Tens of thousands more homeowners in Western Australia will soon be able to subdivide their properties under a significant revision of residential design codes, known as R-Codes, aimed at increasing housing supply in Perth.

Housing Minister John Carey announced that the overhaul would allow approximately 50,000 additional residential properties to be subdivided. The reforms would reduce the minimum block size eligible for subdivision from 900 square metres to 700 square metres for blocks zoned 'R20' and below—a low-density classification common across Perth's metropolitan area.

Mr. Carey described the changes as a "game changer" and the most substantial update to R-Codes in three decades, stating, "The proposed changes enable tens of thousands of existing properties to be subdivided that couldn't previously, providing more opportunities for housing in existing suburbs."

Cameron Leckey from the Western Australian branch of the Planning Institute of Australia welcomed the move, encouraging increased density in areas with existing infrastructure.

The proposed changes are scheduled for public consultation later this year, with implementation expected by July 2027.

Sources