1. Decide the type of subdivision first
In WA there are three main ways to split a residential block, and changing type later is expensive.
- Green title: fully independent freehold lots on a deposited plan. No strata company, no common property and no shared services; each lot needs its own power, water and sewer connection.
- Survey strata: lots defined by their boundaries, under the Strata Titles Act 1985. Buildings aren't shown on the plan, lots can be vacant, and a shared driveway becomes a common property lot.
- Built strata: each lot is a building plus its allocated land, with the rest of the parcel as common property. It can only be completed once every building is finished.
As a first steer: two lots with nothing shared usually suit green title; keeping the existing house or sharing a driveway usually points to survey strata; five or more lots usually means survey strata around a shared driveway. We confirm the type with your quote.
2. Check your density code
Your local government's planning scheme gives your lot a density code under the R-Codes (State Planning Policy 7.3). Typical starting points:
| Code | Minimum lot | Average lot |
|---|---|---|
| R20 | 350 m² | 450 m² |
| R30 | 260 m² | 300 m² |
| R40 | 180 m² | 220 m² |
Starting points, not approvals: your planning scheme and site can change them.
3. If the house is staying, check it fits
A new driveway beside the existing house brings setback rules. Eaves need to be at least 450 mm back from a new driveway boundary, habitable-room doors and windows 1.5 m, and non-habitable rooms 1.0 m. A battle-axe access leg is typically 4.0 m wide (3.6 m where planning allows) and belongs to the rear lot. Walls, eaves or gutters over any new boundary may need cutting back, and if the house can't meet these rules it may need changes.
4. Think about building at the same time
For green title, start building before the WAPC application goes in where you can: once it is lodged, your local government generally won't issue building permits for new homes until the new titles can issue. For survey strata, the survey work runs alongside your build. Talk the order through with your builder and with us before you start.
5. Know what else the site needs
- Services: each new lot needs its own connections, cleared by the service authorities, such as Western Power and the Water Corporation.
- Bushfire: in a bushfire prone area you'll need a BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) assessment.
- Unit entitlements: every survey strata scheme needs a schedule of unit entitlements from a licensed valuer, even with no common property.
How a subdivision runs
- Contour survey and WAPC application (Form 1A)
- WAPC approval with conditions, each cleared by a different authority
- Alignment survey, pegging and pre-calculation
- Final survey and plan
- Landgate lodgement; titles issue once every condition is cleared
Who else you'll need
We do the survey work and survey-side applications. A settlement agent or lawyer applies for the new titles, a registered building surveyor handles building compliance (BA18), and your local government assigns house numbers.
Your checklist
Have these answers ready when you ask for a quote:
- How many lots do you want to create?
- Will the existing buildings stay, go, or be added to?
- Are you building, or creating vacant lots to sell?
- If the house is coming down: side-by-side lots, or front and rear?
- Which local government is the property in, and has a WAPC application been made?
Get a quote
Every subdivision quote comes with a concept plan of your block, and you'll have a written quote within 48 hours. Email quotes@cottage.com.au or call 08 9446 7361. General enquiries: reception@cottage.com.au.