New to building or developing in Western Australia? You may have already come across terms like “R-Codes,” “battle-axe blocks,” or “grouped dwellings” and wondered what they really mean.

This glossary is designed to explain common terms in plain language, especially for first-time home builders and small-scale developers in WA. Whether you’re planning to build your dream home, subdivide an existing lot, or explore development opportunities, understanding these words will help you make informed decisions from start to finish.

Land and Zoning Terms

  • R-Codes: Short for Residential Design Codes. These set out what can be built on a residential block, including density, setbacks, and open space requirements.
  • Zoning: Council-assigned categories that control how land can be used (e.g. R20, R30, R40). Each zone has different rules for what you can build.
  • Green Title: A standalone block of land with its own services and no shared property. Considered the most traditional form of land ownership.
  • Survey Strata: A type of subdivision where individual lots are surveyed and titled separately but may share driveways or services.
  • Strata Title: Typically used in multi-unit developments (like apartments or villas), where owners share common areas such as driveways or gardens.
  • Battle-Axe Block: A rear lot with a narrow access leg (the handle) and a buildable area at the back (the head). Common in infill developments.
  • House Behind House: A development where a second home is built at the rear of an existing home, often using a shared driveway.
  • Side-by-Side Development: Two new homes built next to each other on a subdivided lot, each with its own street frontage.
  • Corner Block: A lot with two street-facing sides, offering more flexibility in design and access.
  • Easement: A section of land where others have the legal right to access or use for a specific purpose, such as utilities.

Development and Subdivision Terms

  • Subdivision: The process of dividing a single lot into two or more lots, each with its own title.
  • Duplex: Two homes on one block, often referred to as house-behind-house or side-by-side developments.
  • Triplex / Quadplex: A development where three or four homes are built on a single block, often with shared access or driveways.
  • Grouped Dwellings: Multiple homes on a single lot, typically sharing access. Common in R30 zoning and above.
  • Multiple Dwellings: Apartments or vertically stacked units, assessed differently under the R-Codes (usually R60 and above).
  • Granny Flat: A small, self-contained secondary dwelling built behind or beside the main home. Also known as an ancillary dwelling in WA.
  • WAPC: The Western Australian Planning Commission. Responsible for assessing and approving subdivision applications.
  • Landgate: The WA government agency that manages land titles and property information.

Construction and Design Terms

  • House & Land Package: Where you buy a block of land and build a new home in one streamlined process. Typically sold by builders or developers.
  • Setback: The minimum distance your home must be from the front, side or rear boundary.
  • Crossover: The section of driveway that crosses the verge and connects your property to the street.
  • Frontage: The width of your lot where it faces the street. Important for determining what can be built.
  • Building Envelope: The portion of the block where you are allowed to build, as defined by planning rules and setbacks.
  • Orientation: How your home is positioned to the sun and wind. North-facing living areas are ideal for light and energy efficiency.
  • Footprint: The outline or area your home occupies on the block at ground level.
  • Turnkey: A fully finished home that is ready to move into, including landscaping, painting and fencing.
  • Slab: The concrete base of your home. Its design depends on soil type and site conditions.
  • Alfresco: A covered outdoor living area that connects to the interior, often under the same roof as the main home.
  • Hipped Roof: A roof that slopes down on all four sides. Common in modern and traditional Australian home designs.
  • Gabled Roof: A roof with two sloping sides that meet at a peak. The triangular wall at each end is called the gable.
  • Raked Ceiling: A ceiling that follows the slope of the roof, creating extra height and a spacious feel.
  • Balustrade: A safety railing on stairs or balconies, required by code in elevated areas.
  • Eaves: The overhanging edge of the roof. Helps shade the windows and protect the walls from weather.
  • NCC (National Construction Code): The set of rules and standards for building safety, sustainability and structure in Australia.
  • NatHERS Star Rating: A rating between 0 and 10 based on the energy efficiency of your home design. WA requires a minimum of 6 stars.
  • Retaining Wall: A structure that holds back soil, commonly used when building on sloped land or during subdivision.

Financial and Planning Terms

  • Stamp Duty: A state government tax on property transactions. In WA, first-home buyers may be eligible for exemptions or concessions depending on the land value.
  • Developer Contributions: Fees paid to the local council as part of a subdivision or development approval. These help fund infrastructure such as roads, drainage, or parks.
  • LGA (Local Government Area): The local council responsible for planning approvals and building compliance in your suburb or region.
  • Covenant: A legal condition on the title that limits what you can build or requires certain design features. Common in new estates.
  • Encumbrance: Any registered interest on a property title that may restrict development, such as easements, caveats, or covenants.
  • Finance Pre-Approval: An early agreement from a lender indicating how much you can borrow. Often required before signing a building contract.
  • Fixed Price Contract: A building contract where the cost of construction is agreed upfront, helping avoid budget blowouts.
  • Provisional Sum: An estimated cost included in a contract for works where the exact amount is not known yet, such as earthworks or retaining walls.
  • Progress Payments: Scheduled payments made to the builder at key construction stages (slab, frame, lock-up, etc.), as outlined in your contract.

Ready To Speak The Lingo?

Understanding the language of building and subdivision is a huge step toward making confident decisions during your project. Whether you are planning a custom build, exploring your block’s potential for subdivision, or just starting out, knowing these terms can save time and reduce stress.

At Chross Homes, we’re here to guide you through every step — from concept to construction — in plain language. If you’d like to talk about your land, your plans, or what’s possible on your block, get in touch today.