400–650 m²: keep 25–30% as garden
In Victoria’s General Residential Zone, blocks of 400–500 m² must keep at least 25% as garden area, and 500–650 m² blocks at least 30%. Blocks under 400 m² have no minimum.
Dual occupancy guide · Keilor East & Moonee ValleyTwo homes on
your block?
What a Keilor East or Moonee Valley block can usually take, the planning rule that decides it, and the two things that can stop a second home outright.
Ask about your block
Our homes
in Keilor East.
Nyah Street is two four-bedroom homes on what was one 601 m² block, completed in 2023. Noga Avenue (2026, 540 m²) and Knoll Street (2019, 485 m²) are single custom homes a few streets apart. Henry Street, a second dual occupancy, is in development now.
Between them they show what a typical Keilor East block can carry, from one generous family home to two homes on separate titles.
THE RULE THAT DECIDES IT
Over 650 m²: keep 35%
The requirement steps up just past 650 m², so two blocks that look alike from the street can end up with quite different designs. It is something to design around, not a deal-breaker.
No minimum lot size
Moonee Valley does not set a minimum lot size for subdividing in its residential zones, so garden area, setbacks and site coverage decide what fits. Height is generally capped at 11 metres and three storeys.
Two things that
can stop it.
A single-dwelling covenant. Some older titles carry a restriction allowing only one home on the block. It sits on the certificate of title rather than any council map, so it is the first thing to check.
The Melbourne Airport Environs Overlay. Part of Keilor East sits under the airport overlay, which limits how many homes a block can hold. If it applies, a second home is usually not possible, though a knockdown rebuild or renovation may be.
In the older suburbs, such as Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Ascot Vale, heritage overlays can also limit what can be demolished or built. Send us the address and we will look at all of it before we speak.
Send us your address
ONE BLOCK, TWO HOMES
Nyah Street
A 601 m² Keilor East block became two four-bedroom homes, each with its own entry, garden and title. It is the clearest local example of what a typical block in the suburb can carry.
Explore the projectCan I build two homes on a 600 m² Keilor East block?
Often, yes, provided the title and overlays allow it. Nyah Street started as a 601 m² block and is now two four-bedroom homes, each on its own title. Every block is different, so we check yours before saying yes.
What approvals does a second home need?
Usually a planning permit from Moonee Valley City Council for the design, then a building permit before work starts. We will talk you through the approvals that apply to your block and how they fit the timeline.
How do I know if there is a covenant on my title?
A covenant is recorded on your certificate of title, not on council planning maps. If you have a copy of your title we can read it with you; if not, a current copy can be ordered from LANDATA.
Is my block under the airport overlay?
Part of Keilor East is covered by the Melbourne Airport Environs Overlay, and the boundary does not follow streets neatly. Send us the address and we will check. If it applies, a knockdown rebuild or renovation may still be possible.
Does this apply outside Keilor East?
The same Moonee Valley rules apply in Essendon, Essendon West, Aberfeldie, Niddrie, Strathmore, Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale, Avondale Heights and Airport West. The main difference is heritage protection, which is more common in the older suburbs.
What will a dual occupancy cost?
We don’t publish prices, because a figure without your block behind it would only be a guess. Once the design is far enough along to price properly, you get a detailed cost with everything explained.