Hi jasedc5r,Just something for you to consider, planning policy in Monash City Council which Clayton falls within requires 75m2 out of which 35m2  needs to have a minimum dimension of 5m.With this requirement you might find some properties even with 800m2 in size would have difficulty to fit 3 dwellings whereas a 800m2 in Box Hill would generally…[Read more]

Hi Maternic,You can always contact some designers or architects who specializing in these sort of things, they should be able to provide you with any feasibility feedback and costing. I have a few designers who might be able to help me so let me know if you need the details.H

Hi Picklesam,If it's a new estate, then there should be a developer who sub-divided the blocks and built road infrastructures etc. They would be the one that you need to speak to. In many new estates, the developers have their own design guidelines and in most cases they prohibit the owner from building more than 1 dwelling on the lot as it may…[Read more]

Hi darvii,

A mate of mine has managed to build a 2 storeys house (4 bedrooms and about 22 square in size) for $180,000 a few years back in Yarraville VIC.

$380,000 should be well within budget for 2 x 18 square townhouses however, you will have to build them as an owner builder and be very smart when selecting sub-contractors and internal…[Read more]

Hi Tigermiger,You should always start by giving the local council a quick call to find out whether there's any restrictions on the property. I assume you would have a copy of Section 32, have a good read on the certificate of title section to see whether there's any covenant prevents you from constructing multiple dwellings.For your other…[Read more]

Hi GLTThere is no minimum lot size requirement from Monash City Council for what you want to do but you definitely need to get a professional to go to your property to measure the backyard to ensure there's enough space for vehicle parking (for both dwelling), access and the required backyard space for both dwellings which is about 40m2 each I…[Read more]

Monty,

It’s not a rule that you need to build a garage in between but you do need at least 1 carspace per each dwelling and each has convenient access. You should still enquire with a professional to see whether you have enough space and that shouldn’t cost you anything!

Good luck!

Hi Monty,

In the past, we avoided overlooking issues by using higher windows or opaque glass for upper floor.

With the ground floor I would rather have the habitable windows face north as it makes a huge difference for energy efficiency. There probably would be minimal windows to the side facing your existing house because you will need to place…[Read more]

Or you could ring up the local council and tell them that you live next door and need to speak to the owner about some fence issues… they will give you the contact details

Hi Matrix,I'm based in Victoria as well, have done enough residential developments and am now looking at smaller commercial developments e.g. retail and student accommodation etc. I think commercial developments can be profitable if you do it right. Your land sounded with a lot of potential.My suggestion is that you should still find a way to…[Read more]

Hi Matrix,A piece of interesting land you got over there. May I ask whereabouts is this land? Which state and how far from the CBD area?Depends on how much capital you have, it sounds like a perfect site for a mixed-use development. For example, you build shops on ground floor and residential above. Then sell the residential units to pay off the…[Read more]

Hi blueheeler1968,I found out about this website from my architect when he was helping me sub-dividing my plot of land in Truganina.http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/aavpp/37_07.pdfHope this is any help.

Hello GLT,

I am currently sub-dividing another property in Ashwood which happens to be under the municipality of Monash City Council. The biggest problem I'm encountering is that the council refuses to allow me to build double storey at rear however I have seen other new developments in Mount Waverley that are double storey at front and back.…[Read more]

Hello GLT,I am currently sub-dividing another property in Ashwood which happens to be under the municipality of Monash City Council. The biggest problem I'm encountering is that the council refuses to allow me to build double storey at rear however I have seen other new developments in Mount Waverley that are double storey at front and back. Your…[Read more]

I don't know about you guys but I feel $20k is way too steep for town planning service, and my understanding is that figure doesn't even include land surveyor and town planning application and advertising fee.I have done 3 sub-divisions in the last 5 years and on all 3 occasions I have used an architect and the last one only costed me around $8k w…[Read more]