Survey Strata

Survey strata is the creation of lots that adjoin each other (single or grouped dwellings) with entitlement to a portion of the parent lot through a survey strata title. These lots may share common property such as driveways and also share utility connections. . Existing dwellings may be retained on a survey strata lot

Green Title

Green title (freehold) is the development of lots that may or may not adjoin each other, with no encumbrances or rights of access from neighbouring freehold lots. Differently to survey strata, common property is not allowable on a green title development site, nor is sharing utility connection points. Each green title lot must have its own independent utility connections and street access (easements for reciprocal right of access useable in extenuating circumstances)

Battle-Axe

Battle-axe is a colloquial term that does not refer specifically to any subdivision application type overseen by the West Australian Planning Commission. It will commonly refer to the L shape of the access leg and rear lot created under a two lot green title subdivision or survey strata subdivision with a retained dwelling and separate access for both lots (no Common Property). The access leg of a battle-axe lot must be 4 meters wide and cannot exceed 20% of the total site area of the rear battle-axe lot.

Built Strata

Built strata is where the building envelopes themselves form the boundaries of the lots created in grouped or multiple dwelling configurations, with driveways and the like being common property. Importantly the dwellings are built first, the boundary surveys and titles created after construction is finished. It is the other way around with survey strata or green title generally. If you are doing less than 5 lots, you will be dealing with the local government only, (no WAPC involvement).

There are benefits and disadvantages to each subdivision approach, mostly centered around development speed, end valuation, your ability to get finance for the different types of subdivision. This is explained in comprehensive detail in several chapters of the 225 page Infill Developer Guidebook.