Best Suburbs for Townhouse Development Under $1M in Brisbane

Best Suburbs for Townhouse Development Under $1M in Brisbane

Finding affordable development sites in Brisbane is increasingly challenging as land values rise. However, several suburbs still offer genuine opportunities for townhouse developments where the acquisition cost remains under $1 million.

We've analysed zoning provisions, recent sales, development feasibility, and end-buyer demand to identify the top suburbs for townhouse development on a budget.

The Top 10

1. Zillmere

• Why: Low-medium density zoning near Zillmere station with 600m²+ blocks available
• Typical acquisition: $600K–$900K for suitable sites
• End product: 3–5 townhouses in a walk-up configuration
• Demand driver: Proximity to station, affordable price point for first home buyers

2. Carseldine

• Why: Emerging precinct with the former QUT Carseldine campus redevelopment driving demand
• Typical acquisition: $650K–$950K
• End product: 3–6 townhouses, strong family market
• Demand driver: New precinct amenity, station access, established family suburb

3. Geebung

• Why: Medium density zoning with aging housing stock on larger blocks
• Typical acquisition: $600K–$850K
• End product: 3–5 townhouses
• Demand driver: Station proximity, improving café culture, proximity to Chermside

4. Moorooka

• Why: One of Brisbane's most undervalued inner-south suburbs with favourable zoning
• Typical acquisition: $700K–$950K
• End product: 3–6 townhouses
• Demand driver: Station, proximity to Greenslopes Hospital, value buyers from surrounding suburbs

5. Salisbury

• Why: Medium density zones near the station with affordable entry
• Typical acquisition: $600K–$850K
• End product: 3–5 townhouses
• Demand driver: Beenleigh line access, proximity to QEII Hospital, affordability

6. Coopers Plains

• Why: Underappreciated suburb with zoning that supports townhouse development
• Typical acquisition: $650K–$900K
• End product: 3–5 townhouses
• Demand driver: Station access, proximity to Sunnybank amenity, affordable entry for buyers

7. Oxley

• Why: Larger blocks with medium density zoning in a leafy, established suburb
• Typical acquisition: $700K–$950K
• End product: 3–6 townhouses on larger sites
• Demand driver: Station, proximity to DFO and Ipswich Road corridor, family market

8. Banyo

• Why: North side option with good zoning and Redcliffe Peninsula Line accessibility
• Typical acquisition: $700K–$950K
• End product: 3–5 townhouses
• Demand driver: Dual station access (Banyo + Nudgee), proximity to airport employment

9. Rocklea

• Why: Very affordable entry with pockets of residential zoning among commercial areas
• Typical acquisition: $550K–$800K
• End product: 3–4 townhouses
• Demand driver: Affordability, station access, proximity to industrial employment

10. Darra

• Why: Among the most affordable options in Brisbane with medium density zoning
• Typical acquisition: $550K–$800K
• End product: 3–5 townhouses
• Demand driver: Station, proximity to Springfield corridor, strong rental demand

Key Considerations

What to Look For

• Minimum 600m² for a viable townhouse project
• Code assessable under the relevant planning scheme for faster approval
• Flat to gently sloping topography for efficient design
• No significant overlays (flooding, heritage, vegetation)

What to Avoid

• Sites in flood zones without adequate freeboard
• Character overlay areas where demolition is restricted
• Blocks narrower than 15m (limits design efficiency)
• Sites with significant contamination risk

Free Development Feasibility Review

ACRES works with developers and investors to identify and acquire suitable development sites across Brisbane. Contact us for a complimentary feasibility review of any suburban opportunity.

Find your next townhouse development site.

Daniel McCormack

Managing Director, ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group

07 3096 0542About the author →Meet the team →