Most councils will happily give you an opinion on the potential to subdivide any given parcel of land. This my may not be the best opinion, but a reasonably objective opinion none the less.The rules that govern the subdivision of property are to be found in part in the planning overlays for the area, and these overlays are often best understood by…[Read more]

Hi Matt, it's a loose question and allows me the opportunity to provide a loose response!Demolition is generally somewhere in the vicinity of $10,000 – $15,000 for a house.You could look at having the house removed if it is sound and of lightweight construction.Building costs of around $1,500/m2 are usual for a site specific dwelling.You could…[Read more]

Profit (margin) and yield are different things. The development should firstly make a profit, and then you should determine if the yield makes it a sound ongoing investment or if you should invest in something else.

It's a straightforward job and there will be plenty of drafts-people out there that can help. There are also numerous companies that sell them "off the shelf" and will do the documentation as part of the deal.

Hi Tdavies,We deal with a number of overseas based clients on a "remote" basis. It's not so difficult with the modern technologies at hand. As I always seem to be saying, planning theory is universal and planning law is local, so as long as everyone is on the same page and communicates adequately things tend to get done as they should.There's some…[Read more]

Just finished reading that thread and it was fabulous – like a little novella.And don't worry about dropping $6,000 to learn a lesson, they're often far more expensive than that.Keep at it Jelovea, and wonderful advice dispensed as well.

It's often my advice that the TPP adds the first layer of value (achieved by taking the first risk) and that this should be the time assess ones position and consider realising that value (for whatever reason) and letting someone else take up the next layer of risk and reward.The second layer is the development itself, which I believe is more…[Read more]

Emptyvessel,

In most cases this is a town planning issue, and a town planning permit (or DA in the Sydney vernacular) will most likely be required. Given that the built form already exists there should be no affect on the amenity of any stakeholder and so this should not be a difficult application. Assuming this application is successful then the…[Read more]

Emptyvessel,In most cases this is a town planning issue, and a town planning permit (or DA in the Sydney vernacular) will most likely be required. Given that the built form already exists there should be no affect on the amenity of any stakeholder and so this should not be a difficult application. Assuming this application is successful then the…[Read more]

There are neaps of retention systems, tanks, permeable surfaces and the like available. Try searching for storm water retention.

This is how I bought my first house some years ago. It took longer than I thought, cost more than I could afford, and taught me a few things. Importantly, it also got me into my first house.

Introduce yourself to a planner, and ask them the question. They'll be happy to tell you what they know, and if they are active in the area they'll know the answer straight up.

Hi Sash,It can be tough work dealing with subdivisions, one little pea under the mattress and no-one seems to be sleeping properly! It is difficult to pick up each and every part of the puzzle and put it in place in the right order. I'm glad to hear your consultant has kept the project going seemingly against the odds and I'm sure there will be…[Read more]

Property development is complex and expensive but not especially difficult as long as you understand the process or engage someone else who does. Here's what you need to do:Assess the opportunity. Do some homework.Create a strategy for the development so you're clear about what you wish to achieve and can communicate it to others.Put together some…[Read more]

The other consideration is that – should circumstances change, and they sometimes do – you would be unable to sell the granny flat as it will not have its own title.

GLT and hrub,Ashwood and Oakleigh both have, in my opinion, fairly simple planning guidelines. There is a prevailing density pattern (single detached dwellings on larger allotments) that is gradually but surely changing. Density of 1:300m2 should be readily achievable in most parts of each of these neighbourhoods. Both of these areas also have…[Read more]

Muzz and Fergal,The process of subdividing is not particularly difficult, but it is both time consuming and complex. There are a number of things that need to come together in the right order for a proposed subdivision to progress smoothly. Without getting into the finer points, this is how it works:You need to assess the technical, practical and…[Read more]

If you are looking to subdivide without changing the ownership of the land the requirements will likely be less onerous that they would be if you were to sell the land. The DA (or TPP) can in essence be considered your permission to subdivide, however, the DA is not in and of itself a subdivision. So, you need to approach your local planning…[Read more]

Planning permits (or DAs) do expire, and that expiry date will generally be explicit in the documentation.

It's not unheard of for builders to enter into JVs with owners. In this scenario it would be usual for all parties to share risk and reward, and of course to share security. For example, if a property were wholly owned, then a builder could take a first ranking security over the land until such time as the agreed amounts were paid, either by…[Read more]