Hi,
I am currently in the process of subdividing from one property into two - one property will have my current PPOR on it, the other property will be a small and sloping backwards block of land. (at this stage I am not sure if I will sell the block of land as it is or build and then live in to avoid CGT)
Originally I applied for a torrens title division and this was approved in the first instance by the council.
When SA water came to do their thing, they advised that they have to do an underground extention, and before they could quote on the costs involved, I would need to get an arbor report as there is a significant tree in the way. Once they received the report from the arborist they would be able to give me a proper quote, because they would know what work was involved(I asked for a ballpark figure because I had no idea - they said $20k). Then if necessary (and i was told it probably was going to be) I would need to apply to the council to remove the significant tree. If they allowed it I would have the expense of getting the tree removed (thousands - it is big) plus the SA Water extention was likely to damage a part of my driveway and im pretty sure removal of the tree would result in the collapse of my neighbours retaining wall (potentially $5k+). Who would've thought a tree could be giving me so many nightmares!
Another option I have is to change my application to community title, so the existing house plus the block of land would both be community title instead of torrens title. I gather this will reduce the value of both properties - does anyone have any opinion on this? the only shared amenities would be the underground SA water stuff (each property would have their own water meters).
What would you do in my situation?
Any thoughts or opinons of any kind would be much appreciated!
I am currently in the process of subdividing from one property into two - one property will have my current PPOR on it, the other property will be a small and sloping backwards block of land. (at this stage I am not sure if I will sell the block of land as it is or build and then live in to avoid CGT)
Originally I applied for a torrens title division and this was approved in the first instance by the council.
When SA water came to do their thing, they advised that they have to do an underground extention, and before they could quote on the costs involved, I would need to get an arbor report as there is a significant tree in the way. Once they received the report from the arborist they would be able to give me a proper quote, because they would know what work was involved(I asked for a ballpark figure because I had no idea - they said $20k). Then if necessary (and i was told it probably was going to be) I would need to apply to the council to remove the significant tree. If they allowed it I would have the expense of getting the tree removed (thousands - it is big) plus the SA Water extention was likely to damage a part of my driveway and im pretty sure removal of the tree would result in the collapse of my neighbours retaining wall (potentially $5k+). Who would've thought a tree could be giving me so many nightmares!
Another option I have is to change my application to community title, so the existing house plus the block of land would both be community title instead of torrens title. I gather this will reduce the value of both properties - does anyone have any opinion on this? the only shared amenities would be the underground SA water stuff (each property would have their own water meters).
What would you do in my situation?
Any thoughts or opinons of any kind would be much appreciated!