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iSummary
How to sell your East Brisbane home to a developer. Complete guide covering preparation, pricing, agent selection, and achieving the best development site price.
Source: ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group | acres.au
Why East Brisbane Sellers Should Consider a Development Sale
If your East Brisbane property sits on land zoned for medium or high density, selling to a developer could unlock 40-120% more value than a standard residential sale.
Step 1: Understand Your Development Potential
- Check your zoning at cityplan.brisbane.qld.gov.au
- Measure your block — lot size, frontage width, and shape affect yield
- Note key features — corner position, transport proximity, main road frontage
- Identify constraints — overlays, easements, heritage or character listings
Step 2: Choose a Specialist Agent
Look for:
- Development site experience in East Brisbane and Brisbane's inner ring
- An active database of developer buyers currently seeking sites
- Knowledge of recent comparable sales and current market conditions
- A clear marketing strategy targeting developer buyers
Warning: Unsolicited developer offers are almost always below market value. A specialist agent achieves 15-30% more through competitive tension.
"Given the significantly higher prices achieved, the net outcome is much better."
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Step 3: Prepare Your Property
Essential:
- Boundary survey ($2,000-$4,000)
- Title search and encumbrance review
- Planning summary — zoning, height limits, estimated yield
Valuable additions:
- Town planning assessment ($3,000-$5,000) — confirms realistic development potential
- Concept design ($5,000-$10,000) — makes the opportunity tangible for buyers
Don't invest in house renovations — developers will demolish regardless.
Step 4: Market Through an EOI Campaign
- Agent contacts developer database directly
- Information memorandum prepared with site details
- Site inspections with qualified buyers
- Offer deadline creates competitive tension
- Negotiate with strongest offers
Step 5: Negotiate Terms
Beyond price, negotiate:
- Deposit: 5-10% (push for 10%)
- Conditions: DA, finance, due diligence with clear timeframes
- Settlement: 6-18 months typical
- Sunset clause: Deadline for condition satisfaction
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sell my East Brisbane home to a developer?
Engage a specialist agent, prepare with survey and planning assessment, market through an EOI to create competitive tension, and negotiate terms as well as price.
Can I live in my East Brisbane home while selling to a developer?
Yes. You remain in the property throughout. Settlement is typically 6-18 months after contract.
What commission does a development site agent charge in East Brisbane?
Typically 1.5-2.5%. Given premiums of 40-120% above residential value, the net outcome is significantly better.
Suburbs Mentioned in This Article
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Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/selling-east-brisbane-home-to-developer-guide | 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
