Converting Residential Properties to Healthcare Practices

Location is key for all healthcare practices, and making sure your clinic is conveniently located and close to your patient base is essential. In recent years many businesses have considered the strategy of converting a residential property to use as their new healthcare practice premises to position the business in the heart of the community.

While converting a house property to a healthcare practice may seem like a perfect solution, there are some important details you will need to be aware of.

Town Planning & Council Approvals

If your chosen property has only been used as a home, you will most likely need to apply for ‘a change of use’ approval from a residential property to healthcare practice.  The type of zoning that applies to the location of the property may also be different for your specific service. 

Council approvals can take longer than you think. So before you commit to the purchase or lease of a property, it is best to consult with an experienced healthcare fitout specialist such as Elite to obtain guidance on your proposed new healthcare premises.

Parking

An important factor is having an appropriate amount of parking.  The specific requirements for parking vary depending on the type of practice you are planning to open. You will need to ensure the property (or its surrounds) has sufficient parking for your patients. 

Reconfiguration

A healthcare practice will require a different configuration compared to a residential home. If you need to reconfigure rooms and move existing fixtures such as plumbing, it will affect your timeline and budget.  Older properties may also require additional work to ensure the building meets modern standards. This can mean additional work on items such as plumbing, wiring and structural elements.

Let’s look at two Elite clients who converted houses into medical and dental practices.

Mindoc

A small residential property on a busy main road in Glen Waverley proved to be the perfect choice for Melbourne psychiatrist Dr Anjith Divakaran when he decided to take the plunge and start his own private practice.  Location was important for Dr Divakaran. He wanted to be centrally located in Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs, and be easily accessible via public transport or car.  The property features plenty of parking, and easy accessible for patients with impaired mobility.

A striking colour palette features throughout, and is complemented by quality finishes.  In the reception area the white counter is highlighted by the accent wall colour, striped carpet and orange banquette cushions. The distinctive brown and orange colour scheme continues throughout the entire practice. Bright carpet, paint colours and cushions also feature in the consult rooms.

Dental Wellness

When Elite fitted out the Dental Wellness clinic in Brisbane, it was important that the space reflected the practice’s commitment to healthy, natural healing and wellness, as well as keeping the period features of the heritage listed former residential property. 

The property’s ornamental architraves, cornices and ceiling features are highlighted through the application of contrasting paint colour, and complemented with timber flooring.  Natural elements were introduced via themed wall panels and art. A simple colour palette of greens and browns, making the space feeling warm, relaxing and homely.

Learn More

Are you considering converting a residential property to a healthcare practice?  From the start of your property search, through to the design and fitout of your new practice – we are here to help. 

Give the Elite team a call today on 1300 765 344.