Thinking about building a duplex, townhouse, or multi-unit development in Queensland?

It’s an exciting opportunity – but it’s also a process with a lot of moving parts. From pre-sales through to final titles, understanding the journey early can save you time, money, and stress.

At Arnold’s, our surveying and town planning team works with you from the outset to guide the process, identify risks early, and help keep your project moving smoothly from concept to completion.

Here’s a simplified look at how it all comes together 👇

What Counts as a Multi-Unit Development?
In Queensland, this includes:

  • Duplexes
  • Triplexes
  • Townhouses
  • Terraces
  • Dual occupancy projects

Each of these typically involves strata (building format) subdivision, where individual ownership is created for each dwelling.

The 9 Key Steps

1. Pre-Sales & Disclosure
Before selling “off the plan,” developers must provide buyers with detailed disclosure documents.
This includes draft survey plans, exclusive use areas (like courtyards), and a proposed Community Management Statement (CMS).

👉 This is where a registered cadastral surveyor plays a key role – and where Arnold’s can assist in preparing accurate draft plans and setting your project up correctly from day one.

2. Town Planning Approval
Most developments require approval from council – often via a Material Change of Use (MCU) application.

Council will issue conditions that must be met before titles can be created.
👉 With in-house town planning, Arnold’s can help navigate approvals and flag potential issues early to avoid delays later.

3. Building Approval
Once planning is approved, building approval is obtained (usually through a private certifier), allowing construction to begin.

4. Construction
The project is built – typically to “lock-up” stage before final survey work is completed.

Accurate surveying at this stage is critical to ensure the building matches approved plans and avoids compliance issues.
👉 Our team works alongside your builder to ensure everything aligns with approved documentation.

5. Strata Survey Plans
Your surveyor prepares the final subdivision plans, including:

  • Building Format Plan
  • Exclusive Use Areas
  • Service Location Diagrams

These form the foundation of the strata titles.
👉 Arnold’s manages this process end-to-end to ensure accuracy and compliance.

6. Legal Documentation
A property lawyer finalises the Community Management Statement (CMS) and any supporting documents (easements, mortgage releases, etc.).

👉 Close collaboration between your surveyor, planner and lawyer is essential – and something we actively coordinate to keep things progressing efficiently.

7. Plan Sealing (Council Approval)
Before titles can be issued, council must confirm all development conditions have been met.

This includes things like:

  • Infrastructure charges paid
  • Landscaping completed
  • Services installed and signed off

👉 Arnold’s handles the plan sealing process and works with all parties to help achieve timely approval.

8. Titles Registration
Once sealed, documents are lodged with Titles Queensland.

This is when individual titles are officially created for each lot.

9. Settlement
With titles issued, buyers can settle, finance is finalised, and ownership is transferred.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even well-planned projects can run into delays. The most common issues include:

  • Not meeting council conditions (e.g. landscaping, drainage, driveways)
  • Building not matching approved plans
  • Missing service connections (NBN, stormwater, etc.)
  • Poor coordination between consultants

👉 With the right advice and coordination from the beginning, many of these risks can be avoided.

Why It Matters
Multi-unit developments aren’t just about construction – they’re about coordination.

Surveyors, planners, lawyers, builders, and certifiers all need to align to keep your project moving.

With both surveying and town planning expertise under one roof, Arnold’s is uniquely positioned to guide your development through every stage.

We Can Help Guide Your Project
From early-stage feasibility and planning advice through to final plan sealing and titling, Arnold’s supports your project from start to finish.

We don’t just prepare plans – we help you navigate the process, reduce risk, and keep your development on track.

📩 Get in touch with Arnold’s today to discuss your project and see how we can help bring it to life.