What You Need to Know Before Subdividing
The process of subdividing your land and establishing separate legal titles for each of the new portions is known as subdividing your property. Only the owners, the surveyor, the Council, and a solicitor may be involved in simple subdivisions such as a border adjustment between neighbours. Engineers, contractors, architects, designers, landscape architects, planners, quantity surveyors, and real estate brokers are professionals involved in more sophisticated subdivisions. Subdividing in Australia varies between states to make sure to check with your local council to get the facts before proceeding.
You can handle the procedure independently, but hiring professionals to oversee larger subdivisions will ensure a smoother process and greater results.
Time Involved in Land Subdivisions
Subdividing land is a lengthy procedure involving numerous steps that take you from concept to resource consents, Cadastral Survey, and certification. The subdivision procedure might take up to a year to complete, and it can take even longer if there are issues. Determine whether you are prepared to make a long-term commitment and consult with Surveyor subdivision professionals to estimate time frames.
The Cost of the Project
It’s critical to understand all of the fees associated with subdividing your land. Because of the diverse nature of subdivisions, a simple subdivision can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 and more if there are issues. Because land subdivisions are not a one-size-fits-all process, consulting with a land surveyor to get a cost estimate for your subdivision and determine whether it is beneficial.
Early Advice and Planning
You have a development or subdivision concept but are unclear how to start or even possible. Getting excellent counsel early on in the process might help you save time and money over the long term.
Subdivision can be a hazardous, exhilarating, and expensive endeavour. Before you start the procedure, it’s a good idea to know what kind of charges and level of risk you’ll be dealing with. Fees charged by consultants such as engineers, your lawyer, and surveying business, as well as fees levied by the Council and the Land Department, such as the resource consent application fee and development contributions, are likely to be incurred.
Engaging a surveyor to conduct a feasibility study will assist you in better understanding the process and determining whether or not your proposal is feasible. They could even be able to suggest alternatives if necessary. Bringing in a surveyor early in the process can help to reduce hazards before moving on to the next step.
Subdivision Types
There are three different sorts of subdivisions. The most common type of title is a fee simple or freehold title, in which one person owns the entire property. Different part share agreements include cross lease (flat) and unit title (strata). It’s advisable to seek advice regarding the appropriate ownership type for your situation from an expert surveyor or lawyer.
Vehicle Access Approval
Vehicle access and on-site parking should be considered early in the subdivision design phase. Most residential subdivisions demand that each lot have its entrance and that each unit have a specific number of parking spaces. Vehicle access might limit house design on sloping plots or sites adjacent to busy roadways. A professional surveyor will follow the best design procedures.
Subdivision Consent
Your local Council will need to permit you to subdivide. This can be a complicated procedure that begins with reviewing your relevant District or City Plan to determine what zoning applies to your property, whether your subdivision will be approved, and whether any restrictions or conditions may apply.
If your development will not meet the zone’s minimum lot size, the Council may ask your neighbours’ permission or publicly announce your plan. A planner or land surveyor can assist you with this step and prepare the consent application on your behalf.
Preparation of Plans
As part of the consent application, you must submit detailed subdivision designs. Still, once you have received consent, you will need to schedule a formal cadastral survey to finalise the new borders and dimensions and the final placement of any on-site infrastructure.
Certification and Issue of Title
Your surveyor will lodge the completed plan with the land department, who will approve it and issue the new title or titles.
Subdivision is a time-consuming and challenging process. A land surveying business or subdivision specialist, such as The Surveying Company, can help you save time, stress, and money.
