Brisbane’s inner-west suburbs are poised to take a larger share of the city’s housing growth, with new planning rules opening more sites near rail stations, shopping centres and major services to low-rise residential development.
St Lucia, Indooroopilly, Taringa, Toowong and Highgate Hill are among the suburbs where eligible low-medium density land could accommodate smaller lots, townhouses and additional apartments. The changes are intended to broaden housing choice in established neighbourhoods where transport, education, retail and community services are already in place.
Smaller homes broaden options in established suburbs
The revised planning framework allows lots as small as 120 square metres in qualifying parts of the low-medium density zone where design and built-form requirements are met.
Development of up to three storeys is provided for more broadly, while multiple dwellings of up to four storeys may be permitted at designated locations close to frequent public transport or centres.
Council says Brisbane’s housing stock has not kept pace with changing household sizes. More than half of the city’s households are singles or couples, while fewer than one-third of homes have one or two bedrooms, creating demand for smaller housing suited to different stages of life.
Western suburbs already contain many smaller households. The 2021 Census recorded an average household size of 2.2 people in Taringa, while Highgate Hill averaged 2.3 and Indooroopilly 2.5.
Existing transport gives density a head start
Access to established public transport is a central part of the planning approach, particularly around locations with frequent services.
Indooroopilly is already identified as a major western Brisbane centre combining shops, employment and community services with high-frequency public transport, including its railway station and bus interchange.
Toowong also contains an established centre and railway station, while St Lucia and Taringa sit close to major education, employment and transport destinations. Highgate Hill’s inner-city location places parts of the suburb close to established bus routes and the broader South Brisbane and West End service network.
Council’s housing strategy says concentrating more homes near transport and shops can make greater use of existing infrastructure and services while keeping residents closer to everyday destinations.
Low-rise development remains the focus
Eligible low-medium density land is not being converted into a high-rise zone. The changes instead expand opportunities for housing between detached homes and large apartment towers, including row houses, townhouses, dual occupancies and low-rise apartments.
Small-lot controls include a 55 per cent site-cover limit for lots under 180 square metres and a 70 per cent maximum impervious area, with provisions intended to retain space for landscaping, stormwater infiltration, street trees and on-street parking.
Additional housing capacity could give residents more options to remain in established western and inner-city neighbourhoods as their housing needs change. The number and timing of new homes will still depend on individual sites, landowners, market conditions and applicable development approvals.
Published 2-Sept-2026
