Yes. In the RZ1 – Suburban Zone, subdivision may be permitted where the proposal meets the relevant planning requirements.

There are two main types of subdivision that may apply, depending on your proposal:

• Block subdivision – where one block is divided into two or more separate blocks that can each accommodate a dwelling (subject to planning requirements).
• Unit title subdivision – where a completed multi-unit development is subdivided into individual unit titles.

ACT Government – Advisory Note 19: Block Subdivision versus Unit Title Subdivision in Residential Zones –Block Subdivision vs Unit Title Subdivision (Residential Zones)

Yes, you can sell a newly created block without constructing a dwelling on it in the ACT, but there are conditions.

Under the ACT planning rules, a block subdivision allows a residential block (RZ1–RZ5) to be subdivided without first building the new dwelling/s. This means you can create a new vacant residential block and sell it. However, the subdivision approval must show that a compliant dwelling could be built on each new block.

If the newly created block remains undeveloped, the new Crown lease will include development covenants requiring the construction of a dwelling within a specified timeframe. In addition, Minister’s consent may be required before transferring (selling) the Crown lease if the dwelling has not been constructed.

Reference:

ACT Government – Advisory Note 19: Block Subdivision versus Unit Title Subdivision in Residential Zones – Block Subdivision vs Unit Title Subdivision (Residential Zones)

The difference between these residential development types is that a secondary residence is a second dwelling on a block that remains subordinate to the principal dwelling on that block, whereas dual occupancy housing is the use of land that was originally used or leased for single dwelling housing for two dwellings. In contrast, a townhouse development generally consists of multiple dwellings arranged as individual homes within one development site, usually involving a higher density of residential development than a dual occupancy.

Reference: Territory Plan 2023, Part G – Dictionary – Territory Plan 2023 | Notifiable instruments

• The Territory Plan 2023 determines whether a dual occupancy is permitted on an RZ1 property.
• Under Part E – Zone Policies, E1 Residential Zones Policy, the RZ1 land use table identifies multi-unit housing as a permissible use.
• While the land use table does not specifically refer to “dual occupancy”, Part G – Dictionary defines dual occupancy as a form of multi-unit housing.
• Therefore, dual occupancy is considered a permissible form of development in RZ1, subject to compliance with the applicable Territory Plan assessment requirements and approval under the Planning Act 2023 (ACT).

Reference: Territory Plan 2023 – Part E, E1 Residential Zones Policy (Land Use Table) & Part G Dictionary (definitions) – https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/ni/2023-540/Current

Residential Zones Policy Land Use Table permits secondary residence for residential zones. The proposal must also comply with the relevant assessment requirements and obtain any required approval under the Planning Act 2023 (ACT).

Reference: Territory Plan 2023 – Part E, E1 Residential Zones Policy (Land Use Table) – https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/ni/2023-540/Current

Unit titles can be created when a residential development can be legally divided into separate units and common property through the registration of a Units Plan under the Unit Titles Act 2001 (ACT).

This generally applies to developments such as:

• apartments (Class A units), where units are defined by building boundaries such as walls, floors and ceilings; and
• townhouses or dual occupancy developments (Class B units), where each dwelling can be separately identified.

The development must have:

• at least two units;
• areas of common property shared by the owners; and
• a registered Units Plan that defines the unit boundaries and ownership interests.

Reference: Unit titles – City and Environment Directorate – Planning