What is the Ultimate Development Site in Melbourne for dual occ and townhouse projects? This is the million dollar question! The Ultimate Development Site (UDS) should satisfy all of these characteristics:
The cost of the site should result in acceptable development margins
The site width should allow for two crossovers
The site length and area should allow adequate north facing open space for recreation and landscaping
The site should be close to infrastructure, schools, shops and transport
The title should be clear of restrictions and preferably without any easements
All the essential services should be available onsite or in close proximity and run in the most advantageous position
The site orientation should be perfect so that the amenities of neighbouring properties are not adversely affected
The zoning of your land and it's associated Schedule should not be restrictive
The planning overlays on your land should not be too restrictive
The site should be fairly level
There should be little or no significant vegetation on the site and on abutting sites within say 5 m of the common boundaries
A soil test should demonstrate the foundations will not require additional strengthening
There should be no encroachments on your title boundary or by your property on adjoining allotments
There should preferably be precedents for similar development in your neighbourhood
There should be no planning overlays burden
Your local Council should encourage development to meet their housing stock forecast
But don't fret if your property isn't the perfect ten. An experienced architect or designer with sound town planning skills and knowledge will get great results from challenging sites.
