You need to apply to the local authority to re-zone or subdivide a property. Your application can take anything from 6 to 4 Years to be approved or declined. The documentation required is very involved and expensive, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an attorney or preferably a town planner or the local authority.

You can stipulate in your Offer to Purchase that the offer will stand, subject to the local authority's approval of the re-zoning or subdivision or the consent to use the property in a certain way, i.e. getting business rights over a residential property.

What is zoning?

Zoning determines the rights of the property, in terms of what you are able to do with the property and what the property may be used for, i.e. residential use, business rights, and so on.

A brief overview of the rezoning process:

 A detailed motivation report with plans is submitted to your local council;

 What is subdivision?

Subdivision is when a piece of land is divided into smaller plots and each division now has its own title deed.

A brief overview of the subdivision process:

 You need to talk to a town planner together with your architect. They will draw up plans and a detailed report which will be submitted to the city council;

 Registered letters need to be sent to neighbours, informing them of the planned rezoning and adverts need to be placed in the press allowing for objections;

Once approval from neighbours is obtained the plans need to be approved by the council. This process is very lengthy and can take a couple of years to finalize.