Perth Subdivision Process Explained

Subdividing property in Perth can be a lucrative way to unlock the value of your land, whether you're looking to build a second dwelling, create separate titles for family members, or sell off a portion of your property. However, the subdivision process involves multiple government agencies and strict requirements. This guide walks you through every step of subdividing property in Perth and Western Australia.

Is Your Property Suitable for Subdivision?

Before starting the subdivision process, you need to determine if your property meets the basic requirements. Key factors include:

• Zoning – Your property must be zoned for the type of subdivision you're proposing. Most residential subdivisions require R20, R30, R40 or higher density coding.
• Minimum lot sizes – Each new lot must meet the minimum lot size requirements for your zoning. For example, R20 zoning typically requires minimum 450m² lots.
• Street frontage – New lots generally need adequate street frontage or access via a battleaxe leg or shared driveway.
• Services – Water, sewer, power, and telecommunications must be available to service the new lots.

Your local council's Town Planning Scheme and the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) guidelines determine these requirements. A detail survey of your property is often the first step to assess subdivision potential.

Step 1: Preliminary Assessment

The subdivision journey begins with a thorough assessment of your property's potential. This involves:

• Obtaining a copy of your Certificate of Title from Landgate
• Reviewing your local Town Planning Scheme for zoning and development requirements
• Checking for any easements, restrictive covenants, or encumbrances on the title
• Commissioning a boundary survey to confirm your property's exact boundaries
• Engaging a town planner or surveyor to provide initial advice on subdivision feasibility

Step 2: WAPC Application Lodgement

Once you've confirmed subdivision is feasible, the formal process begins with an application to the Western Australian Planning Commission. The WAPC is the statutory authority responsible for approving all subdivisions in Western Australia.

Your application must include:

• Completed WAPC application form
• Application fee (see our guide on WAPC subdivision fees)
• Subdivision plan showing proposed lot layout
• Certificate of Title
• Site plans and any required supporting documentation

Applications are lodged through the WAPC's online portal. A licensed surveyor typically prepares the subdivision plan showing the proposed lot boundaries, access arrangements, and any easements required.

Step 3: Referral to Agencies

After lodgement, the WAPC refers your application to various government agencies and service providers for comment. These typically include:

• Local Council – Assesses compliance with local planning requirements
• Water Corporation – Reviews water and sewerage servicing requirements
• Western Power – Assesses electrical supply requirements
• Main Roads WA – If the property adjoins a major road
• Department of Fire and Emergency Services – For bushfire-prone areas

This referral process typically takes 6-8 weeks. Each agency may impose conditions that must be met before final approval.

Step 4: WAPC Decision

The WAPC considers all agency responses and makes a decision on your application. There are three possible outcomes:

• Approval – Your subdivision is approved, usually with conditions
• Refusal – The application is refused (you can appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal)
• Deferral – The WAPC requires additional information before making a decision

Most residential subdivisions in established Perth suburbs are approved with conditions. Common conditions include requirements for drainage, crossover construction, fencing, and service connections.

Step 5: Clearing Conditions

With WAPC conditional approval in hand, you must now satisfy the conditions before final approval. This typically involves:

• Arranging service connections (water, sewer, power)
• Constructing required infrastructure (crossovers, drainage)
• Paying headworks contributions to service authorities
• Installing fencing between lots
• Commissioning the final subdivision survey

A licensed surveyor must conduct the final survey and prepare the deposited plan that will create the new lot boundaries. This is a critical step as the plan must comply exactly with the WAPC approval.

Step 6: Landgate Lodgement and New Titles

Once all conditions are cleared and the WAPC grants final approval, your surveyor lodges the deposited plan with Landgate. Landgate is Western Australia's land registry authority.

The lodgement process involves:

• Submitting the deposited plan electronically
• Paying Landgate lodgement fees
• Landgate examination of the plan for compliance
• Registration of the new lots and issue of new Certificates of Title

Once registered, each new lot has its own Certificate of Title and can be sold, mortgaged, or developed independently.

Subdivision Timeline

A typical Perth residential subdivision takes approximately:

Overall, expect the process to take 6-12 months from initial assessment to receiving new titles. Complex subdivisions or those requiring rezoning can take considerably longer.

Common Subdivision Challenges

Property owners often encounter these challenges during the subdivision process:

• Sewer capacity – Older suburbs may require sewer extensions or upgrades
• Drainage requirements – Stormwater management can be complex, especially on sloping sites
• Heritage considerations – Properties in heritage areas face additional scrutiny
• Existing structures – Buildings that encroach on proposed boundaries must be removed or the plan amended
• Neighbour disputes – Boundary fence and access issues can cause delays

Getting Professional Help

While some property owners attempt to manage their own subdivisions, most engage professionals to streamline the process. A licensed surveyor can handle the survey work and Landgate lodgement, while a town planner can manage the WAPC application and agency negotiations.

At City Land Surveyors Perth, we provide comprehensive subdivision survey services from initial assessment through to new title creation. Our team handles all the technical survey work, plan preparation, and Landgate lodgement, ensuring your subdivision proceeds smoothly.

Related Articles

• How Much Does a Land Survey Cost in Perth?
• WAPC Subdivision Fees and Charges
• Strata Titles in WA Explained
• When Do You Need a Licensed Surveyor in WA?