Can You Live In a Commercial Property in Queensland?

In Queensland, every piece of land is included in a zone. The zone that an area falls into determines how it can be used. The differences between zones can be drastic and the land on which your home sits can be under a different zone than that of your neighbour. 

There are dozens of different types of zones under the planning and state development department of Queensland, however, they fall under seven primary categories:

• Residential zones
• Centre zones
• Industry zones
• Recreation zones
• Tourism zones
• Environmental zones

And unfortunately for simplicity’s sake, commercial property falls into all of these zones in one way or another. Check out our previous blog to learn more about the different types of commercial property. Now let’s look at each zone more closely. 

Residential Zones

In Queensland, there are seven different types of residential zones: 

• Character residential zone

• General residential zone

• Low-density residential zone

• Low-medium density residential zone

• Medium-density residential zone

• High-density residential zone
• Rural residential zone

In these zones, you can find a few different types of commercial properties, such as apartment buildings, retirement homes, residential care facilities, childcare centres, and more. You can live in some of these commercial properties, but be sure to check the specific rules and regulations around your building before trying to move in.

Centre Zones

Centre zones in Queensland include:

• Neighbourhood centre zone

• Local centre zone

• Centre zone

• District centre zone

• Major centre zone

• Principal centre zone

There are several different types of commercial properties that can be found in these areas, including shops, offices, food and drink outlets, hotels, highrise apartments, and more. You may be able to live in a few of these types of commercial property, but specific rules and regulations may apply. Be sure to check before moving in!

Industry Zones

Industry zones in Queensland are divided into:

• Industry zone

• Low impact industry zone

• Medium impact industry zone

• High impact industry zone

• Special industry zone

• Waterfront and marine industry zone

• Industry investigation zone

• Research and technology industry zone
• Extractive industry zone

The types of commercial properties found here include warehouses, service stations, offices, research and technology offices, and more. There aren’t many property types in these areas that can also be used for residential purposes, but again, it is worth speaking to a town planner or property lawyer to find out more. 

Recreation Zones

Recreation zones include:

• Recreation and open space zone

• Sport and recreation zone
• Open space zone

While there are a few different commercial property types included in these zones, such as sports clubs, indoor and outdoor sports and recreation facilities, and more, most are not suited for residential purposes, although exceptions do occur. 

Tourism Zones

Tourism zones include:

• Tourist accommodation zone

• Tourism zone

• Major tourism zone
• Minor tourism zone

These zones include resort complexes, multiple-dwelling highrises, hotels, and more. Many of these types of commercial property will be suitable to live in, although specific rules and restrictions might apply. 

Environmental Zones

Environmental zones are divided as follows:

• Environmental management zone

• Conservation zone
• Environmental management and conservation zone

Commercial properties in these zones might include nature-based tourism, garden centres, and more, and some are suitable for residential purposes, although specific restrictions and regulations will apply.

Other Zones:

There are a variety of other zones found in Queensland, including:

• Township zone

• Mixed use zone

• Rural zone

• Community facilities zone

• Emerging community zone

• Innovation zone

• Special purpose zone
• Limited development zone

Many of these zone types are suitable for residential purposes, although, as always, be sure to check the specific stipulations of the commercial property in question.