Ep. 202 - 50,000 Perth Blocks Could Become Subdividable: What The R20 Reform Means For You

More than 50,000 existing Perth blocks could become eligible for subdivision under WA's biggest planning shakeup in around 30 years. In this solo episode, Neil breaks down the proposed change to R20 zoning and what it actually means for property investors and small to medium infill developers in Western Australia. Right now, an R20 block needs a 350sqm minimum lot size and a 450sqm average, which means you need a 900sqm block to create two lots. The proposal removes the average requirement entirely, leaving only the 350sqm minimum. In plain terms, a 700sqm R20 block becomes subdividable. R20 is the most common suburban code across the Perth metro area, so this hits established infill locations, not urban sprawl. But eligibility is not the same as profitability, and Neil is blunt about the traps. In this episode: The exact change to R20 and why the average lot size has been the thing holding tens of thousands of blocks back Why the position of the existing house matters more than the size of the block The demolition trap. Neil runs the numbers on a $1m block two ways and shows how retaining the front house can turn a $50k to $60k result into $250k to $260k Dual zonings explained, and why one phone call to the duty planner can save your feasibility The other proposed reforms: single houses, renovations, patios and carports out of planning, approval times cut from 60 days to 30, three storey in R40, and parking minimums removed for apartments and granny flats Why state policy does not always mean local councils fall into line. Neil shares the 70 properties currently stuck in planning How to target these blocks before they hit the market using area expertise, letterbox drops and joint ventures with owners The due diligence checklist: verify zoning through the council's Intramaps, speak to a land surveyor before you settle, and get your accountant across structure and GST Timeline matters here. This is a proposal out for consultation, not law, and it is not expected to be implemented until around mid 2027. Neil's message is clear. Treat it as a heads up, not a green light. Free access to the Coliving Cashflow Academy Neil is opening up the Academy in exchange for your feedback. Complete the sentiment survey below, which takes three to five minutes and can be done anonymously, and you will get access to all 13 modules covering goal setting, HMOs, coliving, rent to rent, subdivisions, renovations, new builds, property management and fire safety. Everything learned across a decade in the trenches and a pipeline heading past 400 projects and 2,300 rooms. Take the survey here: https://form.jotform.com/262147921124048 Full show notes and links available at thehmopropertyco.com  🎓 THE COLIVING CASHFLOW ACADEMY The lessons are in the doing. The Academy is where you learn how to do it properly, so your first deal isn't a $200k lesson. Enrol now at $4,995. Price moves to $5,995 from 1 August when live group calls start. 👉 www.thehmopropertyco.com/coliving-foundations/  👉 If you're serious about building wealth through property and want to see what's actually possible, this episode is a must-listen. 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 👉 Want help with your investment strategy? Book a free, no-obligation chat with our team: Calendly – 15 min call 👉 Join our community: Perth HMO and High Cashflow Investment Properties Facebook Group Connect with The HMO Property Co: 🌐 Website: www.thehmopropertyco.com 📸 Instagram: @the_hmo_property_co 📘 Facebook: The HMO Property Co 🔗 LinkedIn: The HMO Property Co ▶️ YouTube: The HMO Property Co 🎵 TikTok: @thehmopropertyco_ 🎙️ Spotify: The HMO Property Show 🍏 Apple Podcasts: The HMO Property Show 🏘️ Living Rooms: livingrooms.com.au 🛑 Disclaimer: Nothing on this channel should be considered tax, financial, investment, or any kind of advice. Always do your own due diligence as only a professional diagnosis of your specific situation can determine which strategies are right for you. Our goal is to frequently feature actionable value, thought leadership, and property/investment strategies. #hmoproperty #propertyinvestment #perthproperty #cashflow #realestate #investing #australia