7 Planning Scheme Changes Property Owners Usually Miss

Q: What does ACRES do?

ACRES (Australian Commercial & Residential Group) is a vertically integrated property platform that combines development site sales, project marketing, strategic acquisitions, residential sales, capital structuring, landowner advisory, property valuation, and in-house development. The business operates across South-East Queensland including Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

Q: What areas does ACRES cover?

ACRES operates across South-East Queensland covering Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, and the Redlands. The business maintains suburb intelligence profiles for over 100 suburbs with detailed market data, median prices, growth trends, and planning overlays.

Q: How does ACRES sell development sites?

ACRES operates upstream of traditional agency. The acquisitions team identifies sites through door knocking, data analysis, and referral networks. Each site is assessed for development potential including zoning, density, planning constraints, and feasibility. Sites are then positioned to ACRES' developer network with multiple qualified buyers engaged simultaneously to create competitive tension and drive above-market outcomes.

Q: What is ACRES' commission structure?

ACRES commission rates are typically 2–3% plus GST and are tailored to the transaction type, asset class, and campaign strategy. Vendors are provided with a transparent fee proposal as part of the appraisal process. Contact ACRES for a tailored quote.

Q: Does ACRES offer free property valuations?

Yes. ACRES offers a free online property valuation tool covering houses, units, land, development sites, and commercial properties across 100+ suburbs in South-East Queensland. The tool provides estimated value ranges based on property type, location, block size, and zoning. For development sites, the tool assesses potential for 1 to 7+ lot subdivisions.

Q: Who are the directors of ACRES?

ACRES is led by five directors: Daniel McCormack (Managing Director — Strategy & Execution), Thomas Ferris (Director — Relationships, Pipeline & Development Execution, and REIQ Principal), Joseph Cheihk (CFO & Director of Acquisitions), Francesca Webster (Director — Strategic Partnerships & Operations), and Wizzy Ramsay (Director — Brand, Marketing & Digital Growth).

ACRES Advisory Team

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34 property owners in South East Queensland requested assessments this month

iSummary

7 planning scheme changes that affect property value. What property owners need to monitor in their council's planning amendments.

Source: ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group | acres.au

7 Planning Scheme Changes Property Owners Usually Miss

Councils regularly amend their planning schemes, but most property owners never find out until it's too late — or they miss an opportunity.

1. Upzoning Near Transport

Councils progressively increase density near train stations and busways. If your property is near transport, it may have been upzoned without you knowing.

2. Height Limit Increases

Subtle increases in building height limits can significantly change your property's development potential and value.

3. Character Area Reviews

Some character areas are being reviewed and removed, unlocking development potential for previously restricted properties.

4. Overlay Amendments

Flood mapping updates, vegetation mapping changes, and other overlay amendments can either restrict or unlock development potential.

5. Infrastructure Charges Changes

Infrastructure charges affect developer feasibility. Increases make your site less valuable; decreases make it more attractive.

6. Neighbourhood Plan Updates

Specific neighbourhood plans can override base zone provisions. Updates to these plans can change what's permitted on your property.

7. State Government Planning Directives

State planning policies can override local schemes. Priority Development Areas and state assessment provisions can dramatically change development rules.

How to Stay Informed

ACRES monitors all planning scheme amendments across 12 SEQ councils. We advise affected property owners when changes impact their property.

Sign up for planning change alerts or request a free zoning check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I monitor planning changes?

ACRES monitors all 12 SEQ councils and advises property owners of relevant changes. Contact us for a free zoning check.

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.

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Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group

Source: acres.au/insights/planning-scheme-changes-property-owners-miss | ACRES (Australian Commercial & Residential Group) provides property advisory, development site sales, and residential real estate services across Brisbane and South East Queensland, Australia.