PropertyGuts wrote:
Hi Ashley – thanks for sharing the flow chart, excellent.    I am looking at subdivision/splitting a 1400sqm block into 2 blocks in NSW.  Just wondering – can you provide ballpark figures on length of time to complete the process you mention (minimum, average, maximum days) and ball park figures for surveyors costs. …[Read more]

Qlds007 wrote:
Ashley Yes you bettter.

I hear the forum is like the US PGA and that only the first 125 make the cut. lol.

Cheers

Yours in Finance

After a busy week, up to 98!

Watch out pi.com, will be looking at top 10 any day now

Hi there,

DA refers to Development Approval. This is really just another way to describe the planning permit.

With the Zoning Reform in Victoria, I haven't heard of an exact date for this going through, (maybe anyone else here can shed some light on it?). Heaps of info can be found…[Read more]

Cheers Breece.

All good, I've only heard so much about the changes (and probably a few too many rumours too!)

Thanks for the correction, now I've learnt something new today!

#132? Better get posting!

Many professionals (especially in property development) have a good network of other professionals who they prefer to work with. I only refer clients to a small group of people in various industries as the last thing anyone wants is cost blowouts, poor quality of work or being stuffed around. 

If you're looking to employ each person separately…[Read more]

Hi Sinders,

Your best bet here would be to call up council and see what their thoughts are on granny flats. They will ask for a site survey (if you're happy to go ahead with the project) and also some designs for the granny flat before giving approval. 

This will ensure that they are satisfied that the development won't be a hindrance on the…[Read more]

To build on Christian's comment above, some good resources can be found at:

http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/
http://services.land.vic.gov.au/landchannel/jsp/map/PlanningMapsIntro.jsp

If you go to Land Victoria you can do an address search. Then, click "Get Report" and this will build a pdf report on the property.

Opening up the report…[Read more]

Hi Jsof and welcome to the forum. 

(first name's Ashley by the way).

As a land surveyor with much experience around residential subdivision in Melbourne I've learnt not to rely on draftspeople for planning applications. Even with much experience in design, there often isn't that additional awareness as to fit in with planning regulations (even…[Read more]

Hi Opee,

In all developments a surveyor is needed. Surveyors undertake all the field work where the site is measured up to provide a plan which is then used for design and planning purposes. Surveyors also do all the subdivision work and submission to the titles office.

Ash you're looking to at least have some units designed you'll also need a…[Read more]

Hi Opee,

Yes, we specialise in residential subdivision across Melbourne. The majority of subdivisions we do is in the Eastern Suburbs (although we get a bit out in the sticks!).

You'll find that the process is significantly less strenuous on yourself with the use of a private planner who can work in conjunction with the surveyor.

Cheers,

Mystery wrote:
I'm fairly sure this company contacted me a while ago and offered their services. It was going to cost something like $24,000 to handle the sub-division process including plans, council stuff etc, but didn't include council fee's and some other costs which I can't remember. I think from memory by the time everything was factored…[Read more]

Hi Opee,

I would highly recommend contacting Breece or Christian at Pillar + Post 
http://pillarandpost.com.au/homepage

Both great blokes and I always have fantastic feedback from clients I recommend.

Cheers,

Great post there by JacM – couldn't have said it better! I can assure you that if it was a fantastic buy then one of the many developers in Melbourne would've snapped it up by now.

If you're wanting to make sure of the numbers, speak to more than 1 draftsperson / planner / designer and then add much room for additional costs and go from…[Read more]

hursyhurs wrote:
hay there thanks for tips ,has any one got any builders or draftsman they would like to recommend that dont charge a arm and leg,cheerz

What area were you looking at doing the development in?

Cheers,

A search on the subdivision you’re on will give the month and year the lot was created. Assuming building happens within a year or two after this then it might get you close!

Cheers,

I actually saw a doco on this recently on Nat Geo. You can get a bunch of them (let’s say 2 wide x 2 high) and cut out the middles, seal the gaps and you’re left with an open-plan house. Some really clever designs were shown which make good use of the space.

I’m not sure what council would think of this, but I’d think it would come under the same…[Read more]

Hi there,

I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t do the development yourself. The key is in having a good team of professionals around you.

In terms of feasibility you’re probably best in speaking with a planner to look at various options, possibilities and ultimately what will get you the best value for money. With residential subdivisions,…[Read more]

Hi Senajav,

To get an idea of costs you’re best speaking with a town planner. Calling council will give you a very rough idea, however private planners will give a much more thorough assessment of the project outlook.

In regards to your investing question, much knowledge is acquired over time and talking with other people on forums like this. If…[Read more]

KeyStrategies wrote:
Ashley I have to say you know your stuff and based on this and various other posts I have seen you are extremely generous with your information – Thanks for your contribution to the forum – shame your in Melbourne or I would be using your services.Cheers

Thanks for the kind words Michael. Always happy to help out if you…[Read more]