVISOR
Pat Clements
PROCUREMENT & SOURCING
Pat brings extensive hands-on experience in commercial construction, project delivery, and contract management to The Small Home Project. With a career focused on regional Victorian development including long-standing roles as a Project Manager and Contracts Manager with Kane Constructions. Pat has overseen the delivery of major institutional, healthcare, and civic infrastructure projects.
SHAREHOLDER & ADVISOR
Nat Anson
POLICY & GOVERNMENT
Nat is a strategic urban planner specializing in regional master planning, housing strategy, and framework delivery across Victoria's growth corridors. Currently a Director at Urbis his deep understanding of statutory frameworks, zoning regulations, and public-private stakeholder alignment helps guide the land-use and planning strategy for The Small Home Project.