Subdivide & build

Subdividing & building without the headaches

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A block of land being divided up into seperate subdivided homes within an established neighbourhood

Got a big section with room to spare? Our Subdivide & Build service helps you unlock the potential in your land.

Signature Homes’ Subdivide & Build service is an industry-leading offering where we take care of the entire process for you. Our team will manage your project from start to finish, including house designs and obtaining the necessary consents. You can trust us to handle every detail, ensuring a seamless, stress-free subdivide and build experience.

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Download free guide
How it works

We take care of 
the whole process

With Signature Homes, you get one experienced team to handle everything—from consents to construction.

It’s a seamless way to unlock your land’s potential. Stress-free, fully supported, and backed by New Zealand’s best guarantees.

1

Exploring your project feasibility

We’ll assess whether your property can be subdivided through Council checks, a site visit, and a detailed report to set you up for a smooth journey.

2

Preparing for Subdivision Resource Consent

We handle the paperwork and survey plans needed for Subdivision Resource Consent, keeping you informed every step of the way.

3

Preparing for titles

Once Subdivision Resource Consent is approved, we prepare engineering plans, start groundworks, and manage certifications to meet Resource Management Act requirements.

4

Design concepts & pricing

With your subdivision titled, we move into the build phase—refining your home design to suit your style and budget while providing accurate build pricing.

5

Contracts & Consents

This stage brings your new home to life with your Building Agreement, Building Consent application, and a colour consultation to finalise your vision.

6

It’s time to build your home

Once Building Consent is issued, your dedicated Signature Homes project manager will guide the build, keep you updated, and ensure everything runs to plan.

7

Handover

The final stage is all about handover—once the finishing touches are complete and final checks are done, it’s time to move into your new Signature Home.

Building plans

Ideal plans for subdividing

Building Plan

Tarawera - 155

Building Plan

Waimanu - 156

Building Plan

Whenuapai - 151

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View more plans

FAQs

Got a big section with room to spare? Our Subdivide & Build service helps you unlock the potential in your land by creating one or more new lots – and building a brand new home in the process. Here’s everything you might want to know:

Do I need my neighbour's approval to subdivide?

Not always. However, if your subdivision affects shared boundaries, access ways, or requires easements, neighbour consultation may be necessary. Obtaining written approval can streamline the consent process.

How much does the subdivision process cost?

In our experience, the cost to subdivide land in New Zealand typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 or more per lot, depending on the location and the complexity of the land. This estimate generally includes professional service fees, groundworks, council application and processing fees, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) fees, and solicitor fees.

How long does the subdivision process in New Zealand take?

The time and costs of completing a subdivision and obtaining new titles can vary. The complexity of acquiring Subdivision Resource Consent and other factors, such as the duration of construction works on site, influence these variables. In our experience, a usual project with 2 to 5 Lots, not counting home construction, usually takes 1 to 2 years. The exact timing depends on the project size and location.

What is the subdivision process?

The general steps include:

1. Feasibility Study: Assessing the viability of subdivision.

2. Consultation: Engaging with professionals like surveyors and planners.

3. Resource Consent Application: Submitting plans to the local council.

4. Infrastructure Development: Installing necessary services.

5. Title Registration: Obtaining new titles from LINZ

What are the minimum lot sizes for subdivision?

Minimum lot sizes vary based on zoning regulations. In Auckland:

• Single House Zone: Typically 600m²

• Mixed Housing Suburban Zone: Around 400m²

• Mixed Housing Urban Zone: Approximately 300m² 

These figures can differ in other regions, so always refer to your local district or unitary plan.

Want to get into the detail?

View our entire Subdivide & Build process guide

Download guide
Download guide
Signature Homes Subdivide & Build guide cover

Recognition

We’ll give you award winning service

Quality Service awards 2024 & 2025

Quality Service

For the last 2 years we’ve been voted by New Zealanders as providing the highest quality service of any home design & builder.

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New Zealand Best Managed Companies logo

Well Managed

We’re incredibly proud to have been named one of Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies for 2024.

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Trusted Brand 2025 - highly commended badge

Highly Trusted

For decades, Signature Homes has been recognised as one of New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brands.

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New Zealand's most
extensive guarantees

When you build with Signature Homes, you’re backed by New Zealand’s best building guarantees. From day one to well beyond move-in, your investment is protected every step of the way.

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How else can we help you?

Visit a showhome near you

See, feel and touch the Signature Homes quality for yourself in one of our showhomes located across the country.

Find a showhome
Find a showhome
Contact your local team

Our Signature Homes teams work across the country – and are as passionate about their area as you are.

Find your local team
Find your local team
Download digital resources

There’s a lot to think about when you’re building new – here’s the best place to start.

Explore resources
Explore resources