Can you subdivide your backyard, keep your existing home and potentially sell the rear lot? It is one of the most common questions we hear at Universal Planning. A homeowner may have a sizeable backyard, or a purchaser may be considering a suburban block of around 700 or 800 square metres and wondering whether it could become two separate lots.
The opportunity can be attractive, but the answer is not as simple as dividing the land area by two. Before purchasing a property or spending money on subdivision drawings, it makes sense to obtain a practical town planning opinion about what might be possible.
What Is a Pre-Purchase Planning Assessment?
A pre-purchase planning assessment, sometimes called a site potential appraisal or planning feasibility assessment, considers the property and the development idea you have in mind. We examine the zoning, overlays, relevant planning policies and other matters that may influence whether a subdivision or second dwelling can be supported.
The purpose is to give you a practical opinion about opportunities, constraints and the further advice or design work that may be needed before you commit to buying a property for its potential.
Can I Keep the Front House and Sell the Rear Lot?
That is often the first question. A purchaser sees an ordinary suburban property with a sizeable backyard and asks whether it could become Lot 1 with the existing dwelling and Lot 2 at the rear. Some owners intend to sell the vacant rear lot; others want to build a second dwelling before selling.
A block of 700 or 800 square metres does not automatically qualify for a two-lot subdivision. The shape and width of the land, driveway access, the position of the front house, easements, vegetation, private open space and relevant planning controls can all affect feasibility. A site-specific assessment is needed.
Why Can Planning Overlays Make Subdivision More Complicated?
A Neighbourhood Character Overlay may influence the size, layout and design of proposed lots to protect the character of an area. Flood-related overlays can raise questions about safe access, the location of future buildings and whether the land can be developed as intended. A Heritage Overlay may call for closer heritage assessment, particularly where a proposal affects the significance or setting of a protected place.
Where a Vegetation Protection Overlay or another vegetation control applies, an assessment may be needed of existing trees and other vegetation, including what could be removed or affected by a driveway, services or future building works. These are examples of why an apparently simple backyard subdivision can require more detailed planning and specialist advice.
Could Your Backyard Have Real Value?
For many homeowners, the land behind the house may represent an opportunity to release value without selling the entire property. But it is important to establish whether a separate lot is feasible and what conditions or further works may be involved.
A subdivision can require surveying, servicing, drainage, access works, planning approvals and other expenditure. The potential sale price of a rear lot needs to be considered alongside those costs. Universal Planning provides the town planning assessment; surveying, engineering and financial or valuation advice may also be needed before making a final investment decision.
What Other Development Potential Can Be Assessed?
A planning feasibility assessment is not limited to selling a backyard. Some owners want to build a second dwelling, consider a dual occupancy, replace an existing house or explore a small townhouse proposal. We also advise on larger and more complex developments when required.
We review the planning requirements and identify important issues such as environmental overlays, vegetation, bushfire risk, access and infrastructure constraints. Where surveying, engineering, design or other technical input is likely to be needed, we explain the next steps.
Why Obtain Advice Before You Buy?
A property advertisement may describe a block as having “subdivision potential”, but that description is not a planning approval. If you are buying primarily because you hope to retain the front dwelling and sell a backyard lot, checking the planning position before you commit is particularly important.
A preliminary opinion cannot guarantee a planning permit or a financial return. It can identify significant constraints and help you decide whether to commission detailed plans or further investigations.
How Can Universal Planning Help?
Stephen O’Brien has 40 years of town planning experience, internationally and in Victoria. He personally considers the planning issues and aims to give clients a clear, practical opinion about their options. Universal Planning assists with pre-purchase planning assessments, backyard and two-lot subdivision feasibility, and broader development potential advice throughout Victoria.
Thinking of keeping the front house and selling the backyard, or buying a block with that intention? Tell us the address and what you have in mind. Call Stephen on 0448 147 238 or contact Universal Planning through our website for a preliminary planning opinion before you commit.
