Buying the Neighbouring Property in Perth: What to Check Before Expanding Your Block

If you bought your first home in Perth just to get a foot on the property ladder, you are not alone. Many families start out in compact, affordable homes with the intention of upgrading later, only to find that rising prices, limited stock and strong competition make that next step harder than expected. Maybe your family has grown, you are working from home more often, or you are simply running out of space. When you discover a neighbouring property next door is for sale, it can feel like a rare opportunity that solves everything at once. This is where experienced property settlement agents in Perth, such as KDD Conveyancing, can help you understand the residential settlements process required before you commit.

Before moving forward, it is important to pause and look beyond the convenience. Buying the adjoining property next door comes with its own settlement considerations, planning checks and due diligence requirements, particularly if your long-term plan is to expand, subdivide or eventually combine the properties. Understanding these factors early can help you avoid costly surprises and make confident decisions as you move through the settlement process.

Why Buy Next Door?

Convenience would be the biggest plus for buying a property or land next door. You already know the area, the street and the neighbours, and there is no need to uproot your family or change schools. When checking construction progress or inspections, for example, all you will need to do is pop next door. Another obvious advantage of buying a property in close proximity is making the physical move much easier and smoother.

Owning the property next door can also afford you additional privacy, with one less neighbour. With one less adjoining neighbour, you may gain more control over how your home and outdoor spaces are used.

Buying more land to expand on your existing home could also increase the value of your current property. For many homeowners, it feels like a practical compromise between staying put and starting again elsewhere. 

Zoning and Development Potential

While buying next door may seem straightforward, it does not automatically mean you can develop or use the land as you wish. There may be zoning controls to comply with, which you need to check and clarify under the local council’s Town Planning Scheme and the WA Residential Design Codes (R-Codes). Each local council has its own Town Planning Scheme, which may place restrictions on building size, setbacks, density or future development. These controls can affect whether you are able to extend, subdivide or ultimately combine the two properties.

Titles, Easements and Encumbrances

One of the most important due diligence steps is reviewing the Certificate of Title and associated Plan from Landgate. The Title and Plan will give you information about any ownership, restrictive covenants, or easements that may affect what you can do with the property or how the land can be used. 

It is not uncommon for a neighbouring property to have different restrictions from your existing home. For example, easements for services or access rights may limit where you can build or how the land can be altered.

Before signing a contract of sale, consider the site conditions, such as soil type and distribution, which can affect the cost of preparation and house design. You will also want to ensure the block dimensions and boundaries match the land’s official documents, which is where a licensed surveyor can assist.

Amalgamating Lots – Due Diligence Steps

If your intention is to eventually combine both properties into a single title, additional planning and approvals will generally be required. This includes the approval of a subdivision application by The Western Australian Planning Commission. This approval is subject to clearance of WAPC conditions, via written advice from the agencies or authorities such as Local Government or the local Water Corporation. The written advice confirms that the WAPC’s requirements outlined in the conditions have been fulfilled.

Once all conditions are met, the final plan of survey can be submitted to Landgate for registration as a single title.

Standard Due Diligence Still Applies

Even though the property is right next door, it is important not to overlook standard due diligence checks. Familiarity with the area does have its perks; however, it does  not replace the need for careful review. 

A conveyancer can assist by:

• Reviewing the contract of sale and any special conditions
• Recommending suitable building and pest inspectors where appropriate
• Conducting searches on your behalf for environmental or site-specific considerations

These steps help to ensure that both properties can work together as intended and reduce the risk of unexpected issues arising during settlement.

How KDD Conveyancing can help 

While there are conveniences associated with purchasing a property that you are so familiar with and in close proximity to, the settlement process still involves careful coordination, planning, and legal and land title considerations. Title matters; planning controls and timing all need to align with your future plans.

KDD Conveyancing has helped many Perth families and homeowners take advantage of neighbouring property opportunities, particularly those looking to expand their existing home without leaving the area they love.  Our team has the experience to conduct thorough title searches, identify potential risks and manage settlement timelines according to WA legislation with confidence.

Get in touch with us early so we can guide and help you feel confident through the settlement process, like we have helped others. Our professional, friendly team is here to guide you through the process and help make this exciting opportunity feel manageable and well planned.