Demolish and rebuild or relocate

In August 2023, a regulation amendment was passed allowing the Resilient Homes Fund (RHF) to provide capped funding for the raising or the demolition and rebuild of properties that did not originally meet the Home Raising program eligibility criteria.

As part of the expanded criteria, the RHF can provide funding towards enclosed rooms/levels that aren't practical to raise (such as those built on concrete slabs) to be demolished and rebuilt above the assessed flood level and the 2021–2022 flood event level, whichever is higher.

If you are interested in this option, email the RHF team at resilienthomes@epw.qld.gov.au and we will undertake a separate assessment of your home. This option won't be listed in your Home Assessment Report.

Examples

Single-storey demolition, rebuild and raise

The existing single-storey home has been demolished (knocked down) and rebuilt on stilts. This raises the habitable area above the assessed flood level (which is the higher of the two flood levels) and does not enclose the lower level.

Single-storey demolition of habitable area and rebuild as extension

The existing habitable area below the assessed flood level is demolished and rebuilt above the 2021–2022 flood event level (which is the higher of the two flood levels) as an extension to the home. The demolished area is not enclosed or converted into a new habitable area.

Single-storey demolition of non-habitable area and rebuild as extension

The existing non-habitable area (e.g. laundry) is below the 2021–2022 flood event level. This homeowner can apply for funds to demolish the existing laundry and rebuild it via an extension above the 2021–2022 flood event level. The demolished area is not enclosed or converted to a new non-habitable area.

The required outcome could look similar to this:

Two-storey demolition and rebuild as extension

The existing habitable floor below the assessed flood level is demolished and rebuilt (above the assessed flood level) as an extension to the existing home. The lower level is not enclosed or converted into a new habitable area.

Two-storey rebuild and raise

The existing top floor is raised and the existing ground floor is demolished and rebuilt above the assessed flood level. The new lower level is not enclosed or converted into a new habitable area.

Funding available

There are 2 funding options to demolish and rebuild/relocate your home or a part of it.

Expanded Criteria $150,000 capped

Funding for this program is contingent on:

• the existing habitable area below the assessed flood level or 2021–2022 flood event level is demolished and the new finished floor level is rebuilt above the assessed flood level and 2021–2022 flood event level, whichever is the higher.
• existing areas being sought for funding must be demolished.  Demolished areas/spaces/buildings cannot be repurposed or re-classed
• co-contributions are not available.

In cases where homeowners have received eligibility for ‘Demolition, rebuild or relocate’ for their property, the same funding cap of $150,000 applies.

Expanded Criteria $50,000 capped

Funding for this program is contingent on:

• the existing non-habitable enclosed area below the assessed flood Level or 2021-2022 flood event level is demolished, and the new finished floor level is rebuilt above the assessed flood level and 2021-2022 flood event level, whichever is higher
• existing areas being sought for funding must be demolished.  Demolished areas/spaces/buildings cannot be repurposed or re-classed
• co-contributions are not available.

Eligibility

You may be eligible to receive funding if:

• the building envelope was inundated by water as a result of an eligible flooding event
• the floor level is below the assessed flood level specified by your local council (where information was available at the time of preparing the Home Assessment Report) and/or the 2021-2022 flood event level
• the program may require evidence to confirm enclosed areas are habitable spaces. Rooms with a ceiling height of less than 2.4m may still be eligible for the $50,000 program, provided they are properly enclosed.

If a home has not been raised to/above the assessed flood level or 2021–2022 flood event level – whichever is higher – the Resilient Homes Fund will not provide funding for the works.

Next steps

• Understanding your Home Assessment Report.
• I need more help to understand my options.