Sub-dividing, a Goldmine?

With the housing crisis, it’s more sustainable to keep what you need,
and create value with the rest.

What is subdividing?

Subdividing property, basically means you take a piece of land (ie your garden, a vacant lot etc) and turn it into two or more tracts of land. Even just showing that your land can be subdivided and has Development potential can be a way of adding value before selling or remortgaging.

Don’t just take our word for it, in a 2018 Stuff article Max Fragar said: “Our experience is that on average, a completed dual occupancy approval increases the value of a property by up to 40 percent.”

So fair to say, subdivisions are a great equity booster and a step for many regular Kiwis towards financial freedom! If you have an unusual or large backyard, why not utilise the space and subdivide.

Why isn’t everybody doing it?

Not every property can be subdivided. The first thing to check is the zone of your property under the Unitary Plan. The main thing to know is the zoning of your property impacts what can be built, how high it can go, and what it can be used for. So it is worth checking first by professionals, so there are no nasty surprises down the line. Potential can be a way of adding value before selling or remortgaging.

Zoning

Auckland Council explains zoning this way: “under the Auckland Unitary Plan, zones manage how different areas are used, developed or protected. All land in Auckland, including land in coastal marine areas, has a zone. In general, the way that land is zoned reflects how it is used and what sort of activities happen there. Zoning can also identify how the land can be utilised and also how it is expected to change the future”.

It always pays to consult an expert when looking to subdivide and develop, as they often have a more subtle understanding of your property’s potential. Taken step-by-step with a professional at your side, exploring your options doesn’t have to be scary. Know your zones, consult an expert, have a plan and follow through to start building some of that equity you’ve heard so much about.

I Am Developer

Here at I Am Developer, we love the Auckland Unitary Plan. In fact, we’re not ashamed to admit we’re pretty massive nerds for it. To pass on our expert knowledge, we offer free seminars on understanding its ins and outs and how to effectively assess properties for their development potential.