How Much Land Do You Need To Build 3 Townhouses?

Building on land subdivision is a profitable venture in Victoria, and if you’re looking for a guide to explain how much land you need to build a dual occupancy or more, like 3 townhouses, you’re already on the right track.

However, the thing is, no two pieces of land can ever be the same. That’s precisely why no estimate can tell you how much land you need to build 3 townhouses. But to lead you in the right direction with the necessary information, the experts have compiled a guide that could serve as your handbook any time, and you’ve found it!

We’ll walk you through some essential details and give you the right answer for the perfect estimate.

So stick with us, and let’s begin!

10 Landscape Features To Consider Before Townhouse Development

Estimating how much land you need can vary each time due to the differences in landscape. To make a better decision before you subdivide your land for construction, there are several aspects you need to consider regarding your site.

So let’s start with a list of 10 landscape features you must deliberate over as the first stage in your development planning.

1.   Location

It’s no surprise that the location of your site is of immense importance. In Victoria, an urban area is more likely to be densely populated and benefit from multiple occupancies. In contrast, a land farther away from the city’s centre will be less densely populated.

2.   Land size

The larger your land is, the more units it can accommodate. For example, a 600-700 m² site would make a great foundation for two side-by-side 4 beds houses and above 700 m² for 3 numbers of units. Of course, a 3 units development can also be managed within 700 m², but this is where land shape and number of bedrooms per unit plays a significant role.

3.   Shape

For most people dealing in real estate, it’s a basic rule to look for rectangular allotments. The reason is simple. Many areas are wasted on an irregular piece of land, while the right dimensions will easily make it possible to build 2 or 3 houses and save space.

4.   Slope

Slopes can impact the design of a building, especially when it comes to things like maneuverability, ventilation, light, and access to outdoor space. A building on a slope is more likely to be overlooked in the neighborhood or cast in shadow, so it’s important to take that into account when designing the layout.

5.   Orientation

A north-facing orientation is preferable to a southerly one for multiple reasons. When it comes to subdivisions and building structures, orientation can make a great difference in meeting council regulations while using the land to your advantage.

6.   Risk tolerance

When opting for the land, you must keep the probability of your proposal being rejected by the authorities in mind. The chances of a 2-unit development being approved are much higher than that of a 3-unit development. Most of which heavily depends on the type of neighborhood you select.

7.   Size division for units

Usually, the number of bedrooms of your units decides how much land you will need to build 3 townhouses. Based on council regulations, you will need to account for front setback space, a garden space, and a car space for each plot. The area left after this is what you will be building your house on.

In most cases, it’s much easier to build a 2 bed 2-unit development 600 m². If you plan to have larger occupancy number, you need 2 car spaces for each unit containing more than 3 bed rooms.

8.   Building envelope

For a larger building envelope, you should look for sites with fewer adjoining front, sides and rear setbacks (spaces between two parallel houses). A low average setback in the locality will enable you to cover more land and possibly build an additional room, rarely another unit.

You should also look out for regulations about the maximum built height because they could really make a difference. For example, 2 lots with the same setback can have varying height regulations. A zone that allows 11m max height, and a 3-storey built will give you an additional bedroom with amenities as compared to a 9m, 2-storey built.

9.   Locality

You are more likely to make a profitable deal in high-density areas than lower ones where single-storey houses are more common. In the same way, your proposal will be better approved in a populated locality with other dual developments instead of an isolated land site.

10. Type of Allotment

A standard plot with a single frontage is good, but a corner plot with two frontages is even better. It will also save space, and you can potentially establish a 3-unit building with ease if you find the right dimensions. Again, the northward orientation is better than the southward orientation.

5 Tips For Meeting State Regulations For The Subdivision Of Land

As professionals in the industry, we have experienced countless instances where developers made uninformed decisions and faced a major loss in their investment. It’s better to know the Victoria state government’s official subdivision regulations before initiating the construction.

To ensure your project is planned with all stakes in mind, you should leverage a feasibility study from our experts in Victoria. This small investment in your planning will save your from a potentially major loss.

As a general guide to meet regulations and complete your intended multi-occupant development, here are 5 tips you need to incorporate into your planning:

1.   Check all regulations

From double-checking the number of dwellings allowed in your locality to considering all restrictions, make sure the first thing you’re doing before planning a residential development is to find out the zoning and overlays on the site to confirm all the regulations you’re supposed to follow.

