Housing

March 19, 2025

Multi Dwelling Planning Applications in Melbourne Set to Change

Posted at 15:57h in Housing, Planning Controls, Planning Process

New Townhouse and Low Rise Code A new assessment model has been recently introduced by the state government into all Victorian Planning Schemes. This new code will affect how multi dwelling projects will be assessed and determined. It has been pitched that it will provide better...

February 27, 2025

Don’t Forget to Research These Three Things When Buying A Property

Posted at 13:03h in Housing, Property Information

Buying a home can be exciting, but it can also be daunting. There are so many things to think about and check. It can be easy to forget to research things like planning controls and restrictions when you are focused on building inspections and the...

August 08, 2024

Can I Subdivide Without Building the Units?

Posted at 14:45h in Housing, Planning Process

In many cases the answer is yes, but there is a caveat. While you can move forward with a subdivision before you have started construction, in most cases you will to have a planning permit for the units first. Read on below for...

May 02, 2024

What to Consider When Buying Land With an Approved Planning Permit

Posted at 15:34h in Housing, Property Information

I thought I would share a couple of things to considering when purchasing a property with an approved planning permit already on it. This post is especially relevant when you are considering a site for a multi unit development. Of course there are many checks and...

January 08, 2024

Building in Your Backyard

Posted at 10:46h in Housing

Are you feeling a little cramped at home and looking to utilise some space from your backyard? Or perhaps you are thinking about ways to add extra income or value to your home? Before deciding whether to build a second dwelling, studio/retreat or a small...

March 09, 2023

Common Residential Zones in Melbourne

Posted at 10:36h in Housing, Planning Controls

Within Melbourne suburbs the three most common residential zones that you are likely to encounter are: Neighbourhood Residential Zone, General Residential Zone, Residential Growth Zone. Each of these zones are similar in that their main priority is for residential uses to continue and be...

August 10, 2022

Melbourne Land Supply and Developments for 2021 Released

Posted at 15:12h in Commercial/Industrial, Housing, Property Information

The Urban Development Program is an initiative of the State government to monitor residential and industrial development and land supply. It pools a range of key datasets and information together to provide a yearly update on: Supply of greenfield residential land, both in Melbourne's growth...

October 02, 2020

Mornington Peninsula Housing Refresh 2020

Posted at 00:19h in Housing, Planning Policy

The Mornington Peninsula Housing Strategy was first adopted in 2017. Since then they have done some additional work on neighbourhood character guidelines as well as attempting to commence a planning scheme amendment. You can read more about the original housing strategy here. Presumably, this refresh of...

September 15, 2020

Pilot Program for Faster Approval of Secondary Dwellings

Posted at 06:27h in Housing, Planning Controls

A new pilot program has been launched to trial a scheme to facilitate housing choice. The pilot program has been set up in four Councils. Its purpose is to enable the approval of secondary dwellings on a lot. A secondary dwelling is a small...

June 11, 2020

Fast Tracking Development in Melbourne’s North

Posted at 00:08h in Housing, Planning Controls, Planning Process

A new amendment to the Planning Scheme is being proposed by Moreland City Council. The amendment will streamline the approval of two dwelling developments throughout the municipality. The proposal is to introduce a new class of VicSmart application that will allow for two...