Things to look out for if subdividing land?

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We often receive enquiries from people looking to subdivide land. The majority of these enquiries are for sites which are unable to be subdivided due to any of a number of common issues. These issues are outlined as follows and will assist you in avoiding making costly mistakes:   The site is outside of the… Continue reading Things to look out for if subdividing land?

What having services on your site means for property owners

Sometimes properties can have services on the site that are not under the control of the owner. Examples of this include power, gas, water, stormwater and sewerage infrastructure. If you purchase a property that has any of these, you may have an actual easement or restriction that applies to the site. An easement is on… Continue reading What having services on your site means for property owners

What is a combined drain?

During the 1930s, reticulated sewerage systems were installed on a budget with combined drains servicing up to three homes commonly installed. That means allotments in many of Brisbane’s pre-war inner city suburbs may have this type of drain, being a shared connection to the sewer. This means each allotment doesn’t have its own sewer connection… Continue reading What is a combined drain?

Should you go with the (overland) flow?

Overland flow happens when there is a lot of rain and water runs across the land. These are natural paths that water likes to flow along and into stormwater drains or local creeks after running off neighbouring properties and driveways or rising from the ground. Generally, development should not block this flow of water as… Continue reading Should you go with the (overland) flow?

Why you can’t get a straight answer on site yield

One of the most common queries we receive is how many apartments, units or townhouses can be built on a particular site. Developers call this yield and it’s important because it helps calculate a project’s potential profit. Calculating yield is not as easy as A + B = C. There are a number of factors… Continue reading Why you can’t get a straight answer on site yield

The pros & cons of Prelodgement

Before you lodge a Development Application with council you can request a prelodgement meeting, at your cost, to go through your plans or development concept. Some councils still offer a free service whilst for others this can come at some expense. So is it worth your time and money? Most councils offer this service to… Continue reading The pros & cons of Prelodgement

50 shades of grey: Why your town planner can’t guarantee an outcome

In development certainty is a beautiful thing but unlikely given that its inherently a endeavour of calculated risk. Town planners can be particularly vague and in most cases this should not be confused with inexperience. Their depth of experience in many cases is why they approach advice and constraints the way they do. By the… Continue reading 50 shades of grey: Why your town planner can’t guarantee an outcome

What is the difference between a “splitter” and a “subdivision”?

There is a common term used in real estate and development being “splitter” blocks. This article explores the differences between the two and implications in Queensland. Depending on who you talk to this could mean two entirely different things. Some people mean a site that is already 2 lots but on 1 title, whilst others… Continue reading What is the difference between a “splitter” and a “subdivision”?

Coastal hazard overlay and Brisbane development

Brisbane has experienced many floods since European settlement, with events in 1841, 1890, 1893, 1931, 1974, and most recently 2011. Floods are the most expensive natural disaster type in our country and it is reported the 2011 Brisbane event cost the country’s economy about $30 billion. You can check your property’s flood risk with Brisbane… Continue reading Coastal hazard overlay and Brisbane development

Know what STCA means for your Property’s Potential

You may have come across these four little words in your search for the perfect property: Subject to Council Approval (STCA). Usually these words come directly after claims about future development opportunities on real estate marketing signage or flyers. The reason you see it in real estate marketing is because the potential to develop a… Continue reading Know what STCA means for your Property’s Potential