Land Subdivision:
Land subdivision is when the owners legally dividing one parcel of land into two or more separate lots that can each be individually owned, sold or developed. Property can be subdivided for residential, commercial or industrial purposes, depending on what the councils restrictions are for the land in any particular area. All subdivision including: a backyard subdivision, multi-unit development or creating new residential lots, require approval from council and a licensed land surveyor.
Simply, land subdivision involves dividing a larger piece of land into smaller areas. Some people may wish to subdivide a portion of their land and continue living in an existing home (building subdivision) or some may want to break a vacant plot of land into smaller parcels for sale. The main purpose of building subdivision is to sell the new smaller portions of land to make a profit. While it may seem simple, there is a lot of detail and planning involved in creating a land subdivision plan, including permit submissions and lots of liaising with councils and third parties.
How Does Land Subdivision Work?
There are 5 main steps in the subdivision process.
1. Determine Your Subdivision Type
The first step is identifying the type of subdivision that best suits your property and development goals. The subdivision process generally falls into one of two categories:
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
A land subdivision is generally suitable for larger lots, typically over 400 square metres, where each new lot can accommodate a dwelling without requiring detailed building designs during the planning stage. In these cases, a licensed land surveyor, such as Reddie Surveys, can prepare and manage the subdivision application.
At this stage, you’ll also decide how many new lots you wish to create. The number of lots that can be approved depends on council planning controls, zoning requirements and the characteristics of your property. Our experienced surveyors can assess your site and advise you on what is achievable.
2. Prepare Your Subdivision Plans
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. Receive the Subdivision Statement Of Compliance
Once all planning permit conditions have been satisfied and council is satisfied with the completed works and documentation, a Statement of Compliance is issued. 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
When 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. After the 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, please email us at info@reddiesurveys.com.au. Alternatively, you can call us on (03) 9707 4117.
Whether you’re planning a backyard subdivision, dual occupancy development or large residential subdivision, working with an experienced licensed land surveyor like Reddie Surveys ensures your project complies with Victorian legislation from the beginning. Reddie Surveys has extensive experience delivering accurate land subdivision surveys and guiding clients through every stage of the subdivision process.
What Is Land Consolidation?
Land Consolidation is essentially the opposite of land subdivision! This is when someone wishes to join two lots of land into the one. To do so, a plan of consolidation is required and is a service Reddie Surveys offers. Get in touch with us today if you ware wanting to either split, or combine blocks of land.