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Buying property in Brisbane involves multiple taxes and fees that can add substantial costs to your purchase price.
The total upfront costs can range from around $42,000 for first home buyers to over $120,000 for foreign buyers on a $1 million property, plus ongoing annual expenses of $4,000-$8,000.
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Brisbane property buyers face transfer duty (stamp duty) ranging from $0 for eligible first home buyers to $38,025 for a $1 million property, plus foreign buyer duty of 8% for overseas purchasers.
Ongoing costs include Brisbane City Council rates of $2,000-$2,800 annually, potential land tax if your total holdings exceed thresholds, and body corporate fees of $2,000-$5,000 per year for apartments or townhouses.
| Cost Category | First Home Buyer | Local Buyer/Investor | Foreign Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Duty (Stamp Duty) | $0 | $38,025 | $38,025 |
| Additional Foreign Duty | N/A | N/A | $80,000 |
| Registration Fees | $464 | $464 | $464 |
| Legal/Conveyancing | $600-$1,300 | $600-$1,300 | $600-$1,300 |
| Inspections | $300-$700 | $300-$700 | $300-$700 |
| Total Upfront Costs | $1,364-$2,464 | $39,389-$40,489 | $119,389-$120,489 |
| Annual Ongoing Costs | $4,400-$8,500 | $4,400-$8,500 | $4,400-$8,500+ |
What property price should you consider in Brisbane, and how does it affect taxes and fees?
The median house price in Brisbane sits at approximately $1,000,422 as of September 2025, making this a useful benchmark for calculating taxes and fees.
Your property price directly determines your transfer duty (stamp duty) amount, which increases on a sliding scale. For properties under $75,000, you pay minimal duty, but costs rise significantly above this threshold.
On a $500,000 property, you'll pay around $8,975 in transfer duty, while a $1 million property incurs $38,025. Foreign buyers face an additional 8% duty regardless of price - that's $40,000 extra on a $500,000 property or $80,000 on a $1 million purchase.
Council rates, land tax thresholds, and body corporate fees also scale with property value and type. Higher-value properties typically face proportionally higher ongoing costs.
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How does your buyer status affect stamp duty and available concessions?
Your buyer status fundamentally changes your stamp duty obligations and access to concessions in Queensland.
First home buyers purchasing new properties or vacant land pay zero transfer duty from May 2025, regardless of the property value. This represents significant savings - potentially $38,025 on a $1 million new home.
Owner-occupiers and investors pay standard transfer duty rates without concessions. Foreign buyers pay both standard rates plus the Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) of 8%.
Companies and trusts face different thresholds for land tax, with lower exemption limits than individuals. Self-managed superannuation funds also have specific rules that may affect your total tax burden.
What are the current transfer duty rates in Queensland for different property prices?
| Property Value Range | Rate Structure | Example Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $5,000 | Nil | $0 |
| $5,001 - $75,000 | $1.50 per $100 over $5,000 | $50,000 property = $675 |
| $75,001 - $540,000 | $1,050 + $3.50 per $100 over $75,000 | $300,000 property = $8,925 |
| $540,001 - $1,000,000 | $17,325 + $4.50 per $100 over $540,000 | $750,000 property = $26,775 |
| Above $1,000,000 | $38,025 + $5.75 per $100 over $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 property = $49,525 |
| Foreign Buyers (All Prices) | Standard rate + 8% AFAD | $1,000,000 property = $118,025 total |
What first home buyer concessions can reduce your transfer duty costs?
Queensland's first home buyer concessions underwent major changes in May 2025, now offering complete transfer duty exemptions for eligible purchases.
You pay zero transfer duty when buying new homes or vacant land for new construction, with no upper price limit. This applies whether you're purchasing a $400,000 or $1.5 million new property.
The concession requires you to be a genuine first home buyer, use the property as your principal place of residence, and meet Australian residency requirements. You cannot have previously owned residential property anywhere in Australia.
Existing (non-new) properties don't qualify for the concession, so you'll pay standard transfer duty rates. The savings potential is substantial - up to $38,025 on a $1 million new property versus the same amount in duty on an established home.
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How much additional duty do foreign buyers pay, and what qualifies as foreign ownership?
Foreign buyers in Queensland pay an Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) of 8% on top of standard transfer duty rates.
On a $1 million Brisbane property, foreign buyers pay $38,025 in standard transfer duty plus $80,000 in AFAD, totaling $118,025 compared to $38,025 for local buyers.
