34 property owners in South East Queensland requested assessments this month
iSummary
Brisbane suburbs where large blocks are disappearing fastest due to subdivision and development. Data on lot sizes, development activity, and what remaining big block owners should know.
Source: ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group | acres.au
The Big Block Is Becoming Extinct
Across Brisbane and South East Queensland, large residential blocks are being subdivided and developed at an unprecedented rate. The combination of population growth, housing demand, and council densification policies is transforming suburban landscapes.
For remaining large block owners, this creates a dual opportunity: your land is becoming rarer (and therefore more valuable), and developer demand for your block is increasing.
Where Big Blocks Are Disappearing Fastest
Inner South (5-8km from CBD)
Greenslopes, Coorparoo, Holland Park, Tarragindi
These suburbs once dominated by large Queenslander blocks on 800-1,200m² lots are rapidly densifying. Over the past 5 years, hundreds of large blocks have been converted into townhouse developments, dual occupancies, and subdivided lots.
What is driving it: Proximity to CBD, excellent schools, Cross River Rail connectivity, and strong end-buyer demand for new townhouses.
Remaining big block density: Approximately 20% of lots over 800m² — down from 45% a decade ago.
Inner North (5-8km)
Stafford, Kedron, Chermside, Wavell Heights
The northern suburbs have seen aggressive developer activity, particularly around the Chermside precinct. The new Kedron Brook bikeway corridor and proximity to the Prince Charles Hospital precinct are driving values.
What is driving it: Rezoning to Medium Density in many streets, strong Asian-Australian buyer demographics, and airport accessibility.
Remaining big block density: Approximately 25% of lots over 800m².
Inner West (3-7km)
Toowong, Indooroopilly, Taringa, St Lucia
University of Queensland proximity and the Western Freeway corridor make these suburbs prime targets for unit and townhouse developers. Large blocks with river views command extraordinary premiums.
What is driving it: Student and academic population, river access, prestige positioning, and upcoming Brisbane Metro route.
Remaining big block density: Less than 15% of lots over 800m² — among the most developed suburbs in Brisbane.
Logan and Outer South
Springwood, Shailer Park, Daisy Hill, Rochedale
Logan LGA is experiencing a wave of development as Brisbane buyers push south for affordability. Large acreage lots that were once semi-rural are being subdivided into 15-40 lot estates.
"For remaining large block owners, this creates a dual opportunity: your land is becoming rarer (and therefore more valuable), and developer demand for your block is increasing."
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What is driving it: Logan Motorway upgrades, new schools, relative affordability, and council rezoning of former acreage zones.
Remaining big block density: Still relatively high (40%+) but decreasing rapidly in key corridors.
Moreton Bay
North Lakes, Redcliffe, Caboolture, Burpengary
Moreton Bay is one of Australia's fastest-growing regions. Large blocks near the new Moreton Bay Rail Link stations are being actively targeted by developers.
What is driving it: Rail connectivity, population growth, affordable entry points, and council infrastructure investment.
Gold Coast
Southport, Robina, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach
Beachside and transport-adjacent suburbs on the Gold Coast are seeing intense developer activity. Large blocks near the light rail corridor are particularly sought after.
What is driving it: Light Rail extension, international tourism recovery, interstate migration, and the 2032 Olympics.
What This Means for Remaining Big Block Owners
Your Block Is Rarer Than It Was 5 Years Ago
As supply decreases, the value of remaining large blocks increases. Scarcity creates urgency among developers — they know the pool of available sites is shrinking.
Developer Competition Is Increasing
More developers are competing for fewer blocks. This is the ideal environment for selling because competition drives prices above market expectations.
Council Policy Supports Densification
Brisbane City Council's City Plan and the SEQ Regional Plan both encourage increased housing density in established suburbs. This means zoning changes that benefit large block owners are more likely in coming years.
The Window Is Open — But Not Forever
While current conditions strongly favour large block owners, several factors could change the equation:
- Council may introduce character overlays that restrict subdivision
- Infrastructure charges may increase
- Market conditions may cool with rising interest rates
- Political sentiment may shift against densification
The landowners who sell or subdivide in the current window are capturing peak demand.
How to Check Your Block's Position
- Visit your council's planning scheme maps
- Check whether your street is in a zone being targeted for higher density
- Look at recent development approvals on neighbouring blocks
- Note any infrastructure projects planned within 2km of your property
If your block is over 600m² in any of the suburbs mentioned above, it is worth understanding its development potential now. Request a free large block assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Brisbane suburbs have the most subdivision activity?
The highest subdivision activity is in inner-south suburbs (Coorparoo, Greenslopes, Holland Park), inner-north suburbs (Stafford, Kedron, Chermside), and growth corridors in Logan and Moreton Bay. These areas combine high demand with available large blocks.
Will my block be worth more if I wait to sell?
Generally yes, as supply of large blocks continues to decrease. However, the premium can plateau or decrease if council introduces restrictive overlays, market conditions change, or interest rates impact developer feasibility.
How do I know if developers are active in my suburb?
Check recent development applications on your council website. If you see multiple applications for townhouses, duplexes, or subdivisions in your suburb, developers are actively buying. You can also check our suburb profiles for current development trends.
Suburbs Mentioned in This Article
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Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/brisbane-suburbs-big-blocks-disappearing | ACRES (Australian Commercial & Residential Group) provides property advisory, development site sales, and residential real estate services across Brisbane and South East Queensland, Australia.
Daniel McCormack
Managing Director, ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
