Frequently Asked Questions
This is what we often hear from our clients here in Perth. Subdividing your property is indeed a tedious and daunting process but with the help of specialists in the field such as the Project Consultants at Vision Surveys Consulting, it does not have to be. Here are a few frequently asked questions that we receive from our clients.
Can I subdivide my property? I would love to subdivide but I just don’t know where to start.
To subdivide your property, you will have to comply to the density set by the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and the local Town Planning Scheme (TPS). The basic check is to comply with the average and minimum lot size of the lot. If you are able to comply, then you will have to see if a subdivision can be designed to fit your lot in accordance with the R-Codes and TPS requirements.
Council told me I cannot subdivide my property. Are there any other options?
If you have spoken to the council and they have advised that you are unable to subdivide, there is no harm in getting in contact with your surveyor to see if there is any planning solutions. There are times when there may be sufficient justification to allow for your subdivision to take place. Only the WAPC is able to make the decision and grant a variation upon receiving and reviewing a planning justification report.
How long does a subdivision usually take to complete?
Every subdivision is unique and hence will vary in the time it will take to complete. This will be dependent on the conditions set in the Western Australian Planning Commission’s (WAPC) conditional approval that will need to be complied with in a particular subdivision. It will also depend on the experience level of the individual managing the subdivision. It usually falls between the 8 to 12 months’ time frame.
What are the costs involved in completing a subdivision?
There are various costs in completing a subdivision. These include, but are not limited to:
- Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) Application Fees
- Landgate Fees
- Local Government Fees
- Water Corporation Head-works Fee
- Western Power Fee
- Surveying Professional Fee
- Planning Professional Fee
- Licensed Valuers Fee
- Demolition/site Works Fee
- Plumbing/Electrician Fees
- Retaining Walls
highly recommend that you order a Subdivision Feasibility Assessment on our website that will outline all the costs that may be incurred in your subdivision.
What are the differences between a Green Title (Freehold) subdivision and a Survey Strata subdivision?
Both these subdivisions are created under separate legislation. The main difference is that Green Title (Freehold) lots are wholly independent lots and do not have any shared utility services whilst Survey Strata lots are able to share utility services through easements or other allowances.
Survey Strata subdivisions can sometimes have shared common property whereas Green Title (Freehold) lots never have shared common land.
What are the differences between a Survey Strata subdivision and a Built Strata Subdivision?
A Built Strata subdivision is a building based subdivision where the built form will have to be surveyed for the creation of the boundary. Your boundaries are defined from the building itself.
A Built Strata subdivision does not require WAPC approval but you will require a Development Approval (DA) for the dwellings that you are planning on building.
A Survey Strata subdivision on the other hand is a land based subdivision and does not require the building to be built to be finalised. For a Survey Strata subdivision, an application for a conditional approval from the WAPC will be required.
Do I need to build a house as part of the subdivision?
If you are requesting a land subdivision (Survey Strata/Green Title), then the future buildings will not have to be built and you will be able to sell just the subdivided land alone. However, if you are wanting to do a Built Strata subdivision instead, the new dwellings will have to be built as per the Development Approval and then will be subdivided based on the built houses at the end of the building process.
Is my boundary the fence position?
You should never assume that the fence is the boundary position. Many existing fences are not located exactly on a boundary and sometimes are far off it. A reestablishment survey is highly recommended to ascertain the true boundary position.
Do I need neighbour’s approval for a subdivision?
In the majority of cases, you will not need to gain neighboring consent for a subdivision. However, if you currently have a Survey Strata or Built Strata title, consent from other owners in your scheme is required.
Can I remove street trees?
You are not allowed to remove any council street trees without gaining approval from the appropriate local council.
When can I get the New Titles?
You are able to apply for New Titles after the subdivision plan is placed “In Order For Dealings” at Landgate. All works associated with the subdivision process will need to be completed before this can take place.
Can you complete the new titles application process for me?
Yes we can. We can handle every aspect of the subdivision for you until the issuance of your new subdivided titles.
Can you co-ordinate every aspect of the subdivision?
Yes. Our Project Management option is a popular option as it takes care of every aspect of the subdivision from initial concept to the new titles application. Our team of highly skilled Project Consultants will manage your subdivision in the most cost and time effective way to make your project a success.
Do you run any information sessions that focuses on the basics of subdivisions?
Educating the general public about the basics of subdivisions and what we do best is certainly a high priority for us. We really enjoy interacting with all our clients and all the new faces that we meet on a daily basis. Our Masterclasses have been received by the general public really well and we are often booked out a few sessions in advance. The classes run fortnightly and you can sign up on our Eventbrite page.
