Company Overview

Founded in 2015, Cardo operates across multiple avenues of property development. We deliver our own projects by assembling select syndicate investors and managing everything from site sourcing and acquisition through to planning, development and exit. We also act as Development Manager on behalf of clients, helping them unlock value, navigate complex planning pathways, and deliver successful outcomes — including heritage projects such as the major upgrade of The Great Synagogue, one of Australia’s most treasured historical buildings.

Cardo’s work is driven by a clear focus on high-end residential, mixed-use and boutique commercial developments across premium locations, including Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Upper and Lower North Shore, Brisbane’s New Farm, and other exclusive lifestyle precincts. Our portfolio includes luxury apartments, mixed-use buildings, hotels and Co-Living communities. We specialise in premium sites with the potential for strong uplift, exceptional views, and long-term demand — from the Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach to Manly, Kirribilli, Double Bay, Point Piper and McMahons Point.

Working with small, strategic investor groups, Cardo structures its projects across two key stages:

• Stage 1: Site sourcing, feasibility, acquisition and uplift to DA, with a 2–3 year exit strategy

• Stage 2: Acquisition to completion, or DA-to-delivery, tailored to investor objectives

For us, property development is not about starting with capital — it’s about starting with the numbers. If the deal is sound, margins proven, and risk managed, capital can be raised. As the saying goes: “When you buy well, the project is already half sold.” A strong acquisition, combined with knowledge, the right consultants, and disciplined risk planning, forms the foundation of every successful development.

To deliver on this standard, Cardo partners with leading commercial real estate groups including CBRE, Colliers International, Savills, JLL, Sotheby’s, R&W and Knight Frank. We have also established ourselves in the evolving Co-Living sector, creating community-focused environments supported by premium amenities. Since 2015, Cardo has been involved in more than $1 billion AUD worth of combined project value.

Zachariah Cardo – Founder

Zachariah entered the property development world at just 16, working alongside his father and learning firsthand how the industry rewards early risers, fast opportunity-takers, disciplined decision-makers and long-standing players. With 34 years of experience by 2025, he has navigated both straightforward projects and highly complex challenges where decisions carried enormous weight.

Throughout his career, Zachariah has collaborated with many of Australia’s leading consultants and architectural firms, including Urbis, Gyde Consulting, Ethos Urban, MHNDU, AJC, Bureau^Proberts, PBD and PopovBass Architects. He has also worked alongside respected construction companies such as Trescon, Growthbuilt, Alessi, Decode and Hutchinson. His expertise spans financial analysis, site acquisition, town planning pathways, design coordination, development strategy, joint-venture structuring, and capital raising.

Beyond his professional life, Zachariah values time with his wife and two children, exploring new destinations, camping, and spending time outdoors. He also nurtures a passion for charcoal drawing and the arts. Zachariah is currently furthering his academic qualifications through a Bachelor of Management at Charles Sturt University.

Quote,,,,,

A soccer field has one ball and one goal. Getting it into the net takes communication, not separation.

Projects aren’t any different

                                                                                                                                                                Zac Cardo