For developments of up to 10 dwellings selected from products specifically designed by Metricon for Dual Occupancy and Duplex purposes. Talk to us and we will tell you, free of charge, whether your existing land (or any other block) is suitable for development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Multi Dwelling Development?
It is either the addition of a new dwelling to the rear, front or side yard of an existing home or the demolition of an existing home and the construction of two or more new homes.
What type of Multi- Dwelling Developments does Metricon create?
Metricon builds Town Houses, Duplexs, Terrace Houses and Unit developments - from adding one new dwelling to an existing home, to, well, the sky’s the limit. We can develop one homesite, or more than one at a time, such as adjoining blocks.
What is a ‘Duplex’?
Two homes both fronting the street with a shared adjoining wall. This type of building is also called a pair or party wall development, or, if you are from a British background, you will know them as “semi-detached”.
What are ‘Terrace’ homes?
A Terrace home is similar to a duplex, but it is where three or more homes are built facing the street and all of the homes are attached, so the home or homes in the middle of the row share both of their side boundary walls with their adjoining neighbour. These types of homes are very common overseas, where whole streets of ‘terraces’ have historically been constructed. In a good development, care is taken to ensure that each home complements the others in the ‘terrace’.
Are all homes in Victoria capable of being developed into Town Houses/Units?
The short answer is ‘No’.
State and local Council regulations, Planning Overlays, existing vegetation, slope of the land or title restrictions such as single dwelling covenants can make the development of some land not possible.
How can I tell if a property I own or am considering purchasing may be suitable for developing with additional homes?
We will advise you, free of charge, as to the suitability of your property for development. We will review the property professionally and do a ‘Development Feasibility’ to assess its suitability.
What is a Development Feasibility?
A Development Feasibility is where one of Metricon’s trained staff revives the title, restrictive covenants, State and Local Council Regulations to make sure there are no restrictions that would prevent you from developing your land. We will also provide a number of potential options of what designs may best suit your land.
What does a Development Feasibility cost?
The development feasibility done by Metricon’s trained staff is free of charge and without obligation.
In many cases this feasibility will include the referral of our proposals for your land to a qualified independent planning consultant for an opinion; again, this service is part of our service to you and is also free of charge which is remarkable value as you could expect to pay hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for this service from other sources.
How can I arrange for a Development Feasibility of either my land or a site I’m looking to buy?
Simply call one of our trained staff on 1300 METRICON and they will guide you through the process.
Is a Multi Dwelling Development the same as knocking down an existing property and then building just one home?
No. In most cases when you build only one home you are only required to comply with the State Building Code (Rescode) But when you add a home to an existing site, or create a Unit, Duplex, or Town House development you not only have to meet the requirements of Rescode but you also require permission from the local council to use the land for a development of this kind.
How do I get local council approval to develop my land?
You need to apply for a Town Planning Permit to obtain the council permission to use your land for a Multi Dwelling Development.
How do I apply for a Town Planning Permit?
With Metricon’s Multi Dwelling Development department we will guide you through the Town Planning process. In fact at Metricon we help you through every stage of the development process and - please note - without charging project management fees.
Does Metricon Homes apply for the Town Planning Permit?
No, but Metricon can recommend a number of fully-qualified and independent planning consultants who will prepare the planning application and submit a detailed planning assessment report along with the application for you.
Do I have to use one of the Planning Consultants Metricon recommends?
No, but bear in mind that Metricon have been able to arrange a number of independent planning consultants to assist in the application process, at very competitive prices. However, if you have a planning consultant you have used already or who you particularly want to work with we are happy to forward all documents to them to lodge your Town Planning Application.
How long does it take to obtain a Town Planning Permit?
It varies with each development and council. Our experience suggests that it can be anything from four to nine months depending on the size and complexity of the development and the speed with which your local Council processes applications. Once you have met with us to discuss your development we can better estimate the time required for your development.
Is there a guarantee of obtaining a Town Planning Permit?
No. The planning process is subjective and no builder, architect or planning consultant can provide any guarantee. This is why Metricon take every precaution in the feasibility stage of the development and recommend the use of independent, qualified and experienced planning consultants. At least with Metricon if your Permit is “knocked back” you will have spent much less than with many other developers or adviser.
Are the Town Planning Drawings the same as the contract drawings?
Contract drawings show the technical information and structural details required for construction; Town Planning drawings are a presentation document, drawn up to favourably showcase a proposal to council.
