The intentions of the zones are consistent across the state and each municipality has its own overlays, restrictions and recommendations. The inconsistencies Scott refers to are, I believe, more to do with municipal preferences than state planning. The different residential zones – R1Z, R2Z and R3Z for example – are generally established to suit…[Read more]

I don't work in WA, however, most planning schemes are established around benchmarks that allow for some discretion. Your question is clear enough, and the municipal requirements you have quoted are also clear, so in this case it seems to be an issue of discretion. Perhaps you should visit the municipal planners at City of Stirling and simply ask…[Read more]

The amount quoted, in my opinion, seems reasonable. As suggested elsewhere in this thread, it's not so much about how much you are paying, but for what. In simple terms you need to know that the builder will have all the information he or she needs to complete the building as you want it built.

If you wish to make an offer, and you want that offer taken seriously, consider the following:Make the offer in writingMake any conditions clear in the written offerEnsure the conditions are not onerousAttach a cheque for the deposit amountApply a sunset to the offerAnd good luck with the search

The asset type is not widely understood and so not readily available. Armed with a clear understanding, you could approach agents to in turn approach landlords on your behalf. However, as you have suggested, it may be "easier" to buy a property. If you buy a property with plans to subdivide into strata you will, of course, pay a premium. Perhaps…[Read more]

Yes, if you have a good idea of what you wish to achieve, it would now be the right time to approach a designer to help you with both the concepts and the process.

This is process (summarised) that we use:Assessment. Find out if what you are proposing can done, and if it is worthwhile.Strategy. Understand how your proposal will work.Concept. Using information from S1 and S2, generate visual concepts for town planning.Application. Having sought municipal feedback, make formal application based on the…[Read more]

Hi KDC,The sort of deal you are proposing will, in my opinion, become more common as wealth "shifts" between generations. The difficulty seems to be around securing each party adequately and ensuring it all stays friendly. I am coming across these scenarios more commonly in my work.The first thing you need is some confidence that what you are…[Read more]

Lhaldoupis,It can be done, and I know of "air space" that has been recently marketed for sale. The principle, in it's simplest form, works like this:Let's say you purchase a small shop on 200m2 of land (5m x 20m)You seek and are granted town planning approval (DA or TPP) to build two dwellings above the shop, over two levels.You could, at this…[Read more]

Hi Matt,I'm not sure if you are aware of the process, but we do a lot of this sort of work and it goes something like this:Sort out, in your own mind, what it is you want.Make sure what you want to do can be done and does not contradict local or state planning.Communicate this in writing. Essentially a project brief. For example, three bedrooms,…[Read more]

Hi Matt,What sort of project are you undertaking? A few more details might see a better response.

Oryx,It's fundamentally an issue of qualifications. An architect is trained in the history and theory of building design as well as the technical aspects, whereas a building designer might be a drafts-person who is more familiar with the technical rather than theoretical (or philosophical) aspects.Some would suggest and architect is best for more…[Read more]

Hi Mishier,There are plenty of places to look, but a few fundamentals never go "out of fashion".Proximity to public transportDistance to the CBDProximity to shops, schools and other amenitiesAnd in you case, if you are looking to subdivide later, I would add zoning and overlays.With all that in mind, I would suggest West Heidelberg, Footscray and…[Read more]

Both a good size then. I'd be happy to have a look at each and offer a couple of suggestions if you like. Perhaps you can PM me some details and I'll give you some feedback.

I recall reading an interview with a prominent investor/develop – it may have been Harry Triguboff (maybe not!) – and his take was working on a 3/3 principle: 1/3 for the land, 1/3 for the development costs, and 1/3 (before taxes) for the pocket. I would think these would be rare and well researched opportunities and perhaps this is why it works.A…[Read more]

I read about this in the Age newspaper and it was really sad.Mr McNichols seemed to have the attitude that the "show doesn't go on for ever, so let's see what we can do to make things a little better" and I admire the way he was having a go.I understand there is now a push by his family and loved ones to finish the job in his memory, and I wish…[Read more]

I'll preface what I'm about to say with the following:The profitability of any proposed subdivision rests with the value of the land, and the value of the land is most often a reflection of the location of the land.That said, it may be possible to excise the house and a small amount of land from the rest of the property and sell the land onto…[Read more]

Posswillow,Are there two blocks or one ("one 9m the other about 11m")?And are you planning to build two townhouses or four?I love the narrow sites and tough building envelopes!Good luck with the project.

The councils have great mapping tools, for which they pay a fortune!They have the up to date aerials, with boundaries and topographical images.So, as Fredo suggests, use this resource wherever you can.

Developing a corner block can be easier for all those reasons mentioned above. In essence, a corner block will generally enjoy a dispensation that allows more of the land to be used for building. There is also more street frontage, and that makes retention of on-street parking easier.In developing a corner block there is generally no need for a…[Read more]