Flood Prone Area Checklist

 Top 5 Checks Before Buying Land in Flood Prone Areas in Queensland

Building your dream home is exciting, but choosing the right land is crucial, especially in flood-prone areas.

Flooding is a natural process and can occur anywhere. Brisbane’s location on a floodplain, along with its sub-tropical climate and unique land features, means that residents and property owners may experience flooding in their lifetime. It is everyone’s responsibility to understand their flood risk and prepare for flooding.

Here are five essential checks to ensure your new home stands on solid (and dry) ground.

1. Review Flood Maps and Overlays

Each local council provides flood mapping and overlays that highlight flood-affected zones. Check these maps to understand the flood risk level of the property. Brisbane City Council, Redland City Council, Logan City Council, Ipswich City Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Rockhampton Regional Council, and Livingstone Shire Council, all have online resources to help.

2. Understand Flood Levels and Building Requirements

Know the minimum habitable floor levels required by local council regulations. Building above these levels is essential to reduce the risk of damage during floods. This could influence design decisions and construction costs.

3. Check Soil Conditions and Drainage

Flood-prone land can have specific soil and drainage issues. Conduct soil testing to assess stability and suitability for building. Proper drainage design will also be key to managing water flow during heavy rain.

4. Assess Insurance Implications

Properties in flood-prone areas can attract higher insurance premiums. Check with insurance providers early to understand potential costs and coverage limitations.

5. Seek Professional Advice

Our CJ Homes New Home Specialists can help to connect you with the right experts, including engineers, and surveyors. They can provide tailored advice based on the unique conditions of the land and ensure compliance with regulations.

CJ Homes always complies with the Australian Building Code for building in flood hazard areas. Where required, houses are designed either on posts or the location of the build area on the site is raised to ensure the habitable floor level is above the specific council and Qld Development Code minimum flood level requirements.

For more detailed information on design elements for homes in flood prone areas view the Qld Government Flood Resilient Building Guidance for Queensland document.

Due diligence is your best defence against future issues. Taking these steps will help you make informed decisions and build with confidence in flood-prone regions.

Need help understanding land suitability?  We’re here to help guide you through the process. Contact us.