
Thinking of subdividing your property?
Under the right circumstances, subdividing a section can be very successful when advice is sought early; this saves money and avoids delays, as it can be a complex process. In the meantime - whether your current section is too big, has been rezoned or you have a large greenfield site you’re considering developing - here are some important things to know as you prepare to subdivide.

Can I subdivide?
Subdividing land is the process of multiplying the number of titles that can be owned and constructed on, essentially creating two or more sections from one original allotment. For a property to be subdividable, you must first meet the requirements of your local council’s district plan. Specific to your region, district plans include the different planning controls and development standards that regulate things like the minimum size of a section, maximum sizes of buildings and their positions in relation to boundaries, vehicle access (driveways) and parking requirements.
Types of subdivision
Unit title
Creates individual titles to units, apartments or dwellings that occupy one single piece of land known as a ‘principal unit’. These kinds of subdivisions require a body corporate to manage common facilities such as driveways, stairwells and foyers.
Learn moreCross-leases
Less desirable, but similar to unit titles in that ownership over the household unit is determined by the title, but the remainder of the section and/or common areas are held by a number of people.
Learn moreFee simple
What most people are familiar with and subsequently the most common. It creates one or more additional sections from an existing parcel of land and new titles to go with them.

Who can help me subdivide?
To begin the application process, talk to our planners and/or surveyors. A surveyor will start by measuring your property to prepare a plan that will be part of your application to the council for consent, and planners will use that plan when they help you through the application process that involves meeting all the regulations set by your council.
Should the need for servicing arise, you may need to bring in engineer as well, but by choosing to work with Baseline Group you have access to all these services, great advice and a competitive fee with no surprises. As experts in developments large and small, we’re able to calculate the entire cost and walk you through the process so that you’re well informed from the start.
Other services you may need us for
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Topographical surveys
No land is flat so before anything begins in your residential land development you need a topographical survey. This informs your architect and engineer of site levels, trees, fences, other buildings and boundaries, etc. Absolutely everything is built upon this and if it isn’t correct it can be very expensive, complicated and time-consuming to rectify later on.
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Boundary surveys
Knowing who owns which piece of land is an important and complex thing. Even so, you’d be surprised how often boundary checks are neglected before buildings are designed, land is sold or fences are built. A redefinition survey may be required to locate the legal boundaries of your property for any of these reasons. A survey can help avoid expensive encroachment disputes and ill-will between neighbours.
Learn more -
Residential engineering
To get your project through the consent process successfully Council need to see a plan for how you propose to deal with stormwater and waste water, getting power and telephone to your site, vehicle entranceways and other access points. Having a plan also allows you to tender the work for the best price.
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Structural engineering
Whether you have some changes to the home you’re already in or you’re starting from scratch, our dedicated team are here to help. We can work with your architect and builder to ensure your project runs smoothly.
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Engineered access ways
These are quite different to building consent access ways, which often don’t meet requirements because they fail to meet the infrastructure standard. Strength of the pavement needed. Novices and even some professionals often don’t know or understand the strength a pavement requires. That’s where an engineer can save you time, cost and the hassle involved with doing something twice.