34 property owners in South East Queensland requested assessments this month
iSummary
Why corner blocks are worth more as development sites. Dual frontage, density bonuses, and design advantages that make corner properties highly sought by developers.
Source: ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group | acres.au
The Corner Block Advantage
If you own a corner block — a property with street frontage on two sides — you may be sitting on significantly more value than you realise. Corner blocks are among the most sought-after properties in the development site market.
Why Developers Love Corner Blocks
Dual Street Frontage
Two street frontages means:
- Separate vehicle and pedestrian access — cars enter from one street, people walk in from the other
- Better apartment amenity — more units get street-facing aspects and natural light
- Improved building design — architects have more flexibility to create attractive forms
Higher Density Allowances
Some planning schemes allow additional height or density on corner sites. Brisbane's City Plan, for example, recognises that corner sites can accommodate more intensive development without the same neighbour impacts as mid-block sites.
Superior Orientation
With two frontages, there's a much better chance that one side faces north — the premium orientation for residential development in Australia. North-facing apartments command higher sale prices.
Visual Prominence
Corner buildings are seen from two streets, making them natural landmarks. Developers can create distinctive architecture that serves as a marketing advantage for the completed project.
The Value Difference
In our experience at ACRES, corner blocks in medium density zones typically command a 20-40% premium over comparable mid-block sites. The premium reflects:
- Higher potential yield (more dwellings achievable)
- Better end-product amenity (higher sale prices per dwelling)
- Reduced construction risk (better access, simpler logistics)
What Makes Your Corner Block Even More Valuable
Your corner block has additional value if:
- It's zoned Medium Density or higher
- The lot size is 600m²+ (larger is better)
- One frontage faces north
- It's near public transport, shops, or employment
- The block is relatively flat
- There are no significant trees requiring retention
- Neighbouring properties could also be acquired (site consolidation potential)
Case in Point
Consider a typical 700m² corner block in an inner Brisbane suburb zoned Medium Density:
- As a family home: Worth approximately $1,000,000
- As a development site: Worth $1,400,000 - $1,800,000 to a developer building 10-15 apartments
That's a potential premium of $400,000 - $800,000 — simply because the block happens to be on a corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are corner blocks more valuable as development sites?
Corner blocks offer dual street frontage, allowing separate vehicle and pedestrian access, better apartment layouts, and often higher density allowances. They typically command 20-40% premiums over mid-block sites.
Is every corner block a development site?
No. The block still needs appropriate zoning, minimum size, and market demand. But corners have a natural advantage over mid-block sites in the same zone due to design flexibility and access benefits.
How much more is a corner block worth as a development site?
In inner Brisbane medium density zones, corner blocks can be worth 20-40% more than comparable mid-block sites — potentially $400,000-$800,000 more depending on size and location.
What property do you want assessed?
Our team will review your zoning, block size, and development potential.
100% free. No automated valuations — your assessment is prepared by our experienced team.
Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/why-your-corner-block-could-be-worth-more | 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
