Description

 Welcome to Episode 20 of The Land Pioneers Podcast. We’re joined by James Polacek, Director at Polly Property and one of South Australia’s most respected voices in land project marketing.

With a deep, practical understanding of both broadacre and infill developments, James brings a uniquely grounded perspective on what it takes to sell, scale, and create successful communities in a changing market. In this episode, he shares hard-won insights on the evolution of display homes, the shifting dynamics of regional migration in South Australia, and the traits young professionals need to succeed in a project marketing career.

If you’ve ever wondered how land developers adapt to buyer behaviour, regional pressure points, or digital-first marketing environments, this is an unmissable conversation.

Let’s dive in! 

Full Episode 

James Polacek’s experience in land development runs deep. At Polly Property, he leads a nimble and collaborative team focused on navigating the real-world complexities of sales, product delivery, and customer trust in high-growth markets like Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, and Metro Adelaide.

In this conversation, James reflects on how buyer expectations have shifted—from once relying on the “must-see” display home to now trusting digital representations and virtual tools. He discusses the reality behind ROI-driven decisions on display infrastructure and how developers are adapting to deliver more with less.

James also breaks down the evolving drivers of regional migration. He highlights how affordability, once a leading factor for towns like Mount Barker, is now being overtaken by lifestyle decisions and work-from-home capabilities. Meanwhile, towns like Murray Bridge are seeing more permanent, employment-based population growth rather than commuter-dependent demand.

Finally, for those looking to enter the industry, James offers a masterclass on what it really takes to succeed. His top three traits are patience, deep product understanding, and an unwavering commitment to collaboration. 

Key Insights from the Podcast

1. From Display Homes to Digital Confidence
   James explains how the traditional role of display homes is shifting. While still useful, many buyers are now confident enough to commit without physically stepping into a show home—driven by digital fluency and changing developer priorities.
2.  Regional Growth with Real Purpose
   Towns like Mount Barker and Murray Bridge are no longer just “affordable alternatives”. James discusses how lifestyle change, infrastructure investment, and local employment are redefining the growth story in these key regions.
3. The Reality of ROI in Land Sales
   With rising costs, developers are questioning the return on traditional marketing tools like display suites. James outlines how this conversation has evolved and how savvy operators are adapting with leaner, smarter models.
4. Patience Over Pressure
   Newcomers to the industry take note: James emphasises that success in project marketing isn’t about fast wins—it’s about consistency, relationship-building, and the long game.
5.  Mastery Through Learning
   Unlike selling a renovated villa, land sales demand a granular understanding of product design, pricing, buildability, and staging. James explains why true professionals invest in learning the details.

Learn more about James and Polly Property 

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