A GUIDE TO SubdividING Land on the Sunshine Coast
SubdivisionS ARE A fantastic way to maximize the potential of your land, but it's also a complex process that involves many steps, permissions, and considerations.
This is why our team works closely with you to navigate the entire subdivision process here on the Sunshine Coast, from application all the way through to completion. Let’s walk through the steps to help you understand how to your subdivision underway!
Step 1: Preparing and Lodging Your Subdivision Application
The first step in subdividing your property involves submitting an application to your local council. We collaborate closely with your town planners to ensure all necessary documents and plans are correctly prepared. Our experienced surveyors play a crucial role in this process, providing the detailed site information required for the council's assessment.
Once everything is in order, we lodge the application on your behalf to obtain the necessary permissions for subdivision. This stage is all about careful planning and thorough preparation—two things we're well-equipped to handle!
Step 2: Council Assessment and Decision Notice
Once your application is submitted, the local council reviews it and issues a Decision Notice. This notice outlines the conditions you must meet to finalise your subdivision. A town planner can work with you to ensure all the correct conditions set by the council are satisfied.
After meeting these conditions, the council will approve and sign our Surveyor’s Subdivision Plan. With the council’s sign-off, step two is complete, and your subdivision is one step closer to realisation.
Step 3: Finalizing the Subdivision with the State Titles Registry Office
When the council has approved the Subdivision Plan, it’s ready for processing by the State Titles Registry Office. However, not all titles can be subdivided which is where we prepare a thorough investigation to determine whether your title is eligible for subdivision and if the council is likely to approve it.
It’s important to be aware that councils charge an application fee that varies depending on the type of application and development size. Fees are for council applications alone and do not include additional costs for sub-consultant reports or other professional services required for your project.
Understanding the Costs Involved in Subdivision
Subdivision or a Material Change of Use (MCU) involves several costs, which are generally divided into two main components:
Infrastructure Charges: These charges are contributions made to the council and other statutory authorities for infrastructure such as roads, parks, sewer systems, water supply, and stormwater management. These charges can vary significantly depending on the local Sunshine Coast or regional authority and the specific requirements of your development. It’s not uncommon for these fees to amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
Construction Costs: This includes the physical construction of all infrastructure related to your project, such as roads, driveways, sewer and stormwater connections, and utilities like electricity and telecommunications. We can alway put you in contact with the right type of planners, surveyors, designers, and engineers—to provide you with the most accurate designs and information for your subdivision.
Why You Need a Surveyor
A survey is a fundamental component of any subdivision project. Surveying is not a one-size-fits-all service; it encompasses a variety of types, including Mapping Surveys, Boundary Surveys, Setout Surveys for construction, Flood Surveys, Certification Surveys, Lease Surveys for commercial or industrial premises, Identification Surveys, and As-Constructed Surveys. We can provide accurate quotes and costs for each type of survey required which depends on the specific requirements of your project.
What to Expect Next
Before any building design begins, your designer, architect or draftsman will typically require a Base Survey or Detail and Contour Plan. This plan might include surface levels, locations of existing services (like electricity, water, and sewer), existing structures, landscaping features, and other elements that could impact the design. Our team will come to your Sunshne Coast based site and create Contour and Detail Survey, also known as a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) or site measure-up, tailored to your project’s specific needs.
Ready to Subdivide? Let's Talk!
Navigating the subdivision process can seem overwhelming, but with the right team by your side, it doesn't have to be. This is why Darcey and his team offer the expertise, support, and guidance you need to make your subdivision project a success from start to finish.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you unlock the full potential of your land on the Sunshine Coast!