What Types Of Subdivision Are There In Perth WA?

1. Green Title Subdivision (Freehold):

This is the most common type of subdivision for stand-alone homes. It involves creating new, independent land titles with no common areas or shared services (like driveways, sewerage, power, or water lines) with other properties. Each new lot has its own street frontage and independent service connections. Green title lots generally have a higher value and are typically the most expensive and slowest type of subdivision. Corner blocks are often suitable for green title subdivision due to existing street frontage.

2. Survey Strata Subdivision:

This type is frequently used in smaller developments, especially when retaining an existing dwelling or for “battle-axe” shaped blocks (where a rear lot is created with an access leg/driveway running alongside an existing property). In survey strata, properties may share services such as sewer, power, and water, or have a common driveway. Owners in a survey strata scheme might contribute towards insurance and maintenance of common property. Survey strata can be a cheaper and easier way to subdivide than green title, as it may not require meeting the same stringent requirements for individual service connections. Learn more about survey strata subdivision.

3. Built Strata Subdivision:

This is generally considered the easiest way to subdivide, but it requires the buildings to be completed before the boundary lines are drawn. This means the developer needs to fund the construction upfront. Learn more about built strata subdivision.

Common Subdivision Designs within these Types:

Beyond the formal legal types, you’ll often hear about common design configurations for subdivisions:

• Battle-Axe Blocks (Rear Lot Subdivision): A very common method, especially for survey strata, where a new lot is created at the rear of an existing property, with access via a driveway “handle” down the side.
• Side-by-Side Subdivision: Often seen with green title, where a block is divided into two or more lots that sit next to each other, each with its own street frontage.
• Corner Lot Subdivision: Utilising corner blocks, which have two street frontages, to create multiple new lots (often green title).
• Duplex/Triplex Development: While these can refer to the type of dwelling, they often involve subdivision of a single property into two or three separate residences, which can then be survey strata or grouped dwellings.
• Narrow Lot Townhouses/Grouped Housing/Multi-Units/Apartments: These are higher-density developments that often involve survey strata or built strata to create multiple dwellings on a single larger block, maximising space.

Key Factors Influencing Subdivision in Perth:

• Residential Design Codes (R-Codes): These codes dictate minimum block sizes, dwelling density, building height, setbacks, and open space requirements based on the R-Code zoning of the land (e.g., R20, R30, R40). Higher R-Codes generally allow for smaller lot sizes and higher density.
• Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC): The WAPC is the primary authority responsible for processing and approving all subdivision applications in WA.
• Local Councils: While the WAPC approves the subdivision itself, local councils are involved in the process and administer planning approvals for dwelling construction.
• Servicing: Access to and connection of essential services like water, sewerage, power, and NBN are crucial and often a significant part of the subdivision process.

Understanding these types and the associated regulations is essential for anyone considering land subdivision in Perth. It’s highly recommended to consult with a licensed land surveyor, town planner, or subdivision consultant to assess the feasibility and best strategy for your specific property.  Learn more about how to subdivide your land.