
If you live in Perth, WA, you may have heard people talking about subdivision, house-behind-house builds, dual occupancy, or multi-unit development. Many families are now turning their extra land into new homes, granny flats, investment units, or even new rental income.
But subdivision is not simple. It needs planning, rules, approvals, and careful building work. This is why it is very important to choose a builder who specialises in subdivision services.
In this guide, we explain why a subdivision-specialist builder makes a huge difference and how the right team can save you time, money, and stress.
What Is Subdivision?
Subdivision means dividing one large property into two or more smaller lots. After subdivision, you can build:
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A new home behind your current house
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A granny flat
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A duplex or triplex
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A multi-unit development
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A new lot to sell for profit
In Perth, common types of subdivision include:
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Rear strata / house-behind-house
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Battle-axe subdivision
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Duplex and triplex subdivision
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Multi-unit subdivision
Each type has rules set by local councils and the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).
Why Subdivision Needs a Specialist Builder
Subdivision includes planning, surveying, earthworks, design, council approvals, service connections, and construction. It is not like building a single house on a clear block.
Here are the top reasons you need a specialised subdivision builder:
1. They Understand Local Zoning and R-Codes
In Perth, every area has different rules for how land can be divided. These rules are called R-Codes (Residential Design Codes).
A specialist builder knows:
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Minimum lot size
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Setbacks
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Open space requirements
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Parking rules
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Driveway widths
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Where utilities must go
This helps you avoid costly mistakes or council delays.
2. They Handle All Council and WAPC Approvals
Subdivision needs approvals from:
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Local Council
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WAPC
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Water Corporation
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Western Power
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Surveyors
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Planning Officers
A specialist builder takes care of all paperwork, plans, and applications so you do not have to.
3. They Know How to Design Homes for Small or Narrow Lots
Subdivided lots are often small, long, or odd shaped. A normal builder might struggle to fit a functional home onto a tricky block.
But a subdivision specialist can design:
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Custom narrow-lot homes
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Two-storey homes for extra space
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Smart-layout granny flats
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Efficient duplex or triplex units
They make sure every square metre works for you.
4. They Manage Services and Site Works Correctly
Subdivision requires new connections for:
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Power
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Water
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Sewer
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NBN
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Stormwater drainage
These works must be planned and installed properly, or your new development could fail approval. A specialist builder knows how to coordinate trades, service providers, and surveyors to keep everything aligned.
5. They Help You Save Time and Money
Because they do subdivision every day, expert builders can:
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Spot problems early
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Avoid delays
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Use proven designs
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Quote accurately
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Prevent cost blowouts
A normal builder may not know the hidden costs of subdivision. This could lead to surprises later. A specialist builder keeps everything clear from the start.
6. They Guide You Through the Entire Process
Subdivision can feel overwhelming, but the right builder supports you from start to finish:
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Site check and feasibility report
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Planning and subdivision advice
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Survey and engineering work
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Architectural design
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Council approvals
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Construction
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Final certification
You don’t deal with 10 different companies. You deal with one expert team.
What Happens If You Choose a Builder Who Is Not a Subdivision Expert?
You may face:
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Wrong plans
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Council rejections
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Delays
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Extra costs
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Poor building design
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Problems with site access
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Issues with services and drainage
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Legal risks
Subdivision mistakes are expensive to fix. Most homeowners only get one chance to do it right.
Benefits of Working With a Subdivision Specialist in Perth
When you choose a builder with strong subdivision experience, you get:
Smarter block planning
They know how to make the most of your land for value, space, and future growth.
Faster approvals
With correct plans, you move through council and WAPC quickly.
Better building design
Homes are designed for the shape and size of your block.
Higher property value
Well-planned subdivisions sell for more and attract better tenants.
Less stress
From start to finish, everything is managed for you.
Subdivision Services You Should Look For
A true subdivision builder should offer:
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Feasibility study
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Subdivision planning and advice
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Surveying (approved surveyors)
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Architectural home design
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3D planning
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Land clearing and earthworks
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Demolition (if required)
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Service connections
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Driveway and crossovers
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Home construction (single, double storey, duplex, triplex, multi-unit)
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Project management
This is the sign of a full-service subdivision expert.
Why Perth Is Perfect for Subdivision
Perth has:
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Large blocks
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Growing population
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High rental demand
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R-Code flexibility
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Space for multi-unit development
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Strong return on investment
Many suburbs like Morley, Balga, Dianella, Joondanna, Westminster, Scarborough, Innaloo, Bayswater, and Cannington are ideal for subdivision.
BD Living Pty Ltd — Your Subdivision Specialist in Perth
At BD Living Pty Ltd, we understand subdivision from the ground up. We offer:
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House-behind-house builds
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Duplex and triplex development
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Multi-unit development
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Granny flats
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Architectural design
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Demolition and build
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Premium custom homes
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Project management
Our team helps you turn your land into a smart and profitable investment.
Final Thoughts
Subdivision can unlock huge value from your property. But it needs expert planning, correct design, and proper approvals.
Choosing a builder who specialises in subdivision services gives you:
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A smoother process
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Faster results
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Better home design
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Maximum return on investment
If you are thinking about a subdivision in Perth, WA, you deserve the right team beside you.

