Brisbane subdivision rules have changed for part of the city. Under Brisbane City Council's More Homes, Sooner amendment to Brisbane City Plan 2014, the minimum lot size in a new Low-medium density residential zone precinct is now 120 m² where a site is more than 400 m walking distance from frequent public transport or centres. Council adopted the change on 18 August 2026 and it commenced on 18 September 2026.
For home owners, this is not a citywide licence to split any block into small lots. The 120 m² minimum applies only in one precinct of one zone, and only away from Key Locations. Council says the Low-medium density residential zone makes up 14% of Brisbane's residential areas. In Queensland, subdivision is formally called "reconfiguring a lot", and it generally still needs a development approval from council.
What is changing
Council's gazetted notice says the amendment does four main things in the Low-medium density residential zone:
- Combines two precincts. The former 2 or 3 storey mix zone precinct and Up to 3 storeys zone precinct are now one Low-medium density residential (3 or 4 storey mix zone precinct). Council's notice says there is "no change to the location or number of properties in the zone".
- Smaller lots. In the new precinct, the minimum lot size is 120 m² where a site is more than 400 m walking distance from frequent public transport or centres, with specific design and servicing requirements for these lots. Council's More Homes, Sooner fact sheet, issued for consultation, described this as a reduction from 260 m² to 120 m².
- Taller buildings. Building height rises to 3 storeys in the new precinct, and multiple dwellings of up to 4 storeys are allowed in Key Locations.
- Simpler approvals. More multiple dwelling and small lot proposals become code assessable, and dual occupancies in the new precinct become accepted development.
Council describes Key Locations as areas closer to centres and public transport stops or stations with services every 20 minutes or better on weekdays and every 30 minutes or better on weekends.
Council's summary of the adopted settings for the new precinct:
| Housing type | Where | Minimum lot size | Maximum height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small lot houses | Outside Key Locations | 120 m² (where design criteria are met) | 3 storeys, 11.5 m |
| Dual occupancies | Outside Key Locations | 400 m² | 3 storeys, 11.5 m |
| Multiple dwellings | Within Key Locations | 800 m² | 4 storeys, 14 m |
One change reaches beyond this zone. In the Low density residential zone, properties within 300 m walking distance of a shopping centre can now be subdivided to 300 m². Previously that distance was 200 m.
A separate More Homes, Sooner amendment changed car parking rates for multiple dwellings outside the City core and City frame. The citywide 2-bedroom rate fell from 2 spaces to 1.5. In Key Locations the new rates are 1 space for 1 bedroom, 1.2 for 2 bedrooms, 1.6 for 3 bedrooms and 2.0 for 4 or more bedrooms, with the visitor rate unchanged at 0.25.
When it applies
Both parts are adopted and in force. The low-medium density residential design amendment was adopted by council on 18 August 2026 and commenced on 18 September 2026 as City Plan Amendment v37.00/2026. The car parking amendment was adopted on 9 June 2026 and took effect on 12 June 2026, as v36.00/2026.
Public consultation ran from 20 February to 20 March 2026. Council's consultation report records 517 submissions and lists changes made in response, including clearer wording on walking distance and Key Locations.
What it could mean for your block
If your property is in the Low-medium density residential zone's new 3 or 4 storey mix zone precinct, and it is more than 400 m walking distance from frequent public transport or centres, smaller lots may now be possible. Whether they work on your site depends on the design and servicing requirements.
In Key Locations, the focus is instead on multiple dwellings of up to 4 storeys on sites of at least 800 m².
If your block is in the Low density residential zone, the 120 m² rule does not apply. The only lot size change there is the wider 300 m walking distance for 300 m² lots near shopping centres.
Zoning is only the first check. Overlays for flooding, heritage, character and bushfire, neighbourhood plans, sewer and water connections, stormwater, easements and access can all affect whether a lot reconfiguration is approved and what it involves.
How to check your property
- Search your address in council's City Plan online interactive map to see your zone, zone precinct and overlays.
- Read council's More Homes, Sooner amendment page and the housing supply page, which links a zone map.
- Check the walking distance to the nearest centre and frequent public transport stop, as this decides which rules apply.
- Read our Queensland subdivision guide for the reconfiguring a lot process, and order a Subdivision Checker report for a detailed report on your address.
- Ask a licensed surveyor or town planner to confirm what council would require for your site.
Frequently asked questions
Can I now subdivide my Brisbane block into 120 m² lots?
Only if your land is in the Low-medium density residential zone's new 3 or 4 storey mix zone precinct and is more than 400 m walking distance from frequent public transport or centres. Specific design and servicing requirements apply to these lots. Most houses in the Low density residential zone are not covered by the 120 m² rule.
When did the More Homes, Sooner lot size changes start?
Brisbane City Council adopted the low-medium density residential design amendment on 18 August 2026 and it commenced on 18 September 2026, as City Plan Amendment v37.00/2026. A separate amendment reducing some car parking rates for multiple dwellings was adopted on 9 June 2026 and took effect on 12 June 2026.
Did anything change for the Low density residential zone?
Yes, one thing. Council expanded the area where the existing 300 m² minimum lot size applies. Properties within 300 m walking distance of a shopping centre can now be subdivided to 300 m², up from the previous 200 m distance. Other Low density residential lot size rules were not part of this change.
Sources
- Brisbane City Council – Citywide amendment: More Homes, Sooner – Low-medium density residential design
- Brisbane City Council – Public notice of adoption (Queensland Government Gazette), City Plan v37.00/2026
- Brisbane City Council – Find an adopted amendment
- Brisbane City Council – Housing supply
- Brisbane City Council – More Homes, Sooner fact sheet
- Brisbane City Council – Citywide amendment: More Homes, Sooner – Car parking for multiple dwellings
- Brisbane City Council – Consultation report: More Homes, Sooner – Low-medium density residential design
- Brisbane City Council – City Plan online
This article is general information only, current at 2 October 2026. Proposals can change before they take effect. Speak to a licensed surveyor or town planner about your property.