What 'Pre-War' Means in Brisbane

If you are researching Brisbane property, you will frequently encounter the term “pre-war” to describe older houses. Here is what it actually means: and why it matters more than it might seem.

What “pre-war” means

In Brisbane property, “pre-war” typically refers to houses built before 1946: the end of World War II. The term is used informally and in planning documents.

Brisbane City Council’s planning scheme uses “pre-1947” as the specific cut-off for its pre-1947 building character overlay. Properties with houses built before 1947 may be in this overlay, which affects what changes can be made to the building.

In common usage, “pre-war” and “pre-1947” are used interchangeably in the Brisbane property market.

Why the date matters for renovation planning

Brisbane City Plan overlays. BCC uses pre-1947 construction as one of the criteria for applying the character overlay. If your house was built before 1947 and is in a designated area, there may be additional requirements for development approval relating to the appearance and character of the building.

Asbestos risk. Houses built before 1990 may contain asbestos-containing materials. Houses built before 1960 are particularly likely to have older asbestos products (including some that are more friable and higher risk) in external cladding, floor sheeting and ceilings.

Wiring and plumbing age. Pre-war houses may have electrical wiring from the 1930s-1940s, which is well past its safe working life. Lead pipes were also common in older Brisbane plumbing.

Structural characteristics. Pre-war Queenslanders were built with different structural approaches to post-war homes: fully flexible timber frames that move with seasonal moisture changes, designed to breathe rather than be fully sealed. Understanding this affects how you renovate.

How to find out when your Queenslander was built

• BCC’s property information portal (ePlanning) may show building records
• The Queensland State Archives holds historical survey plans and some building records
• A Search Results Certificate (formerly known as an LGA search) can show existing approvals on the property
• The style and construction methods can help approximate the date: a building historian or heritage consultant can advise

Pre-war Queenslanders and the character overlay

If your Queenslander was built before 1947 and is in a character overlay area, the following typically applies:

• Retention of the existing character is encouraged and, in some cases, required
• Street-facing alterations must be sympathetic to the character
• Demolition of the pre-1947 structure typically requires impact assessment
• Raising and extending behind the existing house line is generally more acceptable than significant alterations to the street facade

Always confirm the specific overlay requirements for your property with BCC or a town planner.