How To Subdivide A Property

subdivide a property

Subdividing property is taking a property with one title and legally splitting it into two or more titles. There are several reasons to do this.

  • You want to split an investment property for lease or sale
  • You own your own property and want to convey titles to different family members as part of an inheritance
  • You are interested in property development but prefer to use the property you already own rather buying a new investment

The subdivision process is tied to local council laws. The council’s District Plan will detail what is allowed to take place regarding property development. Additionally, there may be special requirements from the Regional council, New Zealand Transport Authority, Historic Places Trust and local LWI among others.

Feasibility Reports

The first step in figuring out if you can subdivide property is to obtain a feasibility report from a surveyor. They will be able to tell you whether your investment property can be subdivided and if you need to do any added work (such as drainage and re-piping) in order to meet council requirements.

Cost

Subdivision is an investment, so you should consider what your potential return is before continuing with the development process. The fees associated with subdivision include resource consent planning by a surveyor, solicitor fees, engineering and building construction, legal survey and Council Compliance fees, and land information fees.

Size of Your Property

Subdivision generally requires a minimum lot size if there is already a building on it, or restrictions on the shape of your property if it is an empty lot. Narrow access points such as driveways are taken into account too. Each city in New Zealand has their property development requirements on their city plan website.

If your property does not meet some of the requirements for subdivision, it does not necessarily mean you cannot still subdivide. There are simply more hoops you have to jump through.

Subdividing your investment property is a great way to get started with a development. iLender can help you get a loan with great rates and low deposits so you can start building your portfolio.

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