Subdivision

“Subdivision” means to divide a piece of land or a property into two or more portions. A subdivision application is applicable only on land within the urban development boundaries. Subdivisions within urban areas are also called ‘infill-development’ or ‘densification’.

A subdivision application can be lodged to the local council if a property owner decides to divide his property in two or more parts and to have it registered apart from the original house. This could become necessary because of family or inheritance matters or purely for financial reasons. The newly subdivided property needs to be registered with the Deeds Office by a Conveyancer. The newly created property can then be sold-off to new owners, or developed by the property owner himself, to rent out.

A subdivision application can be lodged to the local council if a property owner decides to divide his property in two or more parts and to have it registered apart from the original house. This could become necessary because of family or inheritance matters or purely for financial reasons. The newly subdivided property needs to be registered with the Deeds Office by a Conveyancer. The newly created property can then be sold-off to new owners, or developed by the property owner himself, to rent out.

Property owners must realise that the subdivision process is time consuming and can be very expensive. The best route for any property owner is to appoint a professional town planner right from the onset of the project. A town planner will assess the property and offer thorough guidance on the feasibility of dividing a property.

1. Financial Gain – Own 2 properties for the price of one;
2. Family Matters – Create a property for your children and keep the original house to yourself;
3. Extra Income – Develop a house on the subdivided portion and rent it out;
4. SALE – Sell-off the subdivided portion.

A Town Planner with his expertise and experience can advise you on the following:

1. Area density limitations: The Municipality will only allow subdivision of a property if the property’s size meets the density requirements of the specific area;
2. Whether a rezoning application will need to be applicable in order to change the density of the property for allowing the subdivision;
3. Whether there are restrictive conditions in the title deed of the property that may have to be removed to allow the subdivision.
4. A town planner will submit all the relevant documentations and application(s) to the Municipality with full motivations that is in line with complex legislation and Municipal By-Laws.