This also includes looking out for maximum building height, setbacks and the area you need to leave out for frontage, backyard, car space, and garden space as per the state laws for residential construction. These figures will give you a better idea of how many units you can fit within your allotted boundaries.

2.   Verify titles and covenants

When you purchase a property, it is important to carefully review the title in order to identify any potential obstacles to development. For example, a common restriction is a covenant limiting the property to single-family dwellings.

This type of covenant can make it difficult to obtain zoning approval for multi residential development. Other restrictive covenants may limit the height of buildings or the type of materials that can be used. If you are planning a development project, it is essential to carefully review the title to determine if any restrictions might hinder your plans.

3.   Look out for environmental policies

Most housing developers know that there are a lot of regulations to navigate. One of the most common obstacles is the presence of trees. Most states have some form of tree protection laws in place, which can make it difficult to develop the land if there are trees on the property.

In some cases, developers are required to obtain a permit to remove any trees on the site. And in other cases, it may be necessary to replant new trees after construction is completed. However, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with large trees that are located on neighbouring properties.

These trees can block sunlight, damaged foundations, and interfere with utilities. As a result, it’s important to understand the tree protection laws in your state and to talk to your neighbours about any potential problems before you begin any development project.

4.   Understand how to utilise the land

Before making a decision on whether to buy a property, it is important to establish what can be built on the site. This will help to ensure that you maximise your return on investment. To do this, you need to take into account all planning regulations, including setbacks, building height, parking, driveways, turning circles and private open space.

Once you have done this, you can then decide whether you can build two 4-bedroom units, three 3-bedroom units or keep the existing house and build a townhouse at the back. By taking the time to establish what can be built on a site before making a purchase, you can help to ensure that you make a wise investment decision.

5.   Carry out market research

Before investing in a property, it is crucial to investigate the project’s feasibility. This includes research on the current market conditions, the potential profit margins, and the estimated construction costs.

For example, if you are considering demolishing an existing house to build two new townhouses, you need to first determine whether there is a demand for that type of housing in the area. You also need to estimate the cost of construction and compare it to the potential selling price of the units.

By taking the time to do your homework up front, you can avoid making a costly mistake that could jeopardise your investment.

Why Design Matters The Most

When it comes to subdividing and multi-occupant townhouse development, designs are the key to making the most of your investment and land site. We will briefly explain how design can make a difference if you’re looking to build 2 or 3 units on one property.

Side-by-side design

When it comes to designing boundary-to-boundary townhouses, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.

On the plus side, side-by-side townhouses maximise the individual dwelling and land sizes, as there is no common land such as a driveway. Both properties also have their own street frontage, which allows you to maximise a positive site orientation. Additionally, side-by-side townhouses usually don’t require an owner’s corp., as each property is privately owned.

However, there are some downsides to this design as well. For instance, side-by-side townhouses often require two crossovers (an additional one), which can deter some councils.

Additionally, the townhouses will, in most cases, share a wall, which can impact the solar gain for both dwellings and require fire proofing to this wall. Ultimately, whether or not this design is the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. And, of course, the shape and orientation of your landscape.

Front-to-back design

While there are certainly benefits to designing side-by-side duplexes, front-to-back designs also have their advantages. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that you don’t need a shared wall, as you would in a side-by-side design.

This can be a big plus if you’re looking to achieve double garages for both dwellings – something that some councils prefer for dual occupancy projects. In some cases, you may also be able to use the existing crossover, which can save on costs.

The issue here is that designing front-to-back means you’ll need a shared driveway, which in turn means common property and the need for owners’ corporation. The rear dwelling won’t have a street frontage, which may be a downside for some buyers.

Due to the shared driveway, the overall size of both dwellings will also be reduced. And having someone drive past your window every time they come and go isn’t always ideal, especially if you live in the front dwelling.

Consult the experts

As an experienced Architect knows, building a successful project requires careful planning and coordination. There are countless details to consider, from the initial design to the selection of materials and construction methods.

While it’s important to do your own research, ultimately, you’ll need the help of an experienced professional to bring your vision to life. That’s where we come in. SQM Architects offer free consultations to help you plan your project and make informed decisions about the best way to move forward.

With our years of experience in the industry, we can save you time and money by helping you avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and provide you with the guidance you need to ensure a successful outcome.

If you’re ready to get started on your next project, give us a call today for a free consultation, and plan your townhouses.