Can Metricon Homes prepare Town Planning Drawings?
Yes. Metricon have specifically trained staff to prepare Town Planning Drawings at a fraction of the usual cost.
Can I have my own architect prepare my Town Planning Drawings?
Sorry, no. Copyright prevents Metricon from allowing external contractors to use or alter our plans.
Do I still need a Building Permit if I have a Town Planning Permit?
Yes. A Town Planning Permit for the development approves the use of the site for the development of a Dual Occupancy, Town House/Unit development. The Building Permit specifically approves the construction of the new dwelling(s).
Does Metricon Homes apply for the Building Permit?
Yes. The application for the Building Permit is done by Metricon Homes and the fees for this are included in our building prices.
Other than a Town Planning Permit and Building Permit do I need any other Permits?
If you wish to have all of the properties on separate land titles then yes. A second Town Planning Permit is required from the Council to obtain permission to sub-divide the land. That said, this second Town Planning Permit is virtually a “given” once you have obtained the first planning Permit.
Who applies for the permit to subdivide?
This is usually done by the Land Surveyor who carried out the initial surveys completed by Metricon.
Should I apply to sub-divide my land first?
Most land surveyors will agree that the best time to apply to sub-divide your land is when you can show your Council the ‘building envelope’ or ‘footprint’ of the home(s) intended to be built on the new title, along with in many cases the proposed elevations and building materials of any new home to be built. This makes it easier and quicker in most cases to apply for the sub-division after your have received planning permit approval to build new homes on the site.
When is the permit to sub-divide applied for?
Remember, you do not have to apply for this permit unless you need or intend to create all the properties with their own title. But if you do require separate titles we recommend you start the process after the approval of the Building Permit. Normally the land surveyor will recommend a site measure of the units once brickwork has commenced on site and before submission of the final plans to council.
Once I have a Town Planning Approval to sub-divide does that mean I automatically have separate titles?
No. You must lodge an application to the titles office through your property conveyancer or solicitor, and you will need to provide a copy of the permit approval to subdivide, a copy of the stamped plans showing the plan of subdivision, and a copy of the council compliance certificate.
What is the council Compliance Inspection Certificate?
This is a form supplied by council to say that they have inspected the completed development and that it has complied with the original Town Planning Permit Drawings and all of the conditions of the Town Planning Permit.
Once I have received a Town Planning Permit can I change the design of the homes being developed, or how they are positioned on my land?
Almost always no, as the Town Planning Permit usually states that no alterations can be made without consent of the council.
Can I obtain consent from council to alter my Town Planning approved drawings?
This depends on the change. If the Council deem it to be a major change they may insist you lodge a new application and start the process again, including the payment of more fees. But if the council deems the change a minor change they may allow you to make the change, however it usually takes some time to gain their approval.
Do Metricon Homes use their display home product for developments?
Generally, no. Part of the development process requires that the designs used as part of a Multi Dwelling Development are site specific and responsive - that is to say, designed to make best use of the features and constraints of each site.
Does Metricon Homes have designs specifically for this type of development?
Yes, indeed. A range of fine properties have been specifically designed to be adaptable to a number of sites. Of course, this does mean that not all homes in this range will suit every block. To find out which of our designs might suit your land, or any land that you are looking to purchase, we recommend you have one of our trained consultants prepare a Development Feasibility. The service is free and you just need to call 1300 METRICON and ask to speak to an expert Multi Dwelling Development consultant.
Will Metricon Homes vary their designs?
Yes. To establish what design variations can be accommodated we suggest you call the Dual Occupancy Solutions Team and make an appointment to see one of our consultants. We seek to be very flexible to help you achieve your dreams.
When should we demolish our existing home?
Well, assuming you are going to, this depends on many factors and your personal circumstances. We normally recommend that demolition is not commenced until an unconditional Building Permit has been received by Metricon Homes.
I am near one of your Display Centres. Can I just pop in and speak to any Metricon New Home Consultant about this?
Not really. While all our staff would always seek to be helpful, given the complex nature of these types of developments Metricon has established a specialist team trained and equipped to answer your questions and assist you through the process. So it is better that you call 1300 METRICON and ask to speak to a Multi Dwelling Development expert.
If I have another question that is not covered in this section what do I do?
Just give us a call on 1300 METRICON or complete the enquiry form.