Subdivision

Subdivision

We specialise in assisting property owners and developers with subdivisions - From start to finish

As a concept, subdivision is quite simple. You take a block of land and subdivide it into 2 or more lots. In practice, subdivisions can be complex, frustrating and expensive if you are not sure what you are doing.

The 4 most common subdivision mistakes we see are:

1. Buying a site that cannot be subdivided.

2. Not being clear on the true costs of subdivision.

3. Underestimating how long the process will take.

4. Not understanding what do do after achieving town planning approval.

Each of these can be avoided by undertaking proper due diligence, having a system for site selection and working with an experienced consultant who understand what is required to deliver a subdivision project.

The information below outlines the subdivision process.

CHECK OUT THE RESOURCES BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUBDIVISION

What is the subdivision process?

Whether you are subdividing for the first time or you are an experienced developer, subdivisions all require the same process.

The following summarises the main stages of a simple code assessment subdivision.

1) Contour and detail survey
 
Undertake survey field work to pick-up the key features of the site and the contours. The boundaries are not pegged during this stage. However, if an existing house is to be retained, it’s recommended that an identification survey is carried out to locate the boundaries. This ensures that during the design process, all measurements to existing buildings are accurate.  The contour and detail survey provides an important base plan that is used throughout the project. 
 
2) Proposal Plan
 

Produce a subdivision proposal plan to Council lodgement standard.

3) Prepare Development Application
 

Prepare the town planning report, code responses and all forms and other documents associated with the application package. This will include arranging preliminary civil engineering for the urban services required.

4) Lodge application and Council assessment

The application is lodged with Council and the application fees are paid. Council assesses the application against their planning scheme. 
 

5) Decision

Once a decision is made Council will issue the approval. Every approval will include a number of conditions that must be complied with to complete the subdivision. Examples of conditions include installing water, sewer and roofwater, removing existing buildings and repairing kerb and gutter.

6) Construction
 
The construction stage is when all urban services and civil work is carried out. These works are generally completed by a civil contractor or several trades, which will include plumbers and concreters.
 

7) Plan Sealing

During the plan sealing stage, you lodge the survey plan with Council for the final assessment. You will need to demonstrate to Council that the conditions of development have been complied with. This stage requires that all documentation be carefully organised to demonstrate compliance. To help make the plan sealing a smooth process it’s important to keep and organise all of your compliance plans, paperwork and receipts during the previous stages of the project.
 
8) Titles and Registration
 
Once Council has sealed the plan your lawyer or surveyor will lodge the survey plan with the State Government Titles Office for the final checking and registration. Once the plan has been registered, the Titles Office will notify you that you have new titles. 
 
Congratulations, this is the successful end of your subdivision project!

How much does subdivision cost?

The cost of a subdivision will vary depending on the size and number of lots and where you are developing.

In Brisbane, you should be budgeting approx of $130,000 for a simple 2-lot subdivision. This is the minimum you should be budgeting. The costs can be much higher depending on the site, what urban services are available and whether you are constructing driveways and stormwater infrastructure. This cost does not include demolition of an existing house, which will start from $35,000.

How long does a subdivision take?

Similar to the costs involved, the time it takes to complete a subdivision will vary. 

For your first project, we recommend allowing 12 months from start to finish. This is a realistic timeframe and allows for project slippage and delays that may not be within your control. 

Allowing this time also takes the pressure off rushing to complete your first project and placing unnecessary pressure on yourself.

For more experienced developers, the timing can be compressed to approximately 8-10 months and requires all projects elements to be delivered without any delay in between. 

Done for you. Done with you. You choose.

We can help you with the town planning stage of your project, and we can help you to coordinate and deliver your whole project. You choose.

Our view is that all projects are a collaboration and team effort. 

We are your project partner. We are alongside you during the whole process. This starts from the very beginning, where we help to ensure the site you have is right for subdivision.

We don’t leave you after getting the town planning approval

Your Next Step

For existing landowners: Check if your land can be subdivided, please use the ‘Book a Call’ button. You can also enquire via the contact form or send us email.

For those looking to buy a site: When buying a property for development, in order to provide you with accurate advice we research the site and basic town planning requirements and then discuss with you the potential risks, development options, project costs and process.  We charge a fee for this service. Please check out our Due Diligence in a Day services for more information. 

If you require a fee proposal for a specific site and project, please send us an email or enquire via the contact form. All fee proposals and scope of works are customised based on your project.

Free Resources

Check out our “Subdivision Basics” Email Series.

11 emails delivered twice a week direct to your inbox. And its free. Here’s what we cover:

1. Subdivision basics
2. Subdivision layouts
3. Buying and contracts
4. The development application (“DA”)
5. Civil design and construction
6. Plan sealing and titles
7. Finding sites
8. The Checklist
9. Project feasibility
10. Subdivision strategies
11. Case studies

10 Things You Need To Know About Land Subdivision
town planner brisbane
Video 1 - Subdivision: The True Costs
Video 2 - Introduction to Subdivision Basics

Do you have questions?

If you have a specific project you wish to discuss, please book a call below.

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