34 property owners in South East Queensland requested assessments this month
iKey Facts
- •Five signs your property may be a development site: zoned MDR/HDR, lot size 600m2+, near transport, corner position, or in a growth suburb
- •Developers in Brisbane are actively paying 20-80% above residential market value for sites with potential
- •Even older homes in poor condition can have significant development value — it is the land that matters
- •A free site appraisal from ACRES can determine your property's true development potential in 24-48 hours
- •You may be able to stay in your home during the conditional contract period — this is common in SEQ
Is Your Property a Development Site?
Not every property has development potential. But if your home sits on a block that ticks certain boxes, selling to a developer could unlock significantly more value than a traditional residential sale.
Here are five signs your property might be worth more as a development site.
Sign 1: Your Zoning Allows Higher Density
This is the most important factor. If your property is zoned for anything above low-density residential, it likely has development potential. In Brisbane, key zones to look for include:
- Low-Medium Density Residential (LMR): Allows duplexes, townhouses, and small lot housing
- Medium Density Residential (MDR): Allows walk-up apartments (3-5 storeys)
- High Density Residential (HDR): Allows apartment buildings (6+ storeys)
- Centre zones: Allow mixed-use development combining residential, commercial, and retail
You can check your property's zoning on your local council's online mapping tool. In Brisbane, this is the City Plan Interactive Mapping.
Sign 2: You're on a Large or Irregular Block
Developers need minimum site areas to achieve viable development yields. Generally:
- Townhouses: 600m²+ (for 3-4 dwellings)
- Walk-up apartments: 800m²+ (for 8-12 apartments)
- Mid-rise apartments: 1,000m²+ (for 20+ apartments)
If your block is larger than typical for your suburb, or if you're on an irregular shaped block that's less desirable for a home buyer but works well for a developer's design, the development premium could be substantial.
Sign 3: You're on a Corner Block
"But if your home sits on a block that ticks certain boxes, selling to a developer could unlock significantly more value than a traditional residential sale."
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Corner blocks are gold for developers. Dual street frontage allows for:
- Better apartment layouts with more natural light
- Separate pedestrian and vehicle access
- More attractive building forms that address both streets
- Higher density allowances under some planning schemes
If you own a corner block in a medium-to-high density zone, you almost certainly have development value above standard residential.
Sign 4: You're Near New Infrastructure
Major infrastructure projects create development demand. Properties within walking distance of the following are highly sought by developers:
- New or upgraded train stations (especially Cross River Rail stations)
- Bus rapid transit stations (Brisbane Metro)
- Major retail or commercial developments
- University or hospital expansions
The closer you are to these catalysts, the more a developer will pay — because the end-buyers of the completed product will also pay a premium.
Sign 5: Developers Have Already Approached You
If you've received unsolicited letters or knocks on the door from developers or their agents, it's a strong signal your property has development value. However, unsolicited approaches are often below market value because the developer is trying to avoid competition.
Pro tip: Never accept an unsolicited developer offer without getting independent advice. An experienced development site agent can test the broader market and create competitive tension that drives a significantly higher price.
How to Find Out for Sure
The fastest way to understand your property's development potential is to speak with a specialist development site agent. At ACRES, we provide a complimentary, no-obligation assessment that covers:
- Your property's zoning and what can be built
- Estimated development yield (number of dwellings)
- Current market demand for sites in your area
- Realistic price expectations based on recent comparable sales
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my property is a development site?
Key indicators include medium-to-high density zoning, a large or corner block, proximity to new infrastructure, and unsolicited approaches from developers. Check your local council zoning map as a first step.
Will selling to a developer take longer than a normal sale?
Development site sales typically take 3-6 months vs 4-8 weeks for residential. But the significantly higher price usually compensates for the longer timeframe.
Can I live in my home while it is marketed as a development site?
Yes. Most development site sales allow you to stay until settlement, which can be months or years after the contract is signed.
What happens if the developer cannot get approval?
Most development contracts include a DA condition clause. If the developer fails to obtain approval, the contract can be terminated and you keep the deposit and your property.
Do I need to pay for a town planning report before selling?
Not necessarily, but it can be valuable. A professional planning report costs $2,000-$5,000 but can add $50,000-$200,000 to the sale price by demonstrating site potential to developers.
How do I know if ACRES can sell my property?
ACRES provides free, no-obligation property assessments across all of South East Queensland. Call 07 3096 0542 or visit acres.au to request a confidential site appraisal.
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Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/should-i-sell-my-property-as-a-development-site | 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
