Can I build at the rear of my property?
To determine the development potential of a property, one must ascertain from the local government, the lot size and zoning. To investigate if the minimum lot size can be achieve based on the proposed location of the sub-division boundaries. Additionally, one must investigate if any restrictions are placed on the Certificate of Title, which may limit its development potential such as easement and restrictive covenant.
What extra cost would be associated with building on a rear lot?
As every property is unique, it is sometimes difficult for a detail site assessment to be undertaken by a Home Building Consultant. Hence, our Development Consultants at Strata Living are trained to identify issues, which may inflate and/or vary the site and associated cost. Unfortunately, as most utilities connection points are situated towards the front lot boundary and access into the rear section of the site is restricted, it is correct to say that extra site cost is inevitable. Having said that, all site and associated costs would be calculated based on a standard project builder rate.
Do you have standard plans to suit my rear lot?
The focus of Strata Living is to provide you with pre-designed, off-the-shelf plans to suit most rear lots. Our in-house design team are constantly formulating standard models to suit an unlimited combination of lot sizes, budgets and lifestyle requirements.
Do I require Development Approval and who would organise this for me?
As a general rule, most rear lot developments would require a Development Approval (D.A.). Your Development Consultant are trained accordingly to have full knowledge of the Town Planning Codes and Policies to ensure that the design recommended to you would comply, minimising unnecessary delays.
I have seen a display home but due to its size and shape it would not fit on my rear lot?
As most display homes are designed to suit street front green title lots, rarely do they comply with policies applicable to rear lot developments, not to mention its size. As demand for rear lots become more apparent due to lifestyle choices, Strata Living have formulated a series of standard models to suit rear lots. They address all relevant planning codes and the ranges are priced with different specification levels to cater for individuals with varying needs. Should you wish to incorporate features from our display homes, our in-house design team can formulate a tailored design to suit your needs.
What time frames do I need to consider in building on a rear lot? How long would the approval process take?
Our Development Consultants are able to provide you with a time schedule as approval and building times vary, subject to factors such as the workloads of local government, type of dwelling, site conditions and specification levels. In general, local government planning and building approval would usually take between 4-6 weeks per process.
I do not wish to have shared ownership or common property or the need for a strata company. Can this be achieved?
Subject to the positioning of the proposed strata boundaries, we may be able to eliminate common property and the need for a strata company. In the event that common property is inevitable, there are provisions in the Strata Title Act to allocate common property to become the exclusive use and maintenance of an individual strata lot.
Do I need to undertake improvements to the front house should I wish to sub-divide and build at the rear?
Our Development Consultants would provide an assessment based on the relevant codes to determine if any improvements are required. In general, the front house must have provisions for two carbays, a storeroom with a minimum area of 4m2 and have sufficient setbacks from boundaries and structures to comply with the Residential Design Codes and the Building Codes of Australia.
Why should I engage a Project Builder as opposed to an independent Designer such as an Architect?
Essentially, it comes down to cost. Strata Living has a team of highly experienced Designers who are capable of producing designs reflecting your needs within project builders rates. The service offered is cost effective and will ultimately be credited towards the contract price.
What is your standard inclusions?
To obtain a copy of the standard inclusion, please contact one of our Development Consultants. Essentially, there are two (2) specification levels.
Do you have a display unit?
As there are so many combinations of rear lot sizes and due to the strict policies adopted by individual local government, it is unfeasible to operate a display unit. Through minimising our operating cost, we are able to invest in the area of research and development, thus formulating an extensive range of standard models, both economical to construct yet offering all the characteristic of quality living.