Underpinning Prospect
Underpinning Prospect puts the support below a character home in focus when the aim is to repair and keep the building.
New protection for representative buildings makes understanding repair options worthwhile. It does not mean a protected house has a footing problem.
Looking after the support beneath character homes
On 3 September 2025, the SA Government announced approved protection for 432 representative buildings across five historic Prospect neighbourhoods.
The areas are North Ovingham, Medindie Gardens, Ballville/Gloucester, Prospect Lanes and Highbury. The change makes demolition harder, strengthening the case for understanding repairs.
Being in one of those neighbourhoods does not tell you whether a home is listed or whether its footings need work. Check the building’s status and its actual condition separately.
Sources: SA Government, 3 September 2025: protecting Prospect’s character
Check the repair before changing the building
For a character home you want to keep, start with photos of the cracks and the wall around them. Explain any changes to doors or floors as well.
An engineer’s view may be needed before choosing footing work. Check with your council or PlanSA whether your underpinning needs approval before work starts.
Footing advice and other older-home guides
Read the underpinning Adelaide guide for the repair process. Unley explores keeping older homes, while Norwood looks at masonry on eastern clay.
underpinning AdelaideUnley: a repair-and-keep approachNorwood: older masonry homes
Questions homeowners ask
Are all Prospect character homes among the 432 protected buildings?
No such assumption should be made. The September 2025 decision identifies representative buildings across five named neighbourhoods. Check the status of your own building with council or PlanSA.
Does Prospect’s new protection prove a footing repair is needed?
No. Protection concerns the building’s character and demolition controls, not a finding about its footings. Cracks still need their own check before a repair is chosen.
What should I check before underpinning a protected Prospect home?
Find out what the cracks indicate, whether an engineer is needed and what the agreed work includes. Check with your council or PlanSA whether approval is needed before starting, including the position for your protected building.
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When we reply, we'll explain how to share photos of the cracks.