Login
WA home owners could get easier path to backyard subdivisions
Newly proposed planning reforms would make it easier for Western Australian home owners to subdivide their properties and create an additional lot while keeping their existing house.
Western Australians could gain greater flexibility to subdivide their properties by allowing exceptions to minimum size requirements under the Cook government’s proposed reform.
The planned Retain and Gain reforms would enable home owners in areas with low-density residential zoning to subdivide and create an additional lot, smaller than the minimum size required.
Currently, minimum lot-size rules can prevent home owners from subdividing their backyard, even when they have enough land to accommodate another home.
Under the proposal, owners could split their property into up to two lots, provided one meets the minimum size requirement of the property’s particular density code, and the other is at least 300 square metres.
The government said the changes aimed to increase housing supply in established suburbs without requiring demolition of existing homes, while encouraging downsizing in place and improving sustainability outcomes.
The Retain and Gain changes will be considered as part of the state’s broader review of the Residential Design Code.
The reform package will also explore the potential to offer further development flexibility where urban greening is retained, such as an existing tree.
The proposed changes would complement recently-announced changes to remove the minimum average size requirement for all lots created through a subdivision.
The reform, announced last month, would give developers more flexibility to create differently sized lots, rather than having to ensure they average a particular size.
Planning and Lands Minister, John Carey, said the Retain and Gain said the planned reform was about making it easier for people to create additional homes on their properties without having to knock down their family home.
"By making it easier for people to retain their home and create an additional lot at the rear, we can support gentle infill and increase housing choice for downsizers and first home buyers in the suburbs people already know and love,” he said.
"Many properties have the capacity to accommodate another home, but existing planning rules can prevent sensible subdivision outcomes even when the original house is being retained.”
Free investor loan check
Better property decisions start with smarter lending.
A free 15-minute finance check for property investors.
What are your lending goals?
Choose a goal to request a callback.
Ready to talk?
Book a 15-minute call →Finni Pty Ltd · Australian Credit Licence 384324 · Privacy
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Smart Property Investment a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Smart Property Investment as a preferred news source.