Is My Land Suitable For Subdivision?
Here are some important things to look at to evaluate if your land is suitable or eligible for subdivision.
Council zoning
Every potential subdivision presents its own challenges and the first is usually meeting council regulations. Each council will have their own set of regulations and your first step is gaining council approval. Councils will have certain zones where subdivision is not permitted. Firstly, confirming which zone your property falls into is a crucial step to ascertain if you can subdivide. Secondly, approval can rely on the type of property you’re wanting to build. If you’re planning on building medium-density housing such as a townhouse, you need to ensure the property is zoned for this structure.
Get in touch with your local council, below are links to some we work within frequently.
Bass Coast Council | Cardinia Shire Council | Casey Council | South Gippsland Shire | Baw Baw Shire
Land size
One of the first questions on anyone’s mind is, ‘How big does my land need to be to subdivide?’ Well, every council has different regulations regarding the minimum lot size of a property that can be subdivided. Generally speaking, most properties that sit on land larger than 700sqm could be a property suitable for subdivision. Again, this can vary from council to council. The best way to determine if your land is big enough is to either liaise with your local council directly, or give us a call on 9707 4117 and we can help you with your subdivision planning.
Sloping or flat land
The topographical features of your land will impact whether your property is suitable for subdivision. For example, it is more difficult logistically to subdivide steep sloping areas than it is flat plots. Steep slopes and non-levelled areas may need to be cut into or filled up which can be costly due to retaining walls and engineering expenses. Flat plots are easier for building development and can save you money in the long run!
Space for a drive-way
In the approval process, councils generally look for plots that enable enough space between the exterior of the house and the boundary line to build a driveway. This means your property must be big enough to have the frontage space to install a driveway. Council regulations vary, but generally you’ll need to allocate between 2.5 to 3.5 metres of space for a driveway.
Call on the experts
Subdivisions when done properly can be a lucrative investment. They can create a new income stream in the form of rent or provide a sale of a new property.
Investing in a town-planning consultant or experienced surveyor will ensure all the relevant details of your property meet the criteria for subdivision before any costly decisions are made.
As not all properties are suitable for subdivision, it pays to do your homework and invest in the professionals for peace of mind and to get the most out of your property! If you would like information on how subdivision works, read our article on the land subdivision process.
Do you have a property you are thinking of subdividing? M.J. Reddie Surveys’ expert team offer subdivision services and can guide you through the development process to ensure a positive result. Contact us today.