Weekly Slice 280: Giant Melbourne Property Tax you've probably Never herd of... - with Rob Flux & Todd Sloan

This episode of Pizza and Property dives into two major, under-the-radar taxes affecting property development in Melbourne: the windfall gains tax and upcoming infrastructure contribution charges. Host Todd Sloan, joined by Rob Flux of the Property Developer Network, reveals that Victoria’s windfall gains tax—up to 62.5% on rezoned land—applies immediately upon rezoning, even before a sale, and can erode any potential profit through accrued interest. The tax disproportionately impacts landowners in newly rezoned 'activity centres'—dense, transit-oriented zones within 400 meters of train stations—where development potential has surged. Compounding the issue is an upcoming infrastructure contribution tax set for January 2027, which remains undefined in scope, creating major uncertainty for developers. Rob argues these taxes, while justified in principle, create a counterproductive system where high fees deter development, worsen housing affordability, and ultimately reduce government revenue. The episode ends on a constructive note: while the tax environment is challenging, awareness and strategic planning—such as securing approvals before 2027 and working closely with developers—can help investors navigate the risks. The key takeaway is that location-specific taxes can make or break a project, and due diligence is essential.