Rural Subdivision - FAQs

Who dictates the subdivision rules?

The Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) lays out the regulations for subdividing land, including rural areas.

What are the rural zones under the Auckland Unitary Plan?

• Rural – Rural Production Zone, Rural – Mixed Rural Zone, Rural – Rural Coastal Zone, Rural – Rural Conservation Zone and Rural – Countryside Living Zone
• Rural – Waitākere Foothills Zone and Rural – Waitākere Ranges Zone
• Future Urban Zone
• Special Purpose – Quarry Zone

What are the specific rules for Auckland rural subdivision?

Protecting rural character: New subdivisions shouldn’t disrupt the rural feel or sprawl along roads.

Avoiding conflicts: New lifestyle blocks shouldn’t create problems for existing agriculture or industry.

Rural living with environmental protection: This is limited to specific zones and achieved by protecting native bush or wetlands.

What is a Transferable Rural Subdivision (TRS)?

The AUP is focused on retaining large rural land holdings for primary production. However, if you a rural property with a nice chunk of native bush or wetland on it, you can use TRS to create new titles and sell them off by protecting the bush or wetland area.

Here’s how:

• You agree to permanently protect the bush or wetland area. This will involve fencing it off and keeping it weed-free.
• You don’t get a new title on your property, but you get the right to create a new building title somewhere else. A TRS is like a permission slip to build one new house on a separate block of land (Lot).
• You can sell the TRS to someone who wants to build a house in a certain rural zone eg: “Countryside Living” area. The TRS they buy from you gives them permission to create a new title and be able to build their new home.

So, a TRS lets you keep your whole property including all environmental benefits, while someone else gets the chance to purchase your TRS so they can build what they want. Mutually beneficial for all parties!

Who benefits from Transferable Titles?

The plan benefits both landowners and the environment through  transferrable title/s.

• Landowner Benefit: A new, potentially buildable section is created.
• Environmental Gain: A good quality area of native bush or wetland is permanently protected.

What options does my land offer me?

A TRS doesn’t directly depend on your total property size. Instead, it hinges on the area of protected native bush or wetland you dedicate on your land. Our team of Planners can advise you of all options, costs, and timeframes.  We also answer those niggling little questions in a way that makes sense.  

Our subdivision team know all the complexities and requirements needed for Council to give you the green light.  Get in touch today and discover what your options are.

What are the legalities involved?

Rural subdivision is a regulated process. You will need resource consent under your district council. This involves demonstrating compliance with their rules and potentially conducting environmental impact assessments. Consulting a lawyer and resource management consultant familiar with rural subdivision is highly recommended.

How much does it cost?

Beyond the land purchase, expect development costs. Building access roads, power lines, and potentially drilling water bores can be significant investments. Factor in professional fees for surveyors, resource consent applications, and engineers. Careful planning to minimise infrastructure needs can save money in the long run.

How will it impact the existing community?

Rural living often thrives on a sense of community. Consider how your subdivision might integrate with existing residents. Will there be shared access to amenities? Preserving the character of the area while creating a space for new beginnings is a key consideration.

How do I get started?

These questions/answers offer you a great starting point, so talk to our planning team about the options available and what you want to achieve.  With the right team beside you, rural subdivision can be a profitable project while for both you and the surrounding environment.  Contact our team today!