ABB155 Property Law and Land Use Planning
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ABB155 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | UXB134 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $5,436 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ABB155 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | UXB134 |
| Coordinator: | Tan Yigitcanlar | tan.yigitcanlar@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Professionals involved in planning and property require a deep understanding of how the legal system recognises, defines, and protects property rights. A solid grasp of property law, including property rights, regulatory frameworks in land use planning, and the registration of significant property interests under the Torrens Title system, is essential.
In this unit, you will develop and apply knowledge and skills in land use planning and geographic information systems (GIS). You will be introduced to the spatial analysis techniques used in contemporary urban planning. Additionally, you will gain expertise in analysing key theoretical and practical concepts in land use planning, evaluating data, and applying regulatory frameworks to inform land use decisions. The unit will also focus on enhancing your ability to communicate land use concepts visually and in writing, as well as devising solutions to complex land use challenges.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Identify the impact of Real Property rights, legislation and land use planning systems on the utility of property
- Explain the relevant cases and legislative policy and framework related to Native Title
- Apply concepts of real property law and land use planning to support analysis of contemporary property issues
- Use Geographical Information System to analyse urban land uses and their relationships to common land use objectives
- Communicate legal and land use planning concepts both visually, and in writing as a team
Content
Learning outcomes will be achieved through coverage of the following topics:
- Structure of the legal system and system of government
- Real Property Law and other property rights
- Principles of Customary (Native) Title
- Environmental issues
- Principles of urban and regional planning, planning system in Queensland
- Land use planning and site constraints
- Planning impact on property development
- Geographic Information System (GIS), spatial analysis, visual and written communication
Learning Approaches
This unit adopts a theory-to-practice approach, emphasising applying basic theoretical concepts in practical settings. It is designed to actively engage you through lectures, tutorials, and self-directed study. The unit's structure facilitates the understanding and application of key concepts, fostering collaboration with peers and tutors.
Lectures
Weekly lectures will deliver essential theoretical foundations for the unit. Lecture materials will be available on Canvas each week for you to download. In preparation, you may be required to complete readings beforehand. We will explore theoretical and practical aspects of each week's content during the lecture. Lectures are delivered in a blended format, allowing synchronous online and in-person participation.
Tutorials
Weekly tutorials are held in computer labs, with complementary interactive videos that reinforce in-class activities. Separate in-person and online tutorials will be offered. The tutorials are designed to deepen your understanding of theoretical principles through practical application, mainly using GIS software for spatial analysis. These sessions are essential for helping you perform well in your assessments and offer an opportunity to receive formative feedback from lecturers and tutors.
Directed Private Study
You will also be expected to undertake self-directed study, including readings and supplementary materials. This independent study will support your understanding of the lecture and tutorial content.
Engagement and Participation
Your active participation in this unit includes:
- Attending weekly lectures
- Engaging in self-directed online learning and completing interactive activities to strengthen your understanding of key concepts
- Participating in weekly tutorials to apply theoretical knowledge to case studies and real-world scenarios using GIS software, facilitating the transformation of theoretical understanding into practical skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Self feedback:
Evaluation of presentation seminars
Peer feedback:
Feedback from peers as part of group work
Adaptive feedback:
Formative knowledge assessment of key concepts
Teacher feedback:
Opportunities for both individual and group feedback throughout the semester as well as a part of assessment process
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes and has been designed to provide the opportunity for you to perform real world tasks and develop skills in working with professional teams. The assessment has been designed to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment);
- demonstrate your learning to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the unit's attendance mode.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Property case study
The case study will give you experience in applying theoretical concepts and the law to a simulated real-world problem. This will give you experience in research and applying theory to resolve a problem or ascertain the legal and planning position of an identified party.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Site Constraint Analysis
Acting as a property development and planning team working for a client, you will interpret land use planning regulations and source a range of spatial data types to use GIS to accurately identify locations that meet the client’s criteria for future development.
You will communicate your findings in a site constraint analysis report that describes your methods, results, recommendations, reasoning, and the key regulatory aspects that will inform the client's detailed site identification for future development. You will prepare the report to be attractively designed and include illustrations, diagrams and maps to communicate critical concepts whenever possible. Use jargon-free language that the public can readily understand.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
No special requirements
Costs
No additional costs
Resources
Required readings will be available on the Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing Faculty of Engineering students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction
You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)
- Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
Relates to: Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis - Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Relates to: Site Constraint Analysis - Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis
UD05 Bachelor of Property Economics
- Identify theoretical and technical knowledge of economic, legal, social, cultural, global, physical, technological and sustainable contexts required to value, manage and develop property assets and investment portfolios
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis - Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills, methods, calculations, property technologies, and sustainability strategies to evaluate the feasibility of property development opportunities, to identify finance options for property investments, and to enhance the performance of assets or investment portfolios
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis - Think critically and innovatively to solve authentic property problems.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Site Constraint Analysis - Collect and analyse data using industry-standard proprietary software and strategies to evaluate financial and property market trends to inform current and future property decisions.
Relates to: ULO4, Site Constraint Analysis - Communicate and negotiate with diverse, real-world audiences
Relates to: ULO5, Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis - Collaborate strategically in professional contexts with teams and diverse stakeholders and manage stakeholders with consideration for different cultural perspectives and priorities.
Relates to: ULO5, Site Constraint Analysis - Apply ethical judgement and principles of sustainabilty to make positive global, economic, societal and environmental contributions.
