Property Investment Blog

New Call-to-action
All Posts

What are Subdivision Widow Blocks?

Widow blocks still currently exist and allow property owners to subdivide the lot in to smaller blocks.

This is a great strategy to manufacture equity and provides property owners with a number of options - land banking, sell the land or build to sell and/or hold. Widow blocks exist throughout Brisbane from the times of World War 1. These lots are rectangular in shape and split diagonally with two triangular portions so the rear allotment does not have street frontage.

Widow blocks are effectively 2 lots on 1 title.

Why was the block split like this?

World War 1 soldiers split their blocks diagonally (with the rear block in the wife's name) to prevent them from selling the house while they were away at war.

 what are subdivision widow blocks

Can you subdivide a widow block?

Widow blocks are 2 lots on 1 title which means the buyers purchased 2 lots and built 1 dwelling across both lots. The original lot numbers remain and over time the 2 titles were combined to form a single title.

If you research the lot/plan reference for the lot, it will show the property description with 2 lot numbers, for example: L286-287 RP33003.

These blocks can be split into 2 lots and are generally easier than a full subdivision where it only requires a reconfiguration of the lot. 

The typical size of a widow block in Brisbane is 810m² and post subdivision, the 2 lots will be 405m² each in size.

Learn more with this quick video


 

 

New call-to-action

Real Estate Investar Editor
Real Estate Investar Editor
Real Estate Investar provides intelligent software, tools and data to help you save time and make money in the residential property investment market.

Related Posts

5 Property Investment Tips That Every Investor Should Know

Property investment is one of the ways to build long-term wealth. In Australia, statistics show that the value of residential property increased in early 2024. If you make smart property investments, you will have great profits and pave your way towards financial freedom.

The Ultimate Beginner's Checklist for Successful Property Investment

Investing in property is an effective way to build wealth in Australia. In fact, the Australian Bureau of Statistics states that the total value of residential dwellings in the country increased significantly in the March quarter. It shows Australians find property a worthy and stable investment.

Cash Rate Remains Unchanged at 4.35%

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate target unchanged at 4.35 per cent and the interest rate paid on Exchange Settlement balances unchanged at 4.25 per cent.