There are more apartments than ever being planned and built, they are just a little more cleverly disguised. Planning for apartments (or other higher density housing) is more likely in certain designated areas near transport and other amenities.Having said all that, there are changes occurring. For example, I presented a pre-application for a…[Read more]

Are there any floors in the plan?Potentially you could pay considerably more by building twice. I'd recommend you sit down and do the sums a couple of times in different ways – after all, what you are talking about is an issue of timing more so than exposure or aggregated lending. As for GST, it comes down to GST in/GST out, in accordance with…[Read more]

Did I miss anyone with the PDF?If so, please PM me with your email details and I'll forward.Also, to those who did get it, was it helpful, or too simplistic?

Yes, it's reasonable.

It is possible to have work retrospectively permitted, as long as it is compliant with the relative building code. So, first perhaps you could have someone qualified have a look at it for you to determine that it "looks" compliant. If that is the case, and you'd like to sell the house with a clean bill of health, you would need to contact a…[Read more]

What purpose do the pumps serve in this scenario?The issue seems to be the retention of water. If this is the case, stormwater retention pits need to be installed. What usually occurs is that pits are installed that accept the stormwater before it is discharged into the legal point of discharge. Once these pits are full the stormwater then drains…[Read more]

No problem, don't forget to PM please, as I'll be sending from that list.What we are currently working on is a series of three case studies:Smallish residential (suburban) multi-unit.Urban apartment development.Hybrid (retail, commercial, residential.I'll be interested to see the feedback from the first one. Eventually I intend to publish each of…[Read more]

I'll mail out to all those interested at the end of the week.Thanks for the feedback, and look forward to the comments.

Still plenty of time for it to all go wrong….found a few parts missing today, but it's roughly on track!

It's not really that specific to Victoria, although the example is Victorian!I think there's plenty in there for people to get something useful. I guess it's more about the process than the specifics. It's been my experience that understanding the process is the most important issue.Don't forget to PM me so I know where to send it.

I got the whole lot! A kitchen, two bathrooms.Carcasses are together and I'll finish the rest this week, time permitting.They are actually quite ingenious (I was skeptical) and easy to assemble – although I am a carpenter by trade.I'll let you know if there's any disasters.As a foot note, the process was interesting. I "designed" the cabinetry…[Read more]

Alltheway,Sounds like the deal could stack up if you're patient and well informed, a couple of considerations in the form of opinions:The TPP should not take too long, as the second dwelling is already there the application is an "as of right" application to sub-divide the land. Obviously there is no discussion to be had about the aesthetic merits…[Read more]

Tread carefully. Some covenants are as good as impossible to alter or remove.Additionally, a covenanted use may have been prescribed by someone who is deceased, and whose estate has no interest in helping you remove the covenant.

Hi Talis,As ever the rules are different from state to state and region to region.In Melbourne, for example, there is generally no need for a TPP, but a BP is required, and the dwelling should be for the exclusive benefit of a dependant person. There are also regulations about the size (specifically the footprint) and how the structure is…[Read more]

Spend money on that which can be seen and admired.Create space where there seemed to be none.Be clever in your approach. Think measure, think measure, draw.Then do!Good luck.

As for cheap kitchens or cabinetry….I'm currently in the middle of an "IKEA experiment" and all seems to be working out!And it was cheap!

Great advice from Adrian….Take it easy so you don't disturb the sheet too much and all should be fine.As a little extra peace of mind, you might consider sealing the broken sheet with paint.

Hi qksilver,You have some great advice already from the folks who have responded.The type of project you are proposing isn't particularly difficult but it is quite complex The important thing is to understand a) your intentions, and b) the process involved.You need a project plan (which you can generate yourself) and some professional advice as to…[Read more]

This can be a benefit, but it goes both ways….Residential property that is re-zoned commercial can be a great investment if the area becomes industrial or commercial. Property that's currently zoned commercial, but is then made available for residential can also work well.The issue is what the underlying demand is for in that area. Not much use…[Read more]

Hi Sean,From my own experience and in working with others I believe the key to generating value is in changing the use of the property. This could be by renovating and adding extra accommodation (an extra bedroom and study for example) or by sub-dividing the land. Getting more value from the land itself seems to be the best method. For example if…[Read more]