Victoria’s New 10-Day VicSmart Approval Pathway: A Game Changer for Homeowners and Developers
Victoria’s housing landscape is changing and its good news for homeowners and developers across the state.
The Allan Labor Government has announced major planning reforms for eligible applications that will make it faster and easier to subdivide your block or build a second dwelling. The new system, part of Amendment VC288, introduces a 10-day VicSmart approval pathway to streamline eligible applications and boost housing supply across Victoria.
We’re proud to support these positive changes and help property owners prepare their sites for this new, simplified process.
What Is the New VicSmart Pathway?
The new 10-day VicSmart approval pathway is designed to reduce the time, cost, and complexity involved in getting approval for certain small-scale developments.
With the old system, many planning applications took more than 60 days to process. With the new reforms, eligible applications such as subdividing a block or building a second dwelling will be processed in just 10 business days.
This new system will:
- Cut approval times from over two months to 10 business days
- Reduce costs by an average of $2,400 per application
- Support housing supply by making it easier for property owners to create new homes
The amendment (VC288) was gazetted on 18 September and officially came into effect on 16 October 2025, which gave homeowners and industry professionals time to prepare.
Why Licensed Surveyors Are Essential to the Process
As Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny emphasised, licensed surveying companies like All General Surveying play a vital role in enabling these housing reforms.
Surveyors are responsible for preparing the subdivision plans, ensuring they meet planning, zoning, and regulatory requirements, and helping guide applications through the VicSmart process efficiently.
At AGS, our experienced team is already prepared to assist clients across Geelong and metropolitan Melbourne in giving their projects the best opportunity to be eligible for the new Vic smart application.
What This Means for Homeowners
For Victorian homeowners, this reform opens up new opportunities to:
- Unlock the potential of their property by subdividing their land
- Build a second dwelling for family, rental income, or investment
- Simplify the planning process with faster approvals and reduced costs
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to create an additional dwelling, a developer planning a small project, or a builder preparing for new housing opportunities, this system provides a more accessible pathway to getting your plans approved if they meet the eligible requirements.
Plan with All General Surveying
Are you considering subdividing your property or adding a second dwelling? Would you like to know if you are eligible for this streamlined pathway? Our licensed surveyors are ready to take away the confusion and guide you through the process. Contact us today to chat to our licensed surveyors.
