By LPD Surveys

01/08/2026 If you’re a property owner in Western Australia, you’ve likely looked at your backyard and wondered if it could be doing more for you. Perth’s property market is evolving, and for many, the answer lies in subdivision. It’s a strategy that can turn a single block into two or more valuable assets, but it’s not as simple as drawing a line down the middle of the garden.
Successful subdivision requires navigating a maze of local council regulations, state planning policies, and practical construction challenges. This is where the experts come in to turn a rough idea into a titled reality.
The First Step: Is It Worth It?
Before you start measuring fences or dreaming of profits, you need to determine if your project is actually viable. This is where a subdivision feasibility assessment becomes critical.
In Perth, feasibility isn't just about having a big backyard. You need to understand your property’s zoning under the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes). For instance, a block zoned R20 has different minimum lot size requirements compared to one zoned R40. A feasibility study looks at these codes, the shape of your block, the slope of the land, and the location of essential services like sewer and water mains.
Skipping this initial check can lead to nasty surprises later, such as discovering your new driveway doesn't meet the minimum width requirements or that a sewer line runs exactly where you planned to build.
Why You Need Specialist Guidance
Once you’ve decided to proceed, you can't go it alone. The process involves precise legal measurements and complex applications to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). This is the domain of Subdivision Surveyors.
These professionals do far more than just peg out boundaries. They act as the bridge between your vision and the regulatory bodies. Their role often includes:

• Feature Surveys: Mapping the existing land, including trees, retaining walls, and levels, to give architects and designers a clear base to work from.
• Application Management: Handling the paperwork and submissions to the WAPC to get your conditional approval.
• Project Coordination: Liaising with civil contractors to ensure earthworks and service connections meet the strict standards required for new titles.

Navigating the Perth Market
Local knowledge is invaluable. The sandy soils of the Swan Coastal Plain present different engineering challenges compared to the rocky terrain of the Perth Hills. When looking for help, you should specifically seek out subdivision surveyors perth locals rely on.
Local surveyors understand the nuances of specific councils, from Stirling to Joondalup or Melville. They know which councils might be flexible on a 5% variation in lot size and which ones will stick rigidly to the rulebook. This insider knowledge can be the difference between a project that gets approved quickly and one that gets stuck in planning limbo.
Key Considerations for a Smooth Project
To keep your project moving, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Check Your Services: In older Perth suburbs, water and power connections often need upgrading to handle an extra household. This is often where costs blow out.
• Understand "Battle-axe" vs. "Green Title": A battle-axe block (one house behind another) is common in Perth but requires a long driveway that eats into your usable land. Green title lots (street front) are generally more valuable but harder to create on narrower blocks.
• Timing is Everything: The WAPC and Landgate have statutory timeframes, but errors in your application can reset the clock. Getting your initial survey data correct is vital for speed.

Final Thoughts
Subdividing land in WA is a significant undertaking, but with the right preparation, it can be a rewarding way to maximise your asset. The secret lies in doing your homework early and building a team that understands the local landscape. By focusing on detailed feasibility and expert surveying, you protect yourself from risks and set your project up for success.