You're classified as foreign if you're not an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Companies with foreign ownership above certain thresholds, trusts with foreign beneficiaries, and entities controlled by foreign persons also pay AFAD.
Some exemptions exist for temporary residents in specific circumstances, but these are limited. Foreign buyers also face higher land tax surcharge rates and ongoing compliance requirements.
What are the exact title and mortgage registration fees in Queensland?
Queensland Titles Registry charges fixed fees for property registration that apply regardless of property value.
Title registration (transferring ownership) costs $231.98 per transaction. Mortgage registration (recording your loan against the title) costs another $231.98.
Most property purchases require both registrations, totaling $463.96 in mandatory government fees. These fees increase periodically - they rose from previous lower amounts in 2025.
Additional fees may apply for complex transactions, multiple mortgages, or amendments to registered documents. Your conveyancer typically handles these registrations and includes the fees in their quote.
What should you budget for legal and conveyancing fees in Brisbane?
Legal and conveyancing fees in Brisbane typically range from $600 to $1,300 for standard residential purchases, plus additional disbursements of $200 to $500.
The total cost depends on property complexity, purchase price, and whether you need additional legal services beyond standard conveyancing. Apartments with complex body corporate arrangements may cost more.
Disbursements cover searches, certificates, and administrative costs including council searches, title searches, water compliance certificates, and PEXA settlement platform fees.
Shop around between conveyancers, but don't choose solely on price - experience with Brisbane property transactions and local knowledge matter significantly for smooth settlements.
How much do building and pest inspections cost before settlement?
Building and pest inspections in Brisbane typically cost between $300 and $700 for combined reports on standard residential properties.
The price varies based on property size, age, accessibility, and inspection company. Larger homes or properties with complex structures cost more to inspect thoroughly.
Most buyers opt for combined building and pest reports from a single inspector for cost efficiency. Separate inspections from different companies may cost $200-$400 each.
These inspections are optional but highly recommended, especially for older properties or homes in areas with known pest issues. The cost is minimal compared to potential repair expenses discovered post-purchase.
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What are the annual Brisbane City Council rates for different property types?
Brisbane City Council rates increased by an average of 3.87% for owner-occupied properties in the 2025-26 budget year.
For a $1 million house, annual council rates typically range from $2,000 to $2,800, depending on the property's exact location, size, and previous valuations. Apartments generally have lower rates than houses.
Rates are calculated using your property's unimproved capital value, location category, and applicable charges including general rates, environment levy, and transport infrastructure charge.
You can check your exact rates using Brisbane City Council's online calculator or by reviewing your annual rates notice. Rates are payable quarterly or can be paid annually with a small discount.
When does Queensland land tax apply, and how much would you pay?
Queensland land tax applies only when your total land holdings exceed specific thresholds, which change annually.
As of 2025, the threshold is approximately $600,000 for individuals and $350,000 for companies and trusts. These figures represent the total unimproved value of all Queensland land you own.
If your total holdings exceed the threshold, land tax applies at progressive rates starting around 1% for amounts just over the threshold, increasing to higher percentages for larger portfolios.
For example, if you own Brisbane land valued at $1 million (unimproved value), and this exceeds your threshold, you might pay several thousand dollars annually. Foreign owners face surcharge rates that are significantly higher.
What are typical body corporate fees for Brisbane apartments and townhouses?
Body corporate (strata) fees in Brisbane typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 per year for standard apartment or townhouse complexes.
Fees depend on the building's age, amenities, size, and management requirements. Luxury buildings with pools, gyms, concierges, and extensive common areas charge significantly more than basic complexes.
These fees cover building insurance, common area maintenance, utilities for shared spaces, management fees, and contributions to the sinking fund for major repairs and replacements.
Review the body corporate's financial statements and minutes before purchasing to understand fee trends, upcoming special levies, and the building's maintenance requirements. High fees aren't necessarily bad if they reflect good building management and adequate reserve funds.
What other mandatory annual charges apply to Brisbane properties?
Brisbane property owners face several mandatory annual charges beyond council rates and body corporate fees.
The Emergency Management Levy ranges from $113 to $260 per year, depending on your property's risk category and location. This funds emergency services and disaster management.
Council waste charges typically cost $300 to $450 annually for standard refuse and recycling services. Some areas have additional charges for green waste collection.
Water and sewerage charges apply based on usage and property connections, typically costing $800 to $1,500 annually for average households.
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Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Understanding Brisbane's property taxes and fees is crucial for accurate investment planning and avoiding unexpected