MICRO lots could become more common in Perth with the State Government releasing a draft position statement to govern their delivery.
This should lead to greater affordability and more diversity of housing choices for buyers, according to the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA).
President Nick Allingame said micro lots were one option being pursued by the development industry to provide quality housing at an entry-level price to suit first-home buyers, empty nesters, downsizers and investors.
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READ NOW“The new guidelines will hopefully facilitate a broader roll-out of these lot types in more areas,” he said.
Micro lots are green title lots under 100sq m but larger than 80sq m.
While the lots may be small, the home’s floor space is often double or triple the size, with high ceilings to provide a greater sense of space.
There are already successful examples of their use in South Australia and Queensland and a report by Urbis found they provided housing options at about 70 to 80 per cent of the median house price in the localities surveyed.
Buyers included first-home buyers, particularly those that were not previously looking to purchase a home due to price point obstacles, investors, empty nesters and active retirees, singles and pre-family couples, divorcees and Gen Y in areas close to the CBD.
The first micro lot trial in WA was recently released in Ellenbrook.
“We can see from the successful launch that the market in WA is ready for this type of product,” Mr Allingame said.
“It is important to note that homes on micro lots are specifically designed to maximise the small land size and should be located close to public open space, public transport and other amenity and services to compensate for the smaller amount of private space.”
As well as offering a lower purchase price, Mr Allingame said the lots’ proximity to transport and other services meant the longer term cost of living was cheaper, addressing overall affordability.
The government’s draft position statement provides interim guidance for the location and development of houses on these lots and an implementation mechanism to ensure a consistent application across WA.
It can be read at www.planning.wa.gov.au with submissions open until 5pm May 14.