At Tenure Solutions (www.tenuresolutions.com.au), we specialise in subdivision, town planning, and property enhancement strategies that unlock the full potential of your property. One of the most progressive reforms currently suggested by Tenure Solutions for discussion in Queensland State planning, is the ability to title secondary dwellings (such as granny flats or detached units). This change could unlock enormous value for property owners, investors, and the Brisbane economy as a whole.
The Value Uplift from Titling Secondary Dwellings
Currently, secondary dwellings in Brisbane cannot be given a separate legal title under the Planning Regulation 2017. This means they are tied to the parent lot, limiting their independent resale value, equity potential, and borrowing power.
With reform, however, the ability to title these dwellings could unlock:
- A 15 – 30% uplift in resale value for compliant and council-approved secondary dwellings. Based on the current median house value of $1,000,000 this translates into $150,000 to $300,000. We estimate that more than 160,000 secondary dwelling opportunities exist in the Brisbane area which translates into an additional $24 – $48 Billion in property value
- Alternatively, Rental yields of 20 – 24% gross on construction costs (of between $150,000 to $300,000) translates into $30,000 to $72,000 rental income per annum. Again extrapolating this to allow for an additional 160,000 secondary dwellings, an additional $4.8 – $11.5 Billion income into the property market
- Stronger access to equity and borrowing power as banks prefer titled dwellings
- More efficient housing supply to relieve demand pressure in Brisbane’s high-growth market
The Scale of Additional Property Value Creation in Brisbane
If Brisbane were to enable the titling of secondary dwellings, the cumulative effect on the property market would be transformative. Based on 160,000 new secondary dwellings, the estimated nett market value creation would be:
| Average Nett Value per Secondary Dwelling | Total Value Across 160,000 Dwellings |
| $100,000 | $16 billion |
| $150,000 | $24 billion |
| $200,000 | $32 billion |
The annual rental flow potential is substantial. Based on current information, and assuming 95% occupancy and average estimated weekly rents below, the additional Brisbane rental income could reach:
- $400 per week: – $3.2 billion annually
- $500 per week: – $4.0 billion annually
- $600 per week: – $4.7 billion annually
Wider Market Benefits
The economic and planning benefits extend beyond individual investors:
- Relief for housing supply shortages in Brisbane
- Greater diversity of housing options with not much local government expenditure
- Enhancing current land potential through subdivision and titling
- Increased Local Government rates and infrastructure charges
- Stronger financial flexibility for property owners and the economy
Policy Pathway for Queensland Planning Reform
For these benefits to be realised, Queensland planning laws must be reformed to allow separate titling of secondary dwellings. Tenure Solutions advocates for progressive land use reforms that unlock hidden value and provide smarter pathways for subdivision, community title, and property development across Queensland.
Conclusion – Unlocking Land Potential
The titling of secondary dwellings represents one of the largest untapped opportunities in the Brisbane property market. With potential asset creation exceeding $16 billion and billions more in annual rental flow and local government rates, this reform could reshape the city’s housing supply, affordability, and investment landscape.
At www.tenuresolutions.com.au, we are committed to guiding property owners through subdivision, town planning, and titling reforms that unlock the true value of their land and/or buildings.
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