What to Consider When Building on a Narrow Block

If you’re thinking about building a home on a small or narrow block, be aware from the outset that it comes with its own set of challenges – but also great opportunities to take advantage of. Narrow blocks are becoming more popular in Queensland as major cities densify and land becomes scarcer (and more expensive).
It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time home builder or planning to expand your investment portfolio, this guide will help you understand all the important considerations to keep in mind when tackling a houses for narrow blocks.

What is Considered a "Narrow" Block?

A narrow block in Australia is generally defined as a lot with a frontage of between 8 to 12.5 metres. They are most common in busy cities with large populations, as they give more people a chance to live in desirable locations with limited available land.

The challenge, however, is that when designing a skinny house for a narrow block you need to maximise the use of space without compromising on comfort or style. Even the smallest rooms can ‘feel’ big when designed well, using strategies like high ceilings, natural light and smart use of vertical space. Brighton Homes has a range of exceptional designs specifically for narrow blocks – delivering stylish and functional living spaces that don’t compromise on quality. 

Are Narrow Blocks Becoming More Common In Queensland?

With population surging right across Queensland and increasing demand for housing major cities like Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, narrow blocks are indeed becoming more sought after. Many new developments are designed with narrower lots to accommodate more homes and make smarter use of the available land.

For potential homebuyers, narrow lot building plans are the most practical solution for city living. Brighton Homes has fantastic narrow block home designs that make the most of limited living space so that your entire family can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle – even in smaller footprints.

What to Consider When Building a Narrow Lot House Plan

Building a skinny home on a narrow block successfully relies on careful planning to make the most of the available space. Here are some top considerations when designing your narrow block house.

1. Select a Design Tailored for Narrow Blocks

Choose a floor plan specifically created for narrow blocks. Brighton Homes has a huge range of narrow block designs, with floor plans that use every square metre intelligently to give you the illusion of more space.

Smart design choices, such as combining a home office with a workout space or guest room, can make the most more adaptable. You can even get a double garage, double storey home designs, plenty of storage space and multiple living spaces on a small block with the right design.

Our 12.5m frontage home designs will suit various lifestyles and family needs, so take a look and get inspiration for how your dream home could work for you.

2. Open Plan Living

An open-plan layout is essential for narrow blocks as it can give you a sense of spaciousness by getting rid of traditional ‘barriers’. For example, integrating the kitchen, dining and living areas into one expansive space promotes better flow and allows natural light to fill the room. Glass doors and wide open spaces also make the home feel less confined.

3. Build Up

When horizontal space is limited, building vertically can give you much more room without expanding the footprint. Building a double-storey home means you’ll get that much-needed separation between living and sleeping areas, which can add privacy and comfort.

4. Maximise Natural Light

Natural light is key to making skinny homes feel open and airy. Large windows, skylights, and glass sliding doors are excellent ways to bring light into every corner of your home. Adding clerestory windows or floor-to-ceiling windows can really flood the space with daylight and make it feel more inviting.

5. High Ceilings

High ceilings add vertical space, which can make rooms feel more open and less confined. At Brighton Homes, our Gallery and Elwood home designs come with 2590mm ceilings on the ground floor to pack more spaciousness into every area. If you prefer even higher ceilings, you have the option to upgrade.

6. Forward Thinking Storage

For a functional home on a narrow plot of land, you need to have plenty of storage space. Integrating built-in storage solutions like floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, under-stair storage and multi-functional furniture like beds with drawers or desks with shelves can be a smart investment. Thinking ahead with storage solutions can mean clutter is kept to a minimum as well.

7. Use a Light Colour Palette

In any home, not just narrow-lot homes, lighter shades can make rooms seem larger and feel brighter. Go for a neutral or light colour palette that reflects light and helps to open up the space. Soft whites, greys and pastel tones are great choices for narrow homes. Start exploring our Inspiration Gallery to see how lighter colours can bring your space to life. 

8. Clever Landscaping

Just because you have limited outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful low-maintenance garden. Use vertical gardens, hanging plants and compact landscaping options to maximise green space. Sliding doors to an alfresco area can make the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces seamless and make the area feel larger.

9. Utilise an Outdoor Living Room

Brighton Homes’ narrow lot plans come with dedicated outdoor living spaces, or alfresco areas, where you can enjoy the outdoors in complete comfort. Not only will they protect you from the elements, but they are also a space for entertaining and relaxing, or even as an outdoor dining room. Incorporating similar colours and materials as your home's interior can create an amazing outdoor area that naturally flows inside.

10. Plan for Car Parking

Parking can be a challenge on narrow blocks, but with some creativity you can make it work. Look for home designs with double garages or a carport with dedicated storage space. Off-street parking can really drive up the value to your property, especially in busy Queensland cities where parking is at a premium.

11. Building Codes and Council Regulations

Depending on where you are building, local council regulations will dictate things like setback distances, building heights and the percentage of land that can be built on. Council guidelines are in place to protect privacy, sunlight access and neighbourhood aesthetics, so make sure you do your research about any restrictions to avoid potential setbacks during the building process.

Start Planning Your Dream Home on a Narrow Block with Brighton Homes

Building on a narrow block is an opportunity to create a thoughtfully designed and surprisingly spacious home that makes the most of every square metre. At Brighton Homes, we are experts in building beautiful, functional homes that fit neatly on narrow lots. With plenty of options for personalisation and a range of innovative designs, we’re here to help you build the home of your dreams.

Start exploring our houses for narrow blocks or visit one of our display homes across South East Queensland.