All Topics / Value Adding / Widow Splits

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
  • Profile photo of empire15empire15
    Participant
    @empire15
    Join Date: 2011
    Post Count: 3

    Hi all,

    Does anyone know anything about ‘widow splits’? From what I have heard before and during WW1 solders split their blocks diagonally giving their wives the section that did not have a street front, preventing them from selling the house. These blocks are split into 2 lots.

    I have heard various statements about making the DA process cheaper by not having to pay contribution fees. Is this true?

    Does anyone know anymore about this, any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Profile photo of Scott No MatesScott No Mates
    Participant
    @scott-no-mates
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 3,856

    All subdivisions require access to a public road either by easements, right of ways or direct street frontal. Without the provision of access, you cannot entertain a lawful subdivision.

    What advantage would there be of having a block which couldn’t be sold?

    Profile photo of JJ7JJ7
    Participant
    @jj7
    Join Date: 2010
    Post Count: 20

    I think the idea is to get both parts of the split (which, since one of them doesn’t have street frontage, both have to go together anyway), then realign the split so that both blocks now have street access – this now gives you 2 blocks which can be sold independently. The bonus is, apparently, that you don’t have to pay the massive contribution fees to council as it is a boundary realignment rather than creation of a new block.

    Your best bet is to find a local town planner as this sounds like a specialist area where you could lose a bunch of money very quickly if things don’t go to plan.

    Profile photo of Andrew_AAndrew_A
    Participant
    @andrew_a
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 392

    If it's Brisbane you will be up for contribution charges with a realignment of a widow block unfortunately.

    Profile photo of empire15empire15
    Participant
    @empire15
    Join Date: 2011
    Post Count: 3

    Scott No Mates – I am fully aware that to split a block you will need street frontage, this is just common sense. The point your missing is I am trying to determine if the DA costings are less on this type of block, as it is taken as a block re-alignment.

    JJ7 – yes the idea is to split the block down the middle into rectangle shape. I have talk to a town planner of the BCC and he advised that the same contribution charges apply as a normal block.

    Andrew – Do you know of any councils in QLD that charge less contribution charges for this type of block?

    Profile photo of Andrew_AAndrew_A
    Participant
    @andrew_a
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 392

    Empire15 I'm sure you will find a lot of variations throughout QLD, local councils are usually very helpful in my experiences and you should be able to get this information quickly. I can't see the attraction of looking for these blocks specifically instead of just looking at the universe of all double blocks!? Why the interest in widows if you don't mind me enquiring?

    Profile photo of empire15empire15
    Participant
    @empire15
    Join Date: 2011
    Post Count: 3

    The attraction of these blocks are;

    Their size is usually >1000m2
    As there is already ‘split’ in the block, it would increase DA approval chances with the council.
    The savings in contribution charges, providing this is true and a I can find a suburb/council that offers this.
    Increase in profits due to less DA fees.

    Thats all. From what I have heard there were less contribution charges relating to these blocks at some stage, maybe the council caught onto this in the past ~5years, then again this information may not be true.

    Thanks for your input.

    Profile photo of Andrew_AAndrew_A
    Participant
    @andrew_a
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 392

    In North Brisbane I see a lot of them as 809m blocks, the extra charges are relatively new with BCC.

    Profile photo of VRKVRK
    Participant
    @vinuskf
    Join Date: 2015
    Post Count: 1

    Hi,
    Has any one recently completed the process of splitting the widow blocks.
    I am in a process of buying one in Brisbane and need to know how much it’s going to cost all up to divide and connect utilities?
    Any information on this process is appreciated.

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