Subdividing your land can seem like an overwhelming process at first. However, it can be broken down to smaller steps to get a clearer understanding of the steps that are needed to take place. Before you go through this process, you will need to first determine whether your land is suitable for subdivision.
What is the subdivision process in Victoria?
There are 5 main steps in the subdivision process.
1. Know your subdivision type and think about what you want from the subdivision
Once you know if your land is suitable and eligible for subdivision, you need to understand what type of subdivision you are undertaking.
There are typically two main subdivision types available;
- Building subdivision- When a Draftsman or architect has design and achieved approval from council for a development permit. Usually required for subdivision with lots less than 400 square meters in area were council will want to see exactly what is proposed to be built on each lot. An Architect or Draftsman will complete the initial development application.
- Land Subdivision- Where no architectural design is required as the lots created are large (generally over 400 square meters) enough to facilitate a minimum 10mx15m building and allow for required garden area. In this instance a licensed surveying firm, like Reddie Surveys, can complete the initial town planning application.
The next step is planning out your subdivision. Consider the number of plots you would like to have on the land. Choosing this number is also subject to the relevant town planning controls and polices contained within the council planning scheme. The more plots of land you would like to get at the end of the subdivision process, the larger and more complex the subdivision will become. Speaking to our team will help you discover the possibilities and complexities of land subdivisions. We can walk you through the entire process.
2. Get Plans Drawn Up
From here you will engage with an Architect / Town Planner (for a building subdivision) or by a licensed land surveying firm (for a Land subdivision) to draft up plans and a permit before a formal subdivision application can be made. This will lay out the proposed plans for the subdivision and show the size and placement of new blocks or placement of townhouses to be built and is sent off for review.
3. Subdivision Application Submitted
An application for subdivision is made to SPEAR and all relevant documents are sent through to local council for review. Reddie Surveys provides all relevant documentation to council who will then examine the plans of the development and if satisfied, will issue a subdivision permit. They may however request further information which we can advise you on and also put you in touch with our strong network of other professionals who can help respond to councils request.
4. Subdivision Statement Of Compliance Received
Once all necessary items are provided to council and they are satisfied with all documents and information provided, you will be issued with your statement of compliance. This means the plot of land is approved to be split or developed on as indicated in the plan, and we’re ready to apply for new titles.
5. Lodgement To Titles Office
Once council issue compliance to Reddie Surveys or your chosen land surveyor, they will finalise all formal survey documentation and release the SPEAR application to Land Victoria so your conveyancer can complete the final lodgement for new Titles. Once lodgement has been approved and completed, you will be on the title for each of the new blocks of land, ready for sale or development.
We hope this has given you a clearer picture on how to subdivide land in Victoria. If you have any questions regarding the process or a surveyors involvement in the land subdivision process, feel free to email us at info@reddiesurveys.com.au. Alternatively, you can call us on (03) 9707 4117