Brisbane slashes minimum block sizes to boost housing supply

Brisbane's City Council has approved significant planning changes, slashing minimum block sizes in certain suburbs to as little as 120 square meters. This move aims to stimulate housing supply in areas zoned for low-to-medium density, which constitute about 14 percent of the city's residential land.

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It makes sense to put density in a location that has all of those attributes.

Councilor Adam Allan, chair of the planning committee, stated that these areas are already well-served by public transport, shops, and services, making them ideal for increased density. He believes these changes could facilitate the creation of an additional 6,000 homes across the city, aiming to "reinvigorate the opportunity for more housing."

Recent market activity highlights the intense demand for land. In the inner suburb of Petrie Terrace, a 185-square-meter block, described as a "pint-sized driveway," sold at auction for $855,000. Real estate agent Nick Hall suggested this might be a record price for a plot of that size, noting its proximity to the CBD, upcoming Olympic venues, and Brisbane Grammar School.

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We believe there's [the] potential to have another 6,000 homes across the city under these changes.

Alongside smaller block sizes, the council is also easing subdivision rules and increasing height limits. Lots within 300 meters of a shopping center can now be subdivided into 300 square meters, down from 200 meters. Building heights will also rise to three or four stories, depending on the block's size and location. Despite these measures, some in the property industry caution that the changes may not fully resolve Brisbane's housing supply issues.

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This is within walking distance of the CBD, the new Olympic venues, Brisbane Grammar … so it's a very convenient area in which to live and get in and out of.