Where to Start When Subdividing Your Land

Subdivisions are a big undertaking, with a lot of moving parts and many factors to take into account. If you are interested in developing your land, this four-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know in order to get a subdivision project started.

1. Do your due diligence

Before you get too invested in the idea of a subdivision, it’s important to make sure this is a possibility. There are a lot of rules and regulations around what people are allowed to do to their land, and a lot of factors that can affect your land development viability.

First, there’s the location of your land, as what you’re allowed to do in rural Porirua will differ from urban Wellington. Figure out what zone you live in and call the Council for information on what’s permitted where you live.

Then there’s elements of the site itself including services and vehicle accessibility, natural features and potential hazards. There could be topography issues that limit your use of the land, or significant cultural elements attached to your site. You can speak to your Council about any known issues with your land, or enlist the help of a land surveyor for specialist advice.

2. Write down your goals

Once you’ve determined that you can develop on your land, it’s time to consider why you want to. If the idea of subdividing has been bubbling away at the back of your mind for a while, it’s time to bring it to the foreground and get a really clear idea of what you hope to get out of it.

Is the goal to build an additional house on the property? And will the home be for yourself or a family member, or do you plan to sell it? Are you hoping to have a smaller, more manageable property to maintain, or is a big profit the main objective? Jot down some notes until you have a really clear understanding of why you’re drawn to a subdivision.

3. Consider timelines and budgets

The next step is to start thinking about a timeline you’d like to see work completed – or at least commenced – and the budget you want to stick to. Bringing detailed information about time and cost goals and restraints to the table can help dictate the course of your subdivision process.

4. Work with the right people

Land subdivisions are complicated and involved, so it’s important to have a good team of skilled and knowledgeable professionals on your side. Working with the right people will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

The best place to start is by finding a land surveying company in your area to work with. Your land surveyor will help make sense of the subdivision process and design, and guide you through complicated aspects like obtaining a resource consent.

Your land surveyor, with vast knowledge of the world of subdivisions, is the best person to help you find the reliable professionals – from engineers and architects to planners to lawyers – who will play an integral role in your land development.

Ready to start a subdivision?

If you are ready to get the ball rolling, or want help understanding what’s allowed on your land in Wellington or Porirua, Levin or the Kapiti Coast, talk to the subdivision specialists at Tararua Land Surveyors today.