Many homeowners in Brisbane are planning to knock down their properties to build a duplex or granny flat. This growing demand for multi-dwelling housing options will increase the number of house demolitions in Brisbane. But before you call in a team to knock down your home, here’s what to know about council requirements and other considerations.
Types of Projects Involving Demolition
Duplexes
For many Brisbane homeowners, demolition is the first step toward building a duplex. By clearing the existing home, you unlock the potential to create two separate dwellings on the same block.
This doesn’t just maximise how you use the land but can also significantly boost both property value and rental yield. In most cases, a full demolition is needed to give builders the flexibility to design efficiently and meet planning requirements.
Granny Flats
Granny flats are another common reason for partial or full demolition. Older properties may have garages, sheds, or outdated extensions that limit space on the lot. By removing these structures, homeowners can create the room needed for a modern, self-contained secondary dwelling.
In some cases, demolishing part of the existing home can also reconfigure the site to better suit a new granny flat, offering a cost-effective way to add value and create accommodation for family members or tenants.
Subdividing for Rear Dwellings
Subdivision projects often involve clearing a portion of the existing house or demolishing it entirely to make way for a dwelling at the rear of the block. This requires careful planning to ensure access for driveways and utility services.
Brisbane City Council also has strict rules around subdivision approvals, meaning homeowners must secure consent before demolition begins. Done correctly, this type of project can maximise the development potential of larger blocks.
Council Requirements in Brisbane
Minimum Lot Sizes
Council regulations around lot sizes play a major role in determining what type of development is possible after demolition. Duplexes generally require larger lots of 600 square metres or more, while granny flats may be allowed on blocks as small as 450 square metres, depending on location.
Subdivision approvals are tied closely to whether the parent lot meets council’s minimum land size requirements, so checking these details early avoids costly setbacks.
Zoning Considerations
Zoning is another key factor influencing redevelopment options. In low-density residential zones, redevelopment may be restricted to single homes or secondary dwellings such as granny flats.
Medium- or high-density zones, on the other hand, open the door to duplexes or even multiple dwellings on the same block. Understanding your property’s zoning ensures you plan a project that aligns with Brisbane City Council’s planning framework.
Development Applications
Whether you need a development application depends on the specifics of your project. A full DA is required when the proposed build doesn’t meet accepted development standards, which is often the case with subdivisions and duplex builds.
Smaller projects, such as granny flats that meet strict size and setback rules, may only need building approval. Knowing the difference can help you streamline approvals and avoid unnecessary delays.
How Demolition Teams Unlock Site Potential
Full Demolition
A full demolition gives homeowners and builders a clean slate to work with. By removing the entire structure, the block can be reconfigured to accommodate a duplex, subdivision, or new build without the limitations of the old footprint.
It also allows for modern design choices, more efficient use of land, and the integration of updated services such as drainage and utilities.
Partial Demolition
In some cases, partial demolition is more appropriate, particularly when a homeowner wants to keep part of the original structure.
For example, removing an outdated garage or extension can make space for a granny flat or rear dwelling while retaining the main house. This approach can be more cost-effective while still unlocking new potential for the site.
Project Timing and Planning
One of the most important aspects of any demolition project is early coordination between demolition contractors and builders. Site conditions, access points, and soil quality all influence demolition methods and future construction. Involving both teams from the beginning helps avoid surprises and keeps the project on track.
Work With Specialists For House Demolition in Brisbane
If you’re knocking down a Brisbane property to build a granny flat, duplex, or start a subdivision project, you should know about the minimum lot sizes, zoning considerations, and whether to submit a development application. Before starting, you should plan whether to schedule a full or partial demolition, as it’s how you unlock the site’s full potential. You also know to communicate with builders and the demolition team to decide on a timeline, as council permits, asbestos removal approvals, and utility disconnections can take several weeks.