Avoiding “Suburbia” in Development Planning
Australian suburbs are generally very comfortable places to live, but it’s difficult to deny that they’re often rather bland, homogenous and somewhat boring. But do they need to be? The answer to that question is ‘no’, there isn’t any reason why property developers can’t create attractive, functional and inherently liveable mini suburbs that people love calling home.
At Arnold Development Consultants, our urban planning and development specialists have worked with many property developers in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and around Queensland to create better, more liveable developments that are quite simply, better places to live.
What Makes A Great Property Development?
Understanding the needs and desires of the target market for the property development is extremely important, after all, property developers must make their development appealing to the people they’re trying to sell property to. Don’t forget that buying a home (especially a first home) is a huge step in anyone’s life and a major financial commitment, so you need to understand the criteria that are important to homebuyers and property investors. Naturally, location is one of the most vitally important considerations, as are:
- Block size and shape:
When subdividing a large block to create smaller parcels of land, the size and shape are incredibly important considerations. Whether your development project involves new-build homes or vacant blocks, ensure lot sizes are evenly shaped and provide adequate street frontage. Creating rectangular blocks with wide street frontage is highly advisable.
- Green spaces
Traditionally, many Australian property developments didn’t factor in green spaces, but it’s now a requirement for most residential zones and has the effect of making property in these developments more appealing to buyers. Most Australian homebuyers and investors, especially young families, favour property developments with parks and green spaces.
- Traffic access
Strategic town and urban planning ensure that traffic access to and throughout the property development meets local planning regulations, is functional and scalable (with regard to any future developments in the immediate area) and is essential.
- Topographic variation
Topographic variation is often shown in surveys among Australian homeowners and property buyers as an indicator of a great suburb, but not everyone agrees. While homeowners perched on hilltops enjoy great views, those in the lower-lying parts may find themselves living in flood-prone areas. A topographical survey performed before development gets underway identifies areas that need higher-capacity drainage and water diversion systems to ensure homes aren’t affected during storms and wet weather.
- Views
Green spaces, topographic variety and building codes all contribute to the overall views of a property development, and it’s hardly surprising that homebuyers focus their attention on the suburbs that offer attractive aesthetics. While little can be done in regards to what lies in the distances, like mountains and city skylines, property developers can consider factors like tree coverage and the orientation of blocks.
If you’d like to learn more about the urban planning and development solutions we provide at Arnold Development Consultants, contact your nearest ADC office in Brisbane or the Gold Coast to arrange a consultation at a convenient time.
