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Super Sustainable House Design in Victoria – A High-Performance, Future-Ready Family Home
Orientation, Super Wall Cladding, Energy Payback & Planning-Ready ESD Explained Super Sustainable Home Design in Victoria Client Brief: A Truly Sustainable Duplex for Long-Term Family Living A client approached us seeking a super sustainable duplex house design for her family that would be comfortable, efficient, and resilient for decades to come. In response, we proposed a double-storey home with four bedrooms, carefully planned zoned living areas, and primary living spaces

Swarup Dutta
2 days ago8 min read


VicSmart Dual Occupancy Approvals (VC288) Fast-Track Dual Occupancy Approvals in Victoria
Understand the VicSmart pathway for two dwellings on a single lot Section 1: What is VicSmart? VicSmart is a simplified, fast-track planning permit process in Victoria. Key benefits: 10 business day decision timeframe No public notification required Limited discretion, reducing uncertainty Designed for low-risk developments like dual occupancies and certain two-lot subdivisions. Section 2: Who Can Apply? Sites in the following zones: GRZ, NRZ, RGZ, HCTZ, MUZ, TZ Proposal trig

Swarup Dutta
5 days ago3 min read


Dual Occupancy & Subdivision Across Every Victorian Council — For First-Time and Experienced Developers
Swarup Dutta — 250+ Permits Managed | Expert Planning & Design for Dual Occupancy and Residential Developments.

Swarup Dutta
Nov 232 min read


Off-Market Duplex Site at Bentleigh East: Prized School Location
Duplex cost chart vs revenue chart Our off-market realty partners are presenting a superb duplex site opportunity in Bentleigh East—right in the coveted McKinnon School Zone . We completed a high-level feasibility, and the numbers are compelling: projected profit exceeds $400K . This rare off-market site is ideal for investors, downsizers, developers, or owner-occupiers seeking premium living in one of Melbourne’s most tightly held suburbs. A Modern Duplex Concept Designed fo

Swarup Dutta
Nov 223 min read


Tree Canopies + Garden Area: The One-Two Punch Killing Small Residential Developments.
The new low-rise policy already makes redevelopment harder with mandatory tree canopy requirements. But when you add the Garden Area rules on top, the impact becomes even more severe. Developers are not just losing flexibility. They’re losing entire dwellings . A Real Project Example: 1056sqm Site → Lost One Whole Unit On one of our recent projects— a 1056sqm lot —the combined effect of: 20% tree canopy , and Garden Area requirements resulted in the loss of one full townhou

Swarup Dutta
Nov 162 min read


Tree Canopies Are Quietly Killing Residential Developments
10 to 20% of the site is devoted to tree canopies! The new low-rise policy has landed and buried inside it is a table most people will skip over—but developers can’t afford to. Table B2-7.1 now controls canopy requirements for small-scale residential developments like dual occupancies and townhouses. Here’s the headline requirement: Canopy Cover Requirement Sites 1000 sqm or less: 10% of site area Sites over 1000 sqm: 20% of site area On paper this looks harmless. In practic

Swarup Dutta
Nov 163 min read


Buying a Dual Occupancy Site? Maximise Your Land and Build Wealth
These lots have North facing backyards and 3metre wide driveways Looking to unlock the hidden potential of your backyard? Dual occupancy subdivisions are one of the smartest ways to build property wealth. Whether you sell one or both dwellings or live in one while renting out the other, a dual occupancy project lets you generate passive income and maximise your land’s value. I transformed my first home into a dual occupancy site, and the profits helped me invest in a second

Swarup Dutta
Nov 32 min read


The Complete Development Compass — From Concept to Construction- Dual Occupancy & Townhouse Specialists)
Why a Development Compass? Every development journey needs clear direction: Will it stack up? Will it get approved? Will it build efficiently? At AU Architecture, we provide the structure that takes your development from concept to construction — reducing risk and increasing return. No stress. No conflicting advice. No endless council delays. Duplex town planning approval Backyard dual occupancy Feasibility – Test the Numbers First We believe in setting your project up for s

Swarup Dutta
Oct 312 min read
How Planning Delays Impact Subdivision Feasibility in Victoria
In Victoria, planning permit delays are becoming one of the most significant risks to subdivision feasibility. Time doesn’t appear on plans or project spreadsheets — but it’s often the difference between a profitable development and one that simply doesn’t stack up. This is particularly relevant for projects requiring Subdivision and early Feasibility review. Council Workload and Resourcing Are Major Causes of Delay Local government planning departments are experiencing: •

Swarup Dutta
Oct 312 min read


Stop this Planning permit madness
Victorian Planning Permit Workflow Why Do Victorian Planning Permits Take So Long? In Victoria, planning permit approvals now average around 140 days. When objections or complex referrals are involved, the timeline can extend beyond 300 days. In many cases, that means 10–12 months before construction can even commence. These delays have a direct impact on development feasibility, yield and project viability. Why Planning Takes Longer Today Council Workload and Resourcing • Co