Relates to: ULO3, Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | ABB155 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | UXB134 |
Overview
Professionals involved in planning and property require a deep understanding of how the legal system recognises, defines, and protects property rights. A solid grasp of property law, including property rights, regulatory frameworks in land use planning, and the registration of significant property interests under the Torrens Title system, is essential.
In this unit, you will develop and apply knowledge and skills in land use planning and geographic information systems (GIS). You will be introduced to the spatial analysis techniques used in contemporary urban planning. Additionally, you will gain expertise in analysing key theoretical and practical concepts in land use planning, evaluating data, and applying regulatory frameworks to inform land use decisions. The unit will also focus on enhancing your ability to communicate land use concepts visually and in writing, as well as devising solutions to complex land use challenges.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Identify the impact of Real Property rights, legislation and land use planning systems on the utility of property
- Explain the relevant cases and legislative policy and framework related to Native Title
- Apply concepts of real property law and land use planning to support analysis of contemporary property issues
- Use Geographical Information System to analyse urban land uses and their relationships to common land use objectives
- Communicate legal and land use planning concepts both visually, and in writing as a team
Content
Learning outcomes will be achieved through coverage of the following topics:
- Structure of the legal system and system of government
- Real Property Law and other property rights
- Principles of Customary (Native) Title
- Environmental issues
- Principles of urban and regional planning, planning system in Queensland
- Land use planning and site constraints
- Planning impact on property development
- Geographic Information System (GIS), spatial analysis, visual and written communication
Learning Approaches
This unit adopts a theory-to-practice approach, emphasising applying basic theoretical concepts in practical settings. It is designed to actively engage you through lectures, tutorials, and self-directed study. The unit's structure facilitates the understanding and application of key concepts, fostering collaboration with peers and tutors.
Lectures
Weekly lectures will deliver essential theoretical foundations for the unit. Lecture materials will be available on Canvas each week for you to download. In preparation, you may be required to complete readings beforehand. We will explore theoretical and practical aspects of each week's content during the lecture. Lectures are delivered in a blended format, allowing synchronous online and in-person participation.
Tutorials
Weekly tutorials are held in computer labs, with complementary interactive videos that reinforce in-class activities. Separate in-person and online tutorials will be offered. The tutorials are designed to deepen your understanding of theoretical principles through practical application, mainly using GIS software for spatial analysis. These sessions are essential for helping you perform well in your assessments and offer an opportunity to receive formative feedback from lecturers and tutors.
Directed Private Study
You will also be expected to undertake self-directed study, including readings and supplementary materials. This independent study will support your understanding of the lecture and tutorial content.
Engagement and Participation
Your active participation in this unit includes:
- Attending weekly lectures
- Engaging in self-directed online learning and completing interactive activities to strengthen your understanding of key concepts
- Participating in weekly tutorials to apply theoretical knowledge to case studies and real-world scenarios using GIS software, facilitating the transformation of theoretical understanding into practical skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Self feedback:
Evaluation of presentation seminars
Peer feedback:
Feedback from peers as part of group work
Adaptive feedback:
Formative knowledge assessment of key concepts
Teacher feedback:
Opportunities for both individual and group feedback throughout the semester as well as a part of assessment process
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes and has been designed to provide the opportunity for you to perform real world tasks and develop skills in working with professional teams. The assessment has been designed to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment);
- demonstrate your learning to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the unit's attendance mode.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Property case study
The case study will give you experience in applying theoretical concepts and the law to a simulated real-world problem. This will give you experience in research and applying theory to resolve a problem or ascertain the legal and planning position of an identified party.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Site Constraint Analysis
Acting as a property development and planning team working for a client, you will interpret land use planning regulations and source a range of spatial data types to use GIS to accurately identify locations that meet the client’s criteria for future development.
You will communicate your findings in a site constraint analysis report that describes your methods, results, recommendations, reasoning, and the key regulatory aspects that will inform the client's detailed site identification for future development. You will prepare the report to be attractively designed and include illustrations, diagrams and maps to communicate critical concepts whenever possible. Use jargon-free language that the public can readily understand.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
No special requirements
Costs
No additional costs
Resources
Required readings will be available on the Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing Faculty of Engineering students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction
You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)
- Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
Relates to: Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis - Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Relates to: Site Constraint Analysis - Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis
UD05 Bachelor of Property Economics
- Identify theoretical and technical knowledge of economic, legal, social, cultural, global, physical, technological and sustainable contexts required to value, manage and develop property assets and investment portfolios
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis - Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills, methods, calculations, property technologies, and sustainability strategies to evaluate the feasibility of property development opportunities, to identify finance options for property investments, and to enhance the performance of assets or investment portfolios
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis - Think critically and innovatively to solve authentic property problems.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Site Constraint Analysis - Collect and analyse data using industry-standard proprietary software and strategies to evaluate financial and property market trends to inform current and future property decisions.
Relates to: ULO4, Site Constraint Analysis - Communicate and negotiate with diverse, real-world audiences
Relates to: ULO5, Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis - Collaborate strategically in professional contexts with teams and diverse stakeholders and manage stakeholders with consideration for different cultural perspectives and priorities.
Relates to: ULO5, Site Constraint Analysis - Apply ethical judgement and principles of sustainabilty to make positive global, economic, societal and environmental contributions.
Relates to: ULO3, Property case study, Site Constraint Analysis