Are people considering this when buying in Logan and surrounds? Or is it not a primary concern? Gives potential for dual occ - have people got stories on ways they've achieved this - is it worthwhile? @Nixba and I have recently purchased a 3,1,1 house on a large block that's just under legal height by about a foot - would you dig down to get the lower level in? Or just use the large block to put a granny flat out the back instead? So much potential - but my fear with QLD is always oversupply... why would somebody rent what is effectively a basement when they can rent a whole house for similar money and still retain their privacy?
Hey @MrsNixba , some QLDers are highset for a reason. Plenty of people got in trouble with their developed downstairs areas after the floods. And insurance no likey.
Thanks @Azazel - I can see the topic has been touched on a bit through the forum, but always as an incidental conversation to something else. Obviously I have a lot more homework to do, but I'm thinking the idea isn't all it's cracked up to be!
If you've already bought somewhere, there's no harm in doing the research. Hopefully you investigated the flood maps etc?
Not sure of the specifics, but I don't think you'd be able to just dig down, the support posts would be exposed or stick out... It should be more straight forward to get the house raised to legal height.
@Azazel - Yeah the flood thing is fine - all the other houses in the street are already done. Ours is one of the last still standing above the ground. To be honest, adding in a second occ below was never a question until the PM started carrying on about 'potential' and pointing at all the neighbours - but seeing as she would benefit from a higher rental income on the property I took it with a grain of salt. Just got me thinking about something I hadn't previously considered.
It's possible, it could also make sense to increase the rent in the future by raising it to create a real garage, an extra bedroom and a rumpus/living area and/or another bathroom. But the demographics would have to drive your decision, not the other way around eg. make sure it's what people want and are willing to pay for.
Yeah, considering it's Logan, it might make more sense to create a dual occupancy than a single big upstairs/downstairs house with rent that no one can afford. But you would have to do the research.
A little off topic but Look at the demographics for this suburb in Sydney. After one glance it would seem pretty obvious to me what dwelling type to be buying into, imo. It answers the questions often asked "should I be buying a house or unit etc in so and so suburb"
In Logan nothing much to rent at $250 a week or under (it would be a very average 2 bed flat, I spoke to one couple yesterday paying $350 a week for a 2 bed 'flat' from a converted house) so I think a new 2 bed granny flat would get $300 a week with half decent tenants. Not sure I'd be lifting or digging below a highset to get it to legal height, I'd think a granny flat would be better if the block is suitable.
This is the best answer in this thread Get yourself a decent pm do your research and it's obvious the answers. Lots of investors on here with stock in Logan achieving premium returns with non legal height highsets. They are the ones you want to talk to and get advice off