Swarup Dutta
Oct 302 min read


The 2 Subdivision Killers Every Property Developer Must Know
The 2 Subdivision Killers Every Property Developer Must Know

Swarup Dutta
Oct 291 min read


Childcare Centre Cost Distribution Plan
Childcare Cost distribution chart CONSTRUCTION COST PLAN Childcare Centre – 130 Places (3 Levels, Victoria) Total GFA: ~2,298 sqm Car Park: 29 spaces Site Area: 1,766 sqm 🔹 ELEMENTAL COST BREAKDOWN (2025 ESTIMATE) Element Description Unit Rate (AUD/sqm) Area / Quantity Cost (AUD) % of Total 1. Substructure Footings, ground slab, retaining walls $350 780 sqm footprint $273,000 6.2% 2. Superstructure Frame (concrete & steel), upper floor slabs $600 1,518 sqm upper floors $9

Swarup Dutta
Oct 281 min read


Childcare Centre Construction Cost Report
Childcare Centre Construction Cost breakdown Bar Graph CONSTRUCTION COST PLAN Childcare Centre – 130 Places (3 Levels, Victoria) Total GFA: ~2,298 sqm Car Park: 29 spaces Site Area: 1,766 sqm 🔹 ELEMENTAL COST BREAKDOWN (2025 ESTIMATE) Element Description Unit Rate (AUD/sqm) Area / Quantity Cost (AUD) % of Total 1. Substructure Footings, ground slab, retaining walls $350 780 sqm footprint $273,000 6.2% 2. Superstructure Frame (concrete & steel), upper floor slabs $600 1,51

Swarup Dutta
Oct 282 min read


Childcare -Early Learning Centre Spatial report
Childcare Centre for 130 places in 3 storey development CHILDCARE CENTRE DEVELOPMENT REPORT Location: Victoria, Australia Total Capacity: 130 Places Total Land Area: 1,766 sqm Building Configuration: 3 Levels (Ground + 2 Upper Floors) Car Parking: 29 on-site spaces 1. SITE AND PLANNING OVERVIEW The childcare centre is designed to accommodate 130 children over three levels on a 1,766 sqm site, ensuring compliance with Clause 52.45 – Child Care Centre Design Guidelines (

Swarup Dutta
Oct 283 min read


The Property Subdivision Quiz: Are You Ready to Subdivide Land in Victoria
This quiz is designed to help you assess your readiness for subdividing land in Victoria, Australia. Subdividing property can be a complex process involving various regulations, costs, and considerations. This quiz will guide you through some key aspects to help you determine if you're prepared to embark on this project. Answer honestly to get the most accurate assessment. Instructions: Answer each question with "Yes," "No," or "Unsure." At the end, tally your responses to s

Swarup Dutta
Oct 273 min read


Construction Costs of a 3-Bedroom Dual Occupancy Dwelling in Victoria, Australia (2025)
This document provides an estimated breakdown of the construction costs for a 3-bedroom dual occupancy dwelling in Victoria, Australia, projected for the year 2025. It includes direct building costs, professional and statutory fees, infrastructure contributions, contingency allowances, and other potential expenses to provide a comprehensive overview of the financial considerations involved in such a project. Estimated Construction Costs The following is a breakdown of the est

Swarup Dutta
Oct 263 min read


Financial Feasibility of a Dual Occupancy Subdivision
This document explores the financial feasibility of undertaking a dual occupancy subdivision project. It outlines the key factors influencing profitability, including acquisition costs, development expenses, revenue projections, and potential risks. The analysis aims to provide a framework for assessing the viability of such projects and making informed investment decisions. 1. Introduction to Dual Occupancy Subdivisions Dual occupancy subdivisions involve dividing a single r

Swarup Dutta
Oct 264 min read


Dual Occupancy Workflow
This document outlines the typical workflow for a dual occupancy project, from initial concept to final completion. It covers the key stages, considerations, and potential challenges involved in developing two dwellings on a single property. This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of the process for homeowners, developers, and anyone interested in pursuing a dual occupancy project. 1. Initial Assessment and Feasibility Study The first step is to determine the feasi

Swarup Dutta
Oct 264 min read


Can you build two homes on a block?-a Dual Occupancy Subdivision
A dual occupancy in the backyard by owner builder. We obtained his permits fast! How to Build Two or More Homes on Your Block in...

Swarup Dutta
Oct 47 min read


Subdivision FAQ: A Beginner’s Guide to Land Development in Victoria!
Swarup managed 250+ permits in Victoria. He subdivided his first home and developed other properties. If you're thinking about property...

Swarup Dutta
Sep 154 min read
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