The Queenslander may be one of Australia’s most recognisable home designs, but you can’t help but be charmed by the humble workers’ cottage.
Simple and functional in design, the workers’ cottage was designed to address the shortage of affordable homes for the working class. They were built in central locations close to amenities.
The majority of Brisbane workers cottages were built in the late 19th century and early 20th century, giving them a very appealing heritage aesthetic. However, the age of these properties means that you’ll need to arrange a comprehensive pre-purchase building inspection to ensure the home is free from deal-breaking problems.
How to Spot a Workers Cottage
The typical features of a Brisbane workers cottage are:
- Small, boxy timber weatherboard dwelling built on stumps
- Wide front veranda
- Corrugated iron hip roof
- Simple interior layout with a long hallway and 2 bedrooms
Important Considerations for Buyers
Buyers are often drawn to the architectural features of a workers cottage, with its historical charm and character. They’re popular with first-home buyers and investors for their relative affordability (although prices have skyrocketed since 2020).
However, sometimes affordable properties can hide heartbreaking secrets that you only discover AFTER the sale has gone unconditional. The key to making a wise property purchase is to do your research thoroughly. If you have your eye on a workers cottage, here are some things to consider carefully before you commit to the sale.
Location
You’ll find workers cottages all over Brisbane and across suburbs like Inala, Banyo, Nundah, Coorparoo, Deagon, and Ashgrove. This means you’ll need to check a property’s flood risk. Consult the flood maps in the local area to ensure your property is unaffected.
Investors should research rental yields and vacancies across the potential suburbs. What rentals are you competing with, and will your renovations stack up against other rentals in the area? What features do potential renters expect? If you’re flipping, look at the most recent sales in the suburb and what amenities seem to be attracting the most attention from buyers.
Property Defects and Pests
As workers cottages are older homes, you must be on the lookout for structural damage. If there are uneven floors, it could be a sign that the stumps have deteriorated or that the home is subsiding. Addressing structural issues typically involves significant costs, potentially blowing your budget and impacting any returns you were hoping to make.
Workers cottages were typically constructed with timber weatherboards, so a thorough pest inspection is required to rule out termite infestation. Left unchecked, termites can wreak havoc on a property, leaving you with a very expensive problem to resolve.
Renovating a Workers Cottage
If you’re buying a workers cottage with the intention of renovating it, you’ll want to be certain that the plans you have for the property are achievable. Not only does the average homeowner tend to underestimate the cost of renovating, but properties may also come with additional constraints that make some renovation plans impossible.
Here are the possible challenges involved with renovating a workers cottage.
Compact Size
Workers cottages are typically quite compact and built on small lots. This may impact renovation plans, especially those intended to make the dwelling bigger. If extending out is not possible, you’ll need to seek council approval for extending up. The costs involved with building up are typically more expensive.
Council Approvals
In addition to obtaining planning approval for extending up, you’ll need to determine whether the property is listed as a heritage or character home. If it is, plans to renovate the house could be subject to additional council restrictions or guidelines.
Asbestos + Lead Paint
Workers’ cottages were built before the dangers of using materials like asbestos and lead paint were known, so it’s important to confirm whether these materials are present or not ahead of any renovation plans. Both are extremely hazardous to human health if disturbed or removed without proper precautions.
Buying a property containing asbestos or lead paint doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but you will need to factor in the cost of asbestos remediation and lead abatement as part of your renovation budget.
Buy a Brisbane Workers Cottage with Confidence!
Avoid buyer’s remorse with a thorough pre-purchase building inspection. Professional, comprehensive, and completely independent, our highly trained and experienced inspector will assess the property, then write a detailed report outlining its true condition. With a complete picture of the property’s strengths and challenges, you’ll be empowered to make the right decision for you.
To book your inspection, get in touch with Action Property Inspections today.