Spotswood is a suburb on the rise—and that makes it a hidden gem for small-scale property development. Whether you’re a first-time developer, downsizer, or investor looking to make your block work harder, understanding the process is key to making confident, informed decisions.
This guide breaks down the essential steps to start a property development in Spotswood, so you can move forward with clarity, compliance, and strong financial outcomes.
Why Develop in Spotswood?
Once an industrial outpost, Spotswood is now evolving into a desirable urban fringe suburb. Large block sizes, close proximity to the CBD, and supportive zoning make it ideal for:
-
Dual occupancy projects
-
Knock down rebuilds with higher yield
-
Boutique infill developments
With Yarraville and Newport setting price benchmarks nearby, Spotswood offers the chance to get in early—before the market catches up.
Step 1: Understand What You Can (and Can’t) Do on Your Block
Before anything else, check:
-
Zoning (General Residential Zone, Neighbourhood Residential, etc.)
-
Overlays (Heritage, Neighbourhood Character)
-
Lot size, frontage, and slope
-
Vehicle access and easements
This determines what kind of development is possible—whether it’s a dual occupancy, side-by-side townhouse, or rear subdivision.
🔗 Explore if Dual Occupancy is Right for Your Spotswood Block »
Step 2: Get a Site Analysis from a Design Professional
A proper feasibility review is vital. At Barnes & Matina, we assess:
-
Site constraints
-
Setback & private open space requirements
-
Drainage and service infrastructure
-
Sunlight access for passive design
-
Planning risks and VC267 opportunities
This informs whether you can build one, two, or even more dwellings—and how to maximise yield.
🔗 See New Build Opportunities in Spotswood »
Step 3: Know Your Strategy—Build to Rent? Sell? Live in One?
Your personal or financial goals will shape the design approach:
-
Live in one, sell one – Great for downsizers or families
-
Rent both – Maximise long-term yield
-
Sell both – Strong capital return, but requires careful cost management
We work with you to tailor design outcomes that match your objectives, not just council checkboxes.
Step 4: Design, Planning & Permits
Once your strategy is clear, we move into:
-
Concept Design
-
Town Planning Drawings
-
Council Submission
-
Building Permit Documentation
With planning reforms like VC267, the approval pathway is more streamlined than ever for dual occupancy on compliant sites.
🔗 Planning Changes Making It Easier for Developers »
Step 5: Choose the Right Builder or Sell the Plans
You can either:
-
Take our fully costed, buildable plans to tender with local builders
-
Work with a builder of your choice
-
Engage us to help during builder selection and contract negotiation
-
Or sell the approved development as a turnkey package
We keep things flexible—ensuring your project fits your budget, timeline, and level of involvement.
Step 6: Construction & Completion
From breaking ground to handover, we’re here to support you with:
-
Construction-ready documentation
-
Builder liaison (if engaged)
-
Support through building permit and inspections (optional service)
Once complete, you’ll have a finished home (or two!) in a suburb with growing market appeal.
Why Work With Barnes & Matina?
We partner with mum-and-dad developers and downsizers across Melbourne’s inner-west. Our expertise is in:
-
Cost-effective, builder-friendly designs
-
Maximising value from your site
-
Navigating planning with council efficiently
-
Offering guidance, not just drawings
You’re not just getting a design—you’re getting a strategy.
Start Your Spotswood Development Journey Today
If you own a block in Spotswood—or plan to buy—it could be the foundation for your next smart move. Let’s help you turn potential into profit, or lifestyle into legacy.
Let’s create. redefine. living.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT & CONTACT US NOW
FAQs
Q: Is Spotswood a good area for small-scale development?
A: Yes, Spotswood has large blocks, supportive zoning, and strong growth potential—ideal for first-time developers and dual occupancy builds.
Q: What are the first steps in developing a property?
A: Begin with a site analysis to understand zoning, overlays, and design options. Then, define your goals, design, apply for permits, and select a builder.
Q: Do I need to subdivide for dual occupancy?
A: Not always. You can retain one title with two dwellings or subdivide depending on your strategy. We’ll help assess what works best for you.
For additional insights into what is possible, visit Houzz or Pinterest for some inspo
