Buying Your First Investment Property in Queensland? Read This Quick Guide

Considering buying an investment property in Queensland? That’s great! However, you should be aware that the State of QLD has its own legal regulations before you start planning.

Ignoring such rules may cost you a lot of money or even jeopardise your new property. The following is a basic list of the legal obstacles that you will have to overcome.

Things To Keep In Mind When Buying An Investment Property In Queensland

If you are planning on buying an investment property in Queensland, there are several things that you might have to do. For instance, you should always start by determining your budget. You can do this by talking to a mortgage broker and working out how much you can borrow.

Next, look for and select a suitable area in which to buy your property. Make sure you have a deposit of at least 10-20% with you so that you do not have to pay additional costs.

Also, find out the total costs of the purchase, both the upfront and the ongoing ones, such as stamp duty, solicitor fees, and property management fees. 

And these are not the only things. You will also have to be ready to pay for the installments of the loan, council rates, and maintenance and repair of the property, which are some of the ongoing ​‍​‌‍​‍‌expenses.

Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind when buying an investment property in Queensland:

1. Perform A Title Search (Check Hidden Problems)

When buying a property, you must be 100% confident that the seller is the real owner and that there are no other claims to the property. You can hire a conveyancer to conduct a title search. This checks for hidden problems, such as:

• A neighbour who has a legal right to make use of your land (an easement).
• A regulation that prevents you from renting out the property.

Have this check requested before you sign, and you won’t face any bad surprises later.

2. Read The Contract Carefully

The most significant document is the sales contract. It details the price, dates, and all the regulations of the sale.

Big Warning: In QLD, the property is typically at the buyer’s risk from 5:00 pm the next business day after you sign the contract (not when you receive the keys). So, if the house gets burned or flooded before you have even completed the payment, you will be deemed financially responsible for the damage. 

3. Get Insurance On The Day You Sign (Seriously)

Due to the risk rule in the above case, you need home and contents insurance as soon as the contract is signed. Your bank will demand this, and it will protect you in case of a disaster before the loan is finalised.

Once you have tenants, you will also require Landlord Insurance. This will protect you against lost rent or tenant injuries that have occurred on your premises.

4. Get Building And Pest Checks 

This is a non-negotiable step in QLD. Termites thrive in warm, damp climates, and they are capable of destroying a house.

• A building inspector examines the structural issues (poor roof, foundation, and so on).
• A pest inspector is the one who looks for termites and other harmful pests.

If the reports reveal large issues, they can frequently be used to back out of the deal or negotiate a lower price.

5. Know The New Rule Regarding Seller Disclosure Statement

As of August 1, 2025, sellers in Queensland are required to provide a mandatory Seller Disclosure Statement and prescribed certificates. This is a law that requires them to disclose to you key upfront information about the property, including:

• Details about the title, any registered claims, and unregistered encumbrances (like informal leases or easements).
• General information on zoning and planning.
• Building compliance issues.
• Details about the Body Corporate (if it is a unit or a townhouse).

This is your legal right. If they do not tell you about something important, you can cancel the contract.

Crucial Clarification: While the statement provides mandatory information, the seller is not required to disclose information regarding structural soundness or pest infestations. This reinforces why the buyer’s independent Building and Pest checks are still essential.

6. Budget For These Extra Costs

The cost is not limited to the purchase price. As an investor in QLD, you will also be required to pay:

• Stamp Duty: This is a huge government tax on the acquisition. Keep in mind that Queensland does not offer specific stamp duty concessions for property investors.
• Legal (Conveyancing) Fees: This is the amount you will pay your legal advisor or conveyancing solicitor to handle all the required paperwork.
• Land Tax: It is a yearly tax that you may need to pay if the land value of your property exceeds $600,000.

7. Know Your Rules As A Landlord

When you become the owner of the property, you undertake legal responsibility. The laws regarding QLD rentals have evolved, and you need to:

• Ensure the house meets minimum housing standards (i.e. it must be safe, secure, and in good condition).
• Only increase the rent once every 12 months.

Having an experienced property manager and seeking advice from tax accountants in Gladstone or wherever your property is located can further guide you through these requirements. These professionals can help you maximise your rental income while keeping on the proper side of the law.

Buying A Unit Or Townhouse? Check The “Body Corp”

When buying an investment property in Queensland that is shared with other properties (such as a pool or a driveway), it will be part of a Body Corporate (Body Corp). This is the organization that controls the common spaces.

You need to scrutinise the Body Corp documents to examine:

• High Fees (Levies): These can eat into your rental earnings.
• The “Sinking Fund”: This is the savings account for big future repairs (such as a new roof). If it is empty, you may face a huge unexpected bill.
• The Rules (By-laws): Can you keep pets? Does it have any rules that complicate renting it out?

You Can’t Do This Alone

Buying an investment property in Queensland is a lot of work, and that is exactly why you should not do it yourself.

First,​‍​‌‍​‍‌ hire a conveyancer or a conveyancing solicitor (a property lawyer) from Queensland who has a lot of experience in investment properties. They will review the contract, find out if there are any hidden issues, and keep your rights safe during the exchange.

Additionally, it would be wise to collaborate with other professionals, such as tax accountants, property managers, and insurance providers. In such a manner, you will be able to start your property investment journey in a positive ​‍​‌‍​‍‌way.