If you got here because you are researching a property suitable for development STCA, you may also be interested in these articles:
- What’s the minimum size of land required to subdivide in Victoria?
- Subdividing land in Victoria: The 5 tests your property must pass
Alternatively, if you are about to purchase a property STCA you may wish to consider our:
- Pre-Purchase Development Assessment service.
Thanks for visiting and we hope you enjoy the following post!
STCA – four letters you have seen many times as you browse through Australian real estate websites searching for your property.
But what exactly does STCA mean?
What does STCA mean?
STCA stands for “Subject to Council Approval” and is typically used to describe the subdivision / development potential of a property.
For example:
- “Multi-unit site (STCA)”
- “Dual occupancy site STCA”
- “Development site (STCA)”
Unfortunately (in Victoria anyway), all that the term STCA can legally refer to is exactly that: potential.
It is simply sales copy used by Real Estate agents to add perceived value to a property.
The Real Estate Agent only needs to have an opinion that the property is suitable for development (after all, final say rests with Council).
Remember that the Real Estate Agent’s job is to sell the property – on behalf of the vendor (& not to offer you qualified development advice).
That said, the property may very well be suitable for development – there is just no level of recourse with the Real Estate Agent if its not.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the potential of a property to be developed does not rest with the words of a real estate agent but rests with solid research and State & Local planning policy compliancy.
The letters STCA may mean “Subject to Council Approval” but our preferred interpretation is “Caveat Emptor: let the buyer beware“.
BUYING PROPERTY STCA?
Ask us how an STCA Development Assessment
can help you gain Council support before you purchase.
Relevant Links:
- Sydney Morning Herald/The Age article titled “Lost in Translation” – about Real Estate terms including STCA
Related posts:
- Property Investment Strategies: How to proactively add significant equity without building or renovating
- Searching for a Development Site
- Do you have plans for 2012? Part 1 – Your homework
- Restrictive Covenant: Is your development over before it even begins?
- How to get a Planning Permit: Don’t design for VCAT
Subscribe via RSS
Follow us on Twitter