Subdividing Your Block

Subdividing involves creating two or more blocks of land from a single ‘master block’. You can even merge multiple lots with the ultimate aim of subdividing the new ‘mega block’. Subdivision enables you to sell each block individually.
Intrinsically linked to the subdivision process are the residential design codes (R-codes).

What are R-Codes?

R-codes control the design of residential development throughout Western Australia and are used to assess residential subdivision proposals. They are very comprehensive and differ between local governments. The R-Code that applies to your lot will dictate factors such as:

  • The number of dwellings that can be built on the lot
  • Setbacks
  • Averaging and heights
  • Overlooking neighbour’s amenity
  • Streetscape
  • Car-parking
  • Passive solar design

See below for a table that will give you some guidance on R-codes for your lot size.

Townhouse development

8 easy steps to subdividing your block in Perth & The South West

  1. Obligation-free project appraisal to give you an initial indication of how feasible your subdivision project is, followed by a full feasibility study with a look at design options and a breakdown of costs.
  2. Land surveyed
  3.  Chosen design drawn up.
  4. Application made to the WAPC (WA Planning Commission)
  5.  Conditional approval received. In the metro area, new blocks must have sewer, water and power connections.
  6. Developer meets all the conditions.
  7. Apply for clearances, including WAPC, local planning authority, Western Power and Water Corporation.
  8. Titles issued through Landgate.

What you should know about subdivisions

From a subdividing perspective, understanding Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) is essential to unlocking the full potential of your Perth block. By partnering with Developments by Dale, you’ll be able to tap into our vast knowledge and experience as award-winning builders to successfully navigate your subdivision project. If you know the overall size and zoning of your lot, you can calculate the subdivision possibilities. From here, you can design a smart development (house behind house, duplex, triplex or multi-unit development) that is perfectly placed to gain council approval.

As an experienced subdivision builder and R-code specialists, we can consult with local councils and planning consultants on your behalf to work out what’s possible on your site and whether it will be impacted by future zoning changes. From there, we can determine the best development to maximise your profit potential.

Como South Terrace Living Room

R-Codes Guidelines

R-code zoning calculations are based on Table 1, contained in State Planning Policy 7.3 Residential Design Codes Volume 1*, a weighty planning document that controls the design of most residential development throughout Perth and Western Australia.

While the numbers and columns can seem tricky to the untrained eye, Table 1 is important because it lists all the R-Code zones and the minimum areas required per dwelling. It also outlines minimum requirements for outdoor living, street frontage and setbacks.

*Formerly State Planning Policy 3.1 Residential Design Codes

You can call the local council to find out the zoning for a particular block of land. Our experts are also happy to do the research for you and can carry out a free feasibility assessment to give you extra information to base your decisions on.

A word of warning! Some blocks can have a split zoning and each council has different rules that apply if this is the case. It’s always a good idea to speak to the experts before making any decisions.

Handy to Know – Subdivision FAQs

This depends entirely on your block. As one of Perth’s most experienced subdivision builders, we offer an obligation free appraisal to give you an initial indication of feasibility with a breakdown of the costs, as well as possible design options.

To get more bang for your buck. Subdivision gives you an opportunity to create & build on multiple lots which you can then sell individually.

Timeframes vary as every subdivision development is different, but as a rule of thumb allow at least six months from the beginning of the process to obtaining Titles. Any hiccups along the way, or discovering something has not been accounted for, will add to the timeframe.

Going through the subdivision process while you build is regarded as the quickest and easiest development solution if you’re planning to split a block of land so you can build on all or part of it. Not only is it quicker to do both at the same time, but also it has the potential to be more straightforward, especially if you’ve engaged a ‘one-stop-shop’ subdivision builder, such as Developments by Dale, to handle everything for you.

Yes, there is the option to complete your subdivision first, and then you can start building. But this is usually a slower process than undertaking the subdivision and the build at the same time. And as we all know, your aim as a developer is to have your development making money for you as soon as possible – by either selling the new homes or renting them out.

We are one of the few subdivision builders in Perth who will happily manage the subdivision process for you while you build. Speak to our Senior Development Consultants today to find out what is possible on your block.

Subdivision advice and guides

Like to profit more and stress less?

Whether you’re a first-time property developer or a seasoned professional, it pays to partner with the experts. Our experienced Development Consultants can assist.

For more information, call 7 days on 9242 9500.