How to Analyse Land for a Dual Occupancy Building

We have provided and continue to provide numerous dual occupancy solutions to our clients, and have come across all sorts of different situations.  We’re regularly contacted with clients who’ve found a “cheap” block of land and want to put a dual occupancy on it.  In many instances they will explain that the block of land is “pretty much flat” and the agent agrees with them.  So few investors are aware of the additional costs associated with difficult-to-build-on blocks of land, and are often in for a rude shock when they see the final build costs.

To assist our clients in minimising any possible risks associated with the purchase of the block of land, we always ensure that we undertake detailed and thorough checks on their behalf.  This is on top of the checks undertaken by the solicitors during the conveyancing process.

Some of the analysis that we undertake is as follows:

Council and Local Authority building restrictions:  We assess the council guidelines and regulations to ensure that the type of property that our client wishes to build will be able to be approved.  We also work in conjunction with town-planners to ensure that the best possible advice is provided.

Individual constraints to construction:  Each individual block of land can have constraints which may affect the build required.  Examples of these overlays include: Acid Sulfate Soils, Biodiversity, Bushfire Hazard, Flood Hazard, Extractive Resources, Heritage, Landslide, as well as the individual Council Area overlays.

Individual block building guidelines: Each block of land will have setbacks and or building envelopes associated with it, as well as dwelling sizes restrictions which need to be assessed.  Land in some areas and developments also require construction to be in line with a set of covenant guidelines.

Council Dual Dwelling guidelines:  Each local Council and authority will have their own set of rules and regulations regarding the construction of dual occupancy/auxiliary and Duplex dwellings.  Each type of building will also have individual guidelines which need to be followed regarding setbacks, number of bedrooms, floor areas etc.

As the above information shows, there are a number of important steps which need to be undertaken by an expert prior to building on a block of land.  We consult a number of experts within this process including town-planners, engineers, architects and drafts-people, builders and local councils to ensure our clients receive the best possible advice.