If you own a property and have ever wondered “What could I actually do with this land?”, you’re not alone.
You might be considering subdividing, building another home, developing the property for the future, or simply wanting to understand whether your land has untapped potential.
The good news is you don’t need to have a development plan figured out before talking to us. A development feasibility assessment can help you understand what may be possible, what challenges need to be considered, and whether your idea is worth exploring further.
Start With What You Want to Achieve
Every successful property development starts with an idea.
Maybe you want to subdivide your property and sell a section. Perhaps you want to build a second dwelling, create space for family, develop multiple homes, or understand the potential value of your land before deciding whether to sell.
Your end goal helps determine what needs to be investigated and which planning, surveying and engineering services may be required.
Check the Planning Rules
One of the first steps is understanding the planning rules that apply to your property.
Your local District Plan can influence:
- Whether your property can be subdivided
- How many dwellings may be permitted
- Minimum lot sizes and dimensions
- Where buildings can be located
- Access and parking requirements
- Whether a resource consent may be required
- Other restrictions or development opportunities
Planning requirements differ between councils and zones, so what is possible on one property may be very different from a property just down the road.
Cheal planners can review the relevant District Plan provisions and provide early advice on the opportunities and constraints affecting your property.
Understand the Land
The planning rules are only one part of the picture. The physical characteristics of your property can also influence its development potential.
Important considerations can include:
- Property access
- Site size, shape, slope and terrain
- Natural hazard risks
- Existing buildings
- Water, wastewater and stormwater servicing
- Power and other infrastructure
- Easements and covenants
- Property boundaries and existing titles
Identifying these factors early can help determine whether your idea is practical and highlight potential costs or challenges before you commit to the next stage.
Explore Your Property Development Options
Depending on your property, there may be several options worth investigating.
Subdivide your property
Subdivision can create additional lots to sell, build on or retain. In some cases, relocating or removing an existing dwelling may also unlock further subdivision potential.
Build another home or minor dwelling
Your property may have space for another dwelling, minor residential unit or future development, subject to the relevant planning and servicing requirements.
Develop the land
Larger properties may have opportunities for more comprehensive land development, potentially involving subdivision, new infrastructure, roading, drainage and multiple residential lots.
Hold or sell
Understanding the development potential of your property can also help you make a more informed decision about whether to develop now, hold the property for the future, or sell.
Is the Development Feasible?
Just because something can be done doesn’t necessarily mean it makes financial sense.
Before progressing too far, it is important to understand the likely costs involved, being resource consents, surveying, civil engineering, infrastructure, council fees, construction and other professional services.
An early development feasibility assessment can help identify potential costs, risks and opportunities so you can make an informed decision before investing significantly in a project.
Where Does Cheal Come In?
Property development can involve planners, land surveyors, civil engineers, councils and other specialists. Knowing who you need to speak to, and when, can be one of the hardest parts when you’re starting out.
That’s where Cheal can help.
Our multidisciplinary team provides planning, surveying, geospatial and civil engineering services to support property owners through the different stages of subdivision and land development.
We can help you answer questions such as:
- Can I subdivide my property?
- What can I build on my land?
- Do I need resource consent?
- What District Plan rules apply to my property?
- Are there surveying, access or infrastructure issues to consider?
- What are my property development options?
- What should I do next?
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do before getting in touch. Sometimes the best place to start is simply understanding what is possible.
Thinking about subdividing, building or developing your property? Talk to Cheal about your land and let’s explore its potential.