Don't pay to knock down a house someone else will move
A sound timber house on stumps can be lifted off your block, trucked away and lived in again. Instead of paying for demolition and tip fees, you may get paid for the house, or have it taken away for free. Either way, your block ends up clear.
Who sells a house for removal
- Owners knocking down to build new on the same block
- Owners subdividing, where the old house sits in the way
- Owners selling land to a developer who wants it empty
- Anyone whose land is now worth more than the house on it
Will your house sell?
The houses that sell best for removal are the ones that move well: Queenslanders, workers' cottages and post-war timber highsets and lowsets, on stumps. Brick homes and houses on a concrete slab generally can't be moved. What makes a house worth more: a solid frame, a sound roof, a good size, character features, and a block where a trailer can get in and out easily.
Three ways it can go
- Bought for removal. You're paid an agreed price for the house and it's lifted and trucked off your block as part of the deal.
- Removed at no cost. The house isn't bought outright, but its resale value covers the removal. You save the demolition bill.
- Removed for a fee. Still often cheaper and faster than demolition, with less waste.
Which option applies depends on the house and access. A few photos and basic measurements are usually enough for an initial assessment.
Get the timing right
Removal needs to line up with your demolition or development approval and your builder's start date, so it pays to get the house assessed early. Once the house is lifted off, old stumps, slabs and paths can also be cleared to leave the block ready for your builder.
About to demolish? Find out what your house is worth first.
Common questions
Will I get paid for my house?
Sometimes. It depends on the type, size and condition of the house and how easy it is to remove. Send through a few photos for a clear assessment of which option fits your house.
How quickly can the house be removed?
It depends on council and certifier approvals, Ergon line clearances and transport scheduling. If you're working to a builder's start date, get the assessment underway as early as you can.
Do I need approval to remove my house?
Usually, yes. Removing a house from your block generally needs approval. In character areas or heritage overlays, Townsville City Council may need to approve its removal first.
What's left on the block afterwards?
The old stumps and any slabs or paths, unless site clearing is included in the job so the block is left clean for your builder.