
Rooming Houses in Brisbane
Queensland, Australia, is one of the most beautiful places in the world, which explains why it’s also one of the fastest-growing. For investors wishing to build high-quality Rooming Houses, finding the right builder is key. Abbott Builders Pty Ltd is the premier Queensland builder with over 40 years of experience. As a multi-generational company, we’ve exclusively worked within Queensland, so we know what it takes to create breathtaking properties. Let’s explore the importance of choosing the right Rooming House builder and tips for ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
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Should I Build A Rooming House in Queensland?
One of the top questions investors ask is if Queensland is a good location for Rooming Houses. The answer is an undeniable “Yes!” Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, is quickly becoming the most sought-after destination for investors, thanks to an influx of new residents. According to the federal government, the city is expected to grow by 16% by the year 2032. Add to that a projected property market increase of 30% to 40%, and there’s no denying this beautiful city is a prime location for investors.
However, a rising population in itself isn’t enough reason for investors to choose a location. To get the most out of your investment, you need renters, and that’s where the city shines. Currently, there’s only a 0.9% rental vacancy in the BCC area, meaning there simply aren’t enough quality properties available for incoming tenants. Additionally, many of the available rentals are geared towards families, which fails to align with city rising single-person household demographic. The need for high-quality, affordable housing options for these individuals is why savvy investors are turning to Rooming Houses.
Rooming Houses are the top high-yield property option, offering virtually unlimited profit opportunities. However, due to their unique tenancy requirements, hiring a company with the qualifications and experience to build these lucrative properties is absolutely essential. Let’s explore some of the issues you should be aware of before building a Rooming House.

Rooming House Building Considerations in Brisbane
When it comes to building a Rooming House, the process is more complex than just buying land and building on it. Rooming Houses are class 1B dwellings containing up to five individual lettable spaces. They also include a central living area with a kitchen, laundry, and common room. The Brisbane City Council has strict regulatory codes on the creation of these high-yield properties, and if your builder doesn’t follow them, you can’t lease out the property.
Additionally, the property must follow the Dwelling House Code and could require a building development approval. The builder must also follow a Rooming Accommodation Code outlined by the BCC. Furthermore, they must apply for the approval to occupy the building.
As an investor, you want to find a reliable builder that understands the unique needs of the Queensland housing market. While it may be tempting to simply use a residential building company with no commercial experience, doing so could be a costly mistake. For Rooming House buyers Brisbane offers virtually unlimited profit potential as the housing market continues to thrive. However, to truly capitalise on this potential, you need builders with experience and in-depth knowledge of codes and regulations.

What to Look for in A Rooming House Builder
When choosing a Rooming House builder, you don’t want to settle for just any company. Use these guidelines to choose the right contractor and protect your investment.
They Use Only Quality Materials
One way that contractors will take advantage of unsuspecting investors is by using low-quality materials. One red flag to look for is a builder who provides an extremely low quote just to win your bid and undercut their competition. Although you may want to save money so you can enjoy higher profit margins, compromising on your builder isn’t the place to do it.
Your Rooming House is a generational investment, and beginning with the right foundation is essential. Choosing a vetted building company with a track record of delivering high-quality results will ensure you get the best return on your investment.
A Positive Financial History
One of the biggest fears facing investors is hiring a builder who walks off the job or goes out of business halfway through the build. These concerns are valid since Queensland has a high rate of at-risk building companies. Construction is a volatile business, a fact that was further supported by an SVP Partners analysis, which ranked the field among the top for financial risks. Analysing the financial stability of your builder is crucial.
One way to accomplish this is by assessing their current build volume. Do they have the resources to handle their current clientele? Ideally, the company should have at least five, preferably ten or more years of experience with high-volume building. It’s common for new and inexperienced builders to take on too many projects at once, forcing them to deliver sub-par results.
Many Rooming House builders will offer rock-bottom quotes to win your business, and the only way to stay within their budget is by using low-quality materials. Their goal is maximising their own profits, not in creating long-lasting properties. As a result, they often cut corners, especially when it comes to coding, regulations, and site preparation. These shady practices put unexpected financial pressure on their company, all too often causing them to go out of business.
Choosing a construction company with a proven track record of success is the best way to avoid encountering these scenarios. Working with a well-established builder that has stayed in business for ten, twenty, thirty years, or more increases the chances that they’re financially stable and have the resources to complete your Rooming House.
At Abbott Builders, our company has provided superior results for over 40 years, making us one of the most trusted and reliable in Queensland.
Experience in the BCC Area
Brisbane is one of the most popular choices for renters, but it can be a nightmare for inexperienced investors. Many of the most lucrative blocks of land are older and come with unique issues. These can include zoning, easements, building over sewers, and more. Well-established Rooming House builders are no strangers to the issues that can arise from older BCC blocks. Not only will they know how to handle them when they arise, but they often have prior knowledge of what to expect before construction starts.
One sneaky tactic low-cost builders often use is to quote you with a cheap block of land and then surprise you with additional costs once you sign the contract. Investors have lost thousands of dollars this way, causing setbacks and financial burdens.
Experience With Rooming House Builds
It may seem obvious, but many investors don’t realise that there are builders who specialise in Rooming House construction. Even if they offer other residential and commercial services, choosing a company with experience building Rooming Houses in Brisbane is the best way to avoid unwanted setbacks. Using a company with experience in the BCC area will ensure your Rooming House meets all ordinances and codes. How can you know that the company has the knowledge and expertise you need?
As we stated earlier, knowing if they’ve been in business for a long time, at least ten years or more, is a great first step. Customer reviews and ratings are another way to gain a deeper understanding of their business practices. When it comes to building your Rooming House, don’t settle for an unknown company or one that simply gives you the cheapest quote. Experience and customer satisfaction are two of the most important aspects to consider for your investment.

Tips on What to Avoid with Rooming House Builders
Knowing what to look for in a Rooming House builder can help you make a wise decision, but knowing what to avoid can be equally valuable. While they may make big promises, their track record will speak for itself.
Deceptive Ethics – Unfortunately, many builders resort to deceptive ethical practices to make money, cutting corners to boost their own profits. Only using a transparent company that walks you through the entire process, answers questions, and is upfront about any issues that arise will protect your investment. Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials and price breakdowns so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Out-of-State Companies – Every Australian state has its own Rooming House laws and codes, and using a company from another state can be problematic. Choosing a builder with experience in Queensland will ensure your Rooming House is safe and legal.
New Companies – Contractors looking to profit from the city population influx are making it harder for investors to find quality builders. Longevity is one of the top determining factors of quality for Rooming House builders, so avoid newly established companies and opt for ones with a proven track record of success.
Why You Should Choose Abbott Builders
At Abbott Builders, we have over 40 years of experience crafting high-quality residential and commercial properties in Queensland. Our building crew retention is unmatched, with multi-generational teams working hand-in-hand to deliver exceptional results. As a third-generation, family-owned and operated company, we hold the position as the most trusted name in Rooming House construction. We boast the fastest build times and are widely considered the best value and quality for the money. Get the most out of your investment with a premium Rooming House built by Queensland’s most trusted builder, Abbott Builders.