Residential Subdivision – A Guide for Queenslanders
Hardly use your big backyard anymore? Finding it harder to maintain your large garden and lawn now that you’re getting older? Maybe your land could be used for more than just that Hills Hoist.
Subdivision is a popular choice for many Queenslanders, with residential subdivisions allowing homeowners to develop their properties to best suit their needs. It can also be a way to make money from existing land that you don’t necessarily use or need.
Here are some important things you need to know about residential subdivision in Queensland.
The Benefits of Subdividing
Deciding to subdivide your residential property can provide many benefits to you and your family. Through subdivision, you can:
- Increase your profits – you’ll double or potentially triple the amount of lots you currently own
- Increase the marketability of your property – smaller size lots can attract more buyers
- Create a more liveable space – use only the space you want, sell off vacant unused assets
The Process for Subdividing Your Property
Before going ahead with your subdivision, you’ll need to submit an application, or proposal, to your local government or council.
It’s a good idea to work with professional consultants on your application, as they’re the experts in this field and will be aware of all council regulations and permits required. They can also spot any potential issues and work with you to address them before you go to council.
Experts who can help you with your subdivision application and process include:
- Town planners
- Civil engineers
- Land surveyors
- Solicitors
A property development consultancy firm can offer you expertise from each of these areas, with qualified consultants available to help you with your subdivision, from start to finish.
Possible Constraints to Subdivision in Queensland
You should also make sure you’re aware of these potential planning constraints before you hand in your submission so you don’t get knocked back without approval.
Planning Constraints
You may encounter obstacles concerning the size of your existing lot and the proposed lot sizes after subdivision. Blocks of land need to be designed to satisfy council guidelines and site constraints.
Zoning can also affect your plans, as this outlines the type of development that can take place on your land, as set out by the council.
Other factors to consider, often under the term of ‘overlays’, include whether your land contains valuable resources, cultural heritage significance, environmental features to protect, or requires special planning considerations, such as with areas prone to flooding.
Engineering Constraints
Your subdivision approval will also depend on whether or not it will affect any existing infrastructure, for example sewerage, water mains, storm water drains, overland flow, existing roads. Electricity and telecommunications.
Make sure you hire professional engineers, surveyors and planners to assess your land and provide expert advice.
Community/Neighbourhood Constraints
If your proposal affects infrastructure on your neighbour’s land, you’ll need to get their written consent. Without their consent council won’t approve your proposal.
Your subdivision will also be subject to your area’s Neighbourhood Plan – a legal council document outlining development in your area. If your property is included in a neighbourhood plan that will also need to be considered in your subdivision proposal.
If you’d like more information about subdividing your Queensland residential property, you may like to contact Arnold Development Consultants (ADC). ADC have over 50 years of experience with Queensland subdivisions and their team of surveyors, engineers and town planners can guide you through your project.
