Subdivision is a great way to increase the value of your property by creating several parcels of land out of your existing, single property. Sounds easy, right? In fact, it is quite a complicated process which not every property is actually eligible for. The last thing you want to do is make a lot of plans before you start contacting conveyancing services only to find out that they can't help you. Here is a bit of research you should do to figure out whether or not your property is eligible for subdivision.

Land Zoning

Individual states across Australia have their own categories for residential areas, and within the broader 'residential' umbrella of land zoning, there are smaller subsections that govern whether or not your land can be subdivided. Some councils prefer to have an area that is not densely populated. Others are quite happy for new developments to come in. It really is a total flip of the coin as to what your local zoning is, and to find out, you can simply contact the council's office or visit their website. They will have information on what your local area is zoned for and whether or not this means you are ineligible for subdivision. 

Minimum Property Size

Unfortunately, as useful as it would be, you cannot cut your land into tiny slices. There is a minimum size that both your existing property and any subdivided properties must meet; otherwise, your application will be denied straight away. That means most houses in a suburban setting will be ineligible, and it is really only when you start getting into the acreages in the more rural suburbs that a subdivision becomes possible at all. Again, this is all dictated by state and local laws, and there is no universal law across Australia. This is an excellent question to ask a conveyancing firm, but usually, if you have to ask if your property is too small, it probably is. 

Existing Restrictions

If you are not the original or first owner of your property, then there is always a chance that there will be some restrictions that were imposed on it before you owned it. Some restrictions specifically stipulate whether a property can have its status changed in the future while others might pertain to the number of residents that are allowed to occupy it. This can be done by checking the deed of your property or requesting any easements or legal documentation filed on the status of your property.

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