Big Planning Changes in South Australia: What It Means for Property Owners in Northern Adelaide

If you own land in Salisbury Heights, Mawson Lakes, Hillbank, Salisbury Park or Craigmore, this matters.

South Australia has quietly rolled out significant planning reforms between 2023–2026 that are making medium-density housing easier to approve across metro Adelaide. That means: • Duplex developments • Two dwellings on one allotment • Low-rise multi-unit builds • Infill development on larger blocks • Higher-density rezoning in selected areas And in many cases — simplified approvals under the Planning & Design Code.What Has Actually Changed?

Under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 and the evolving SA Planning & Design Code, the State Government has:

1. Simplified Medium-Density Approvals

Metro-wide code adjustments have reduced red tape for:

1. Duplex developments
2. Row dwellings
3. Small multi-unit projects
4. Infill housing in established suburbs

Many developments that previously required complex merit assessment are now more streamlined if they comply with Code performance outcomes.

2. Faster Assessment Pathways

Process reforms and digital lodgement systems through PlanSA are designed to:

1. Reduce approval timeframes
2. Provide clearer design standards
3. Encourage infill over urban sprawl

This is directly tied to the National Housing Accord housing supply targets.

3. Strategic Up-Zoning

Areas across Adelaide are seeing:

1. Increased allowable building heights
2. Greater site coverage allowances
3. Higher dwelling yields per allotment

Large blocks in suburbs like Salisbury Heights, Para Hills, and parts of Modbury may now have significantly more development potential than owners realise.

What This Means for You

If You’re a Homeowner:

Your land may now be worth more to:

1. Developers
2. Builders
3. Joint venture investors

Especially if:

1. You have a corner block
2. You have 700m²+
3. You’re in a General Neighbourhood or similar zone
4. You’re near transport, shops or schools

If You’re an Investor:

Dual occupancy and duplex strategies are becoming more viable due to:

1. Faster approvals
2. Improved certainty under the Code
3. Increased buyer demand for low-maintenance homes

If You’re a Downsizer:

You may be able to:

1. Subdivide
2. Retain one dwelling
3. Sell one allotment
4. Or redevelop for higher yield

Without needing full scale development experience.

Northern Adelaide Impact

The Northern suburbs are particularly relevant because they offer:

• Larger average land sizes

• Established infrastructure

• Strong buyer demand under $900,000

• High investor activity

Suburbs to watch:

Salisbury Heights

Mawson Lakes

Hillbank

Salisbury Park

Craigmore

Para Hills

From my experience

Most homeowners have no idea their block may now qualify for:

1. Two dwellings instead of one
2. Higher resale value
3. Development interest from builders

And most agents won’t tell you because they don’t analyse zoning properly.

Before you sell — you need to understand:

1. Your zoning
2. Site coverage rules
3. Minimum frontage
4. Minimum site area
5. Potential yield

That’s where strategy beats transaction.

Want to Know If Your Property Has Development Potential?

I’ll assess:

1. Zoning
2. Land size
3. Overlay constraints
4. Comparable development sales
5. Realistic end values (not guesswork)

If you’re in Northern Adelaide and want clarity, contact me directly.

Clinton Barker

Clinton Barker Property

eXp Realty

0409 904 473

www.clintonbarkerproperty.com.au