Queensland Housing Code
Consultation is now open on the proposed Queensland Housing Code.
We want to know your thoughts about the:
- technical requirements of the Queensland Housing Code
- potential benefits or outcomes the code could deliver.
The survey closes midnight, Thursday 31 July 2025.
Your feedback will help refine the proposed Queensland Housing Code.
About the proposed Queensland Housing Code
The proposed Queensland Housing Code has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders to promote consistent design and siting standards for detached houses on single lots across Queensland.
Design and siting standards support efficient land use and ensure both privacy and good amenity outcomes for residents.
To achieve this, the proposed code will regulate elements such as:
- building height
- the distance between dwellings and lot boundaries
- visual privacy
- car parking
- private open space.
Why is a Queensland Housing Code needed?
Detached homes represent approximately 70% of all new residential construction. However, the design and siting requirements for single detached dwellings and associated structures under the Queensland Development Code (QDC Mandatory Part 1.1 and QDC Mandatory Part 1.2) have not been updated in over 10 years.
Feedback from industry and the widespread adoption of alternative provisions by local governments suggests the QDC requirements are not fit for purpose, do not reflect modern housing design principles or facilitate housing diversity and choice. The updated provisions proposed in the draft QHC aim to reduce, and potentially remove, the need to vary the QDC.
Replacing the QDC 1.1 and QDC 1.2 with a new QHC forms part of the Building Reg Reno, making it easier to build in Queensland) and represents a significant opportunity to:
- reduce red tape for the construction industry and new homeowners
- simplify planning and building approval processes
- support housing affordability and diversity
- promote residential amenity and liveability.
The government has committed to deliver 1 million homes by 2044. Streamlining and replacing existing provisions to expedite the approval process is a critical first step to achieving this goal.
Guidance materials
To gain a better understanding of the QHC proposal, you can:
- Review a comparison table—this table highlights the changes between QDC 1.1, QDC 1.2 and the draft QHC.
- Watch the webinar—this provides an overview of the proposed changes and their benefits.
Related information
- View the QHC draft consultation
- QDC 1.1 (design and siting standards for single detached housing on lots under 450m2)
- QDC 1.2 (design and siting standards for single detached housing on lots 450m2 and over)
- Building Reg Reno (Building Regulation Renovation)—making it easier to build in Queensland.