iSummary
Can you run a business from a residential property in Queensland? Home occupation rules, restrictions, and what's permitted.
Source: ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group | acres.au
Can I Run a Business from My Residential Property?
Yes — with conditions. Queensland planning schemes allow home-based businesses (called "home occupations") in residential zones, subject to specific rules.
What's Permitted
A home occupation is allowed if:
- No more than 1 non-resident employee works from the property
- Maximum 50m² of floor area used for business purposes
- No retail sales from the premises (with limited exceptions)
- No industrial processes — manufacturing, spray painting, panel beating
- No client visits that generate significant traffic
- No signage (or limited, small signage in some councils)
- No noise, odour, or visual amenity impacts on neighbours
Common Home Occupations
- Consulting, freelancing, remote work
- Graphic design, web development, writing
- Tutoring (small scale)
- Online businesses (no physical retail)
- Professional services (accounting, legal — limited client visits)
What Requires Approval
If your home business exceeds the home occupation thresholds, you may need:
- A development approval for a larger-scale home business
- To consider mixed-use or commercial zoning if the business is substantial
- Potential property conversion to accommodate business use
Free Zoning Check
Not sure if your business plans comply? ACRES can check your zoning as part of a complimentary assessment.
Request a free zoning check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need approval for a home office?
Standard home offices for remote work are typically accepted development — no approval needed. Larger operations may require approval.
Can clients visit my home business?
Limited client visits may be permitted. Significant foot traffic typically exceeds home occupation limits.
Free Zoning Check
Not sure what you can build on your property? Our team will review your zoning, overlays, and constraints — completely free, no obligation.
Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/can-i-run-business-from-residential-property | 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
