Unit Development

What is a Multi-Unit Development?

What is a multi-unit development? A multi-unit development is when more than one dwelling is built on a single lot of land. This could be made up of houses, units, townhouses or apartments.

Multi unit developments are becoming very common due to population growth in inner-city areas and the ability for the developer to make large profits out of the allotted land.

Unit developments are subject to rules and regulations set out by the local council the land is in, Residential Design Codes (r-codes), Building Codes Of Australia (BCA) and the Australian Standards.

These rules make fitting as many units onto the land as possible an intricate project. Therefore, it is wise to engage in an experienced specialist for advice to help design and construct the project so the investment is worthwhile.

Unit Development Process

There are a few key steps to follow when creating a multi-unit development to allow the process to go smoothly and give the largest return on investment.

Feasibility and Investigation

The first step when looking into a multi-unit development is checking the feasibility of the project. This includes

Checking with the council to know any restriction and the r code of the block
Ordering a survey to see the levels and any hidden features
Checking the existing retaining
Comparing proposed units to recently sold in the area to determine a budget

Design

Designing the project to get the best orientation and layout of multiple units on a lot of land is not a beginner’s task due to the large array of rules and regulation to follow. This is due to cramming as many units as you can in an attractive and functional location while at the same complying with the vast number of regulations to be followed.

Planning Permits

Planning permits and subdivision are needed to build any unit development. This is taken up with the local council, in some cases, a written statement is needed when the design does not fully comply but you have good reasoning and believe it is the best way. This is where experience with local councils really helps as you know what you can get away with.

Several factors that are usually considered when planning the development are:

site orientation for passive solar design
Shadowing on neighbours’ properties
Energy rating of units
Space for cars to park
Overlooking windows on neighbouring properties
The slope of the land

Construction

The building stage of a multi-unit development is important to be overseen by a professional. This is due to the amount of costly and timely errors that can happen due to builders taking shortcuts.

Types of multi-unit developments

There are multiple types of multi-unit development projects depending on what is able to be placed on a lot of land.

Duplex

A duplex is a single residential building with two homes within it according to Build Search. Duplexes are covered in the land title or can have separate titles. Both arrangements work. They usually have the same floorplan but are mirrored.

Triplex

A bit different to a duplex, a triplex does not usually have the exact same floorplans between the houses. It is used when you have 3 units that are built on the street frontage with one common driveway.

Units

Multi unit developments are usually made up of multiple small single or double-storey houses built around a shared driveway. However, it can also include a house behind house development which is quite common in Perth council areas such as Joondalup and Stirling.

Townhouse

A townhouse development is basically the same as a unit. However, they are usually multi-storey to maximise the development potential of the land.

Apartments

An apartment is a multi-unit development that has multiple dwellings on different levels of the building. These are generally larger-scale projects.

Dealing with a professional for a unit development

A unit development is usually undertaken by an experienced person. Contacting a builder to help is generally not the best way to do it. This is because they are not interested in you getting a return on investment as they are of how much they can earn from you.

Perth Building Broker has many years of experience in unit developments and it is a good idea to call us for a free chat before you sign or talk with a builder.

testimonials

I highly recommend Matt to any developer. I had an old house on a triplex site and was not sure how to go about the process. In fast time the design was finalized and we turned the old house into 3 amazing double storey homes. Matt handled everything from the design and demolition through to a finished turned key development. We were also helped during the build on site and Matt was even there when the keys were handed over. The documentation and plans were so detailed and we ended up with a price better than we every budgeted for and 3 homes we are proud of, Matt you are like the rats of tobruk, you never give up until you get the job done, thanks mate.

Over the years I have built single, double and triple storey developments with Matt. We have worked together on projects in Morley, Nollamara and Mandurah and I have always found the same thing. The level of industry experience and knowledge he has is why I always come back. Professional documentation and high quality drawings has always helped obtain the best available price at tender. Matt has great tender negotiation skills with the builder and is involved until the project is finished, being a registered builder and keeping the builders in check was a great bonus. I will always contact Perth Building Broker first if Matt is at the company.

I have a little home in Hammond park and I love it and if it were not for you it would never have happened. Matt, the service from you during the process and even years after moving in is something that amazes me, you have gone over and above any expectation I could have had. I will always thanks you and I always tell everyone is see that if they ever want to build their dream home to make sure they call you first. Matt thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I looked around, talked to builders, spoke to designers and tried to find out about how to subdivide my property keeping the front existing home and to build my dream home on the rear portion of my land and found I was running in circles. Then I found Matt! Everything just got easier, Matt knew everything, design, subdivision, construction and my running around stopped. The service and professionalism was amazing and I ended up with a subdivided property keeping the front house with an architect styled double storey home at an unbelievable price, I still live in the home today. Matt you’re the best and I would recommend you to anyone , Del.

I was involved with several other owners in a development in Midland where we were looking to build a 12 unit double storey complex. That project finished many years ago and I found the entire process almost seamless, it was a difficult site and what we ended up with was 12 beautifully styled homes with large useable layouts, the complex was fantastically designed and the documentation was bulletproof, this helped us obtain an amazing price at tender, we built, we sold fast and made good money all thanks to Matt and his team, thankyou.

Don't get tricked by the builders, fix the price before you sign and allow us to watch over and guide you through the process.

CALL US NOW