As a Licensed Land Surveyors, we often get asked by clients if it’s possible to subdivide their property. Whether you’re looking to sell part of your land, develop a new property, or simply make better use of your land, subdividing can be an appealing option. However, the feasibility of subdividing your property depends on a range of factors, including council regulations, planning schemes, and local zoning laws. In this post, we’ll guide you through the key considerations to help you determine if subdividing your property is a viable option.
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what subdividing means. Subdividing your property typically involves dividing a larger parcel of land into smaller lots. Each new lot can then be developed, sold, or retained, depending on your goals. Subdividing may sound straightforward, but several factors must be considered to ensure it aligns with local regulations and development standards.
Understanding the basics to subdivide your property
Key Council Regulations That Impact Subdivision
The first step in determining whether you can subdivide your property is to check with your local council. Council regulations are critical in assessing whether your property is eligible for subdivision. Local councils in Victoria have planning schemes that regulate land use and development within their jurisdiction. These schemes set out the rules for subdivision, including minimum lot sizes, setbacks, and infrastructure requirements.
When considering subdivision, the council will typically look at:
- Zoning: Is your land zoned for subdivision? Residential, commercial, and rural zoning can all have different rules for subdividing property. For example, a residential zone might have restrictions on the minimum size of each new lot.
- Density Requirements: Councils often have density limits that govern how many dwellings can be built on a property. If you’re thinking about subdividing for housing, you’ll need to make sure that your plans comply with these limits.
- Infrastructure Availability: Subdividing may require the installation of new infrastructure, such as roads, drainage systems, and utilities. Councils will assess whether the existing infrastructure can accommodate the increased demand or if upgrades are necessary.
Planning Schemes and Criteria to Subdivide
In addition to council regulations, planning schemes provide further detail on how land can be subdivided. These schemes will outline the specific conditions that apply to subdivisions, such as:
- Minimum Lot Size: Each council in Victoria may have a minimum lot size for subdivisions, which is usually determined by factors like the zoning of the land and the type of development proposed. Smaller lots may be permitted in areas with high demand for housing, while rural areas may have larger lot size requirements.
- Environmental Constraints: Environmental factors like flood zones, bushfire risk, and heritage overlays can impact your ability to subdivide. For example, land in a bushfire-prone area may have strict subdivision rules to ensure safety standards are met.
- Design and Layout: Planning schemes often set guidelines for the design of new subdivisions, including the arrangement of roads, lots, and open spaces. Your proposed subdivision will need to meet these design criteria to ensure it’s in line with council expectations.
Other Factors That Affect Subdivision Feasibility
Beyond council regulations and planning schemes, there are other factors that could impact the feasibility of subdividing your property, including:
- Access to Services: Subdivided lots need to be connected to essential services such as water, sewerage, electricity, and roads. If your property lacks access to these services, you may need to factor in the costs and logistics of installing them.
- Land Size and Shape: The physical characteristics of your property play a significant role in whether subdivision is possible. Irregularly shaped blocks, steep slopes, or land that is too small to meet minimum size requirements could present challenges.
- Cost of Subdivision: Subdividing is not always cheap. You’ll need to factor in the cost of land surveying, legal fees, engineering reports, and possibly infrastructure upgrades. It’s important to weigh these costs against the potential return on investment.
Conclusion: Is Subdividing Your Property the Right Choice?
Subdividing your property in Victoria can be an excellent way to maximize its potential, but it’s not always straightforward. By understanding council regulations, planning schemes, and other critical factors, you can make an informed decision about whether subdivision is right for you. As a licensed land surveyor, we’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring your plans align with the necessary legal and technical requirements.
How can we help?
As Licensed Land Surveyors, Linear Land Surveying can assist you to subdivide your property.
Give Sam and team at Linear Land Surveying, (Melbourne land surveyors) a call on 9873 8888, or email survey@linearlandsurveying.com.au, for more information and help with your land surveying needs.
The information on this website is intended to be general in nature and is not personalised land development advice. It does not take into account your specific objectives, land development site or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and seek more specific advice from the professional team at Linear Land Surveying.
