Can I subdivide my property?

Property owners, that want an income from their property frequently ask, ‘Can I subdivide my property?’ The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no.

Max Fragar, our founder, Life Fellow PIA and Registered Planner, discusses avenues for achieving a subdivision.

Click on the “Play” button below to watch now:



Or for those that prefer to read, here is a transcript of the video…

Can I subdivide my property?

G’Day, my name is Max Fragar. I’m with the Council Approval Group and I’ve been doing this for 53 years.

Subdivision has always been an interesting question. Subdivision can be done in a range of different ways.

The traditional subdivision is a surveyor going out drawing lines on a map, subdividing blocks, and finishing up with one or more new allotments of land.

The planning system has moved away from that a bit because when you just subdivide a block the future of that allotment is unknown. There might be covenants or a building envelope stipulation, but no one really knows what is going to happen on that allotment after the subdivision.

Another way

The other way to subdivide, and a quite often lucrative way, is through a development proposal beyond just a subdivision.

Frequently, we can depart from subdivision provisions if we show that a particular development can happen. We need to show that the development can depart from provisions whilst complying with all the rules such as those relating to site coverage, car parking, setbacks, and height.

Quite often you can get concessions on subdivision or you can subdivide a much smaller lot by doing subdivision that arises out of development approval.

For example, you may be able to subdivide your property into two lots with a development application for dual occupancy. As a result, you would achieve approval for two dwellings and a new lot. Also, that new lot could be smaller than would have been allowed if it was just a traditional subdivision. The potential concessions to subdivision rules make this a lucrative option.

If you’re interested in a subdivision, we will look closely at the options. Don’t be set on just doing a subdivision. Be open to the various options – Torrens, strata, traditional or part of a development proposal. What’s the best way to do it for your project and your situation?

Contact us on our website or give us a call to book a consultation with one of our experts about your property. We’ll look at it and look for the available options and make recommendations. If we all agree on a development proposal, then we’ll proceed.