Yeronga is a southern riverside suburb, boasting an impressive number of sports fields, parklands and open spaces.

While it is only 7km from the Brisbane CBD, approximately 15-20 minutes by car, Yeronga has the relaxed flair of a town; perhaps because it used to be largely farmland.

In fact, the last farm of Yeronga was subdivided and turned into residential properties as late as the 1950s; which goes a long way to explain the leafy charm of this suburb.

If you are looking to renovate your Yeronga property, or build a new house in Yeronga, here are some factors to consider before you get started:

Heritage and Character Restrictions

Yeronga has a mix of pre- and post-war homes (timber-framed, elevated Queenslanders with wide verandas are common) which means some areas are subject to Brisbane City Council’s Traditional Building Character Overlay.

Council approval is likely to be needed when it comes to external renovations – such as raising, extending or altering facades – as Brisbane City Council is committed to preserve the local aesthetics.

This means that even non-heritage homes can be subject to restrictions, so be sure to do your homework before planning your renovations.

Council Regulations and Approvals

If you’re renovating in Yeronga, you are likely to come into contact with the Dwelling House Code, which governs small-lot renovations.

The most important aspects for your project are bound to be height limits (9.5 metres), setbacks (typically 6 metres front, 1.5 metres sides) and site coverage restrictions (50% maximum), which may restrict any planned extensions.

Depending on flood overlays, you may be subject to a mandated minimum floor height or stormwater drain requirements, which could complicate your build and drive up costs.