‘Can I subdivide my land? If so, how many lots can I create?’
These questions are two of the ones we hear most frequently at City Plan Planning. From homeowners to landholders to property developers, everyone wants to know what the policy is for increasing the value of land parcels through subdivision. As land development consultants in Brisbane, we are familiar with the subdivision process and can help you figure out what you can or cannot do with your land based on local law. This post is intended to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about land subdivision?
What Is Land Subdivision?
‘Land subdivision’ in Brisbane can mean a few things, depending on your intention. Technically, ‘land subdivision’ and ‘lot reconfiguration’ are synonymous terms, at least locally. As such, ‘land subdivision’ is an umbrella term that encompasses everything from splitting a lot into more smaller lots to merging two adjacent lots into one. Essentially, if you are trying to reconfigure your lot in any way—whether that means moving boundaries or granting an easement to a neighbour—you are engaging in land subdivision.
The land subdivision process can be complex, hence the number of questions we get about this subject from prospective clients. Things such as land boundaries and lot sizes are recorded with local government. You do not usually have the legal privilege to change these circumstances on a whim. Instead, you must go through proper regulatory steps to get any subdivision proposal approved. This process may involve questions of zoning, neighbourhood planning, easements, liaising with State government departments and more.
The channels you need to go through to have your subdivision plan approved will vary depending on the scope of your project. For instance, there are certain types of land subdivision that do not require a development application and certain types that do. Merging of existing lots, for instance, is categorised as an ‘accepted development’ and does not require a code assessable development application. Breaking a residential lot into two lots, so that you can build separate dwellings on both pieces of property, is not an accepted development and does require a development application.
Zoning is another factor you must consider when subdividing land and building. Lot size will determine whether your subdivision requires a code assessment. Assessment requirements shift on a sliding scale based on whether your property is in a low-, medium- or high-density residential zone, among other types of property development zones.
Even once the land is subdivided, the process isn’t finished. Subdivision of all types either changes properties or creates new ones. Before these lots can be legally sold, they need to have registered titles. This part of the process involves council applications, survey plans, and more.
Simplify Your Land Subdivision Process by Meeting with Land Development Consultants in Gold Coast or Brisbane
Making mistakes in the property subdivision process can lead to delays and cost you thousands of dollars. Save yourself the expense and hassle of subdivision errors by calling in a professional consultant to help. At City Plan Planning, we would be pleased to assist you. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can simplify the subdivision process.