How to earn from your driveway or shed in Queensland
Unused garages, driveways and yards earn real income for Queensland homeowners. Here's what's allowed, what to charge, and how to get your first booking.
Queensland's storage demand is high year-round. Boat and caravan season runs almost continuously, and Brisbane's population growth has pushed demand for private storage well ahead of commercial supply. If you have a garage, covered hardstand, shed or open yard you're not fully using, listing it for storage is straightforward and low-effort once set up.
What hosts in Queensland are earning
$80 – $350 /month
Per space, depending on type and location. Covered storage earns more. You set your own price.
How to get started
Check your property rules
Most Queensland residential properties can rent space for storage without council approval, provided it's not operating as a commercial storage business open to the public. Standard residential lots (houses, granny flats with private access) are generally fine.
If you're in a strata scheme or body corporate, check your by-laws first. Many QLD body corporates do allow casual storage use, but some restrict it or require a body corporate vote. When in doubt, ask the body corporate manager before listing.
You stay in control
You choose who stores with you. You can decline any booking request.
Set your own schedule
Monthly arrangements, short-term stays, or flexible access. Your choice.
Payments handled for you
Stripe processes all payments. No chasing invoices or handling cash.
Decide what you're offering
Measure your available space and consider what vehicle types or items suit it best:
- Single lock-up garage: cars, motorcycles, bikes
- Double garage or covered hardstand: caravans, boats, trailers
- Open hardstand or yard: trucks, earthmoving equipment, containers
- Shed with drive-through access: larger vehicles, work equipment
Set your price
QLD storage prices vary by location and space type. In the Brisbane metro:
Indicative ranges only. Prices in Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns tend to sit 10–20% below Brisbane metro rates. Check nearby listings on StorageFinder to find the right price for your area.
Create your listing
A good listing has three things: honest dimensions, clear photos of the access point, and a brief note on what you will or won't accept. Listings with at least three photos and a measured description get significantly more enquiries than those without.
- Photo from the street showing vehicle access
- Photo of the storage area with something for scale
- Note the height clearance if vehicles need to drive in
- Be clear about access hours and any restrictions
Confirm your first booking
Once a storer contacts you, agree on access arrangements: key handover, gate codes or a lockbox, before they arrive. Payment is collected securely through Stripe. Your payout is processed after the first month begins, with ongoing monthly payments automated from there.
Queensland-specific notes
- Council planning: Renting your private garage or yard for incidental storage is not classified as a change of use in most QLD councils. You generally do not need a development application.
- Insurance: Standard home and contents policies generally do not cover a storer's belongings. StorageFinder recommends storers carry their own goods-in-storage insurance.
- Tax: Storage rental income is taxable in Australia. It is typically declared as "other income" on your tax return. Consult an accountant if this is your first time earning rental income.
- Seasonal demand: QLD has strong year-round demand for boat and caravan storage given the mild climate. October through March sees the highest enquiry volumes.
Also useful
Ready to list your space in Queensland?
It takes about 10 minutes to create a listing. Most hosts receive their first enquiry within a week of publishing.
List your space