Can I Subdivide my Property?

If you're wondering whether you can subdivide your land in NSW, the answer depends on a few key planning factors.

Subdivision can be a great way to unlock development potential or create a second lot for sale or investment, but not every property is eligible.

As a town planner NSW based, I’ve helped clients assess subdivision potential across a range of residential and semi-rural sites.

From zoning restrictions to minimum lot sizes, NSW planning rules can be complex, and missing a detail can cost you time and money.

Start With Zoning and Minimum Lot Size

The first thing to check is the zoning of your property under the Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

Each zone has a minimum lot size that must be met for subdivision.

This information is publicly available, but interpreting it correctly often requires planning advice from someone familiar with local controls.

We recently worked with a client in an R2 Low Density Residential zone on Sydney’s outskirts.

Their block was just over 1,000 square metres, and the LEP allowed for 500 square metre minimum lot sizes.

That made a two-lot subdivision possible, but we also had to consider setbacks, easements and access requirements before lodging the development application.

Do You Need DA Approval? Almost Always, Yes

Subdivision proposals almost always require DA approval.

This process includes a development application, supporting documentation such as a statement of environmental effects for NSW DA, and detailed plans.

In some cases, if the proposed lots already contain dwellings or are part of a broader staged development, a complying development certificate may be available, but this is rare.

A planning consultant can assess which approval path is suitable.

Our team recently handled a subdivision where one lot contained a dual occupancy.

The client needed planning advice for dual occupancy NSW rules to confirm both dwellings could remain legally post-subdivision.

We worked closely with the surveyor and certifier to ensure the plans met building regulations NSW councils enforce.

What Can Delay or Prevent Subdivision?

Even if zoning and lot size are compliant, some sites face constraints like bushfire risk, heritage listing, or flooding.

In one project, a client’s land fell just short of the required lot width.

We submitted a Clause 4.6 variation request NSW with strong planning justification and achieved council approval.

If the site has heritage significance, we may need a heritage impact statement NSW town planning compliant.

Services such as sewer, stormwater and vehicle access also need to be carefully designed.

A town planner near me specialising in NSW DCP rules will understand what your local council is likely to support and how to structure a council submission to give it the best chance.

Subdivision and the Bigger Picture

Subdivision is rarely just about drawing a line down the middle of a block.

It often relates to long-term development plans, investment strategy or multi-dwelling potential.

We provide town planning services for residential development NSW wide and regularly assist clients with subdivision, dual occupancies, and council submission for secondary dwelling NSW scenarios.

With the right planning permit NSW process and clear planning advice, it’s possible to understand how to get a DA approved in NSW and make informed decisions about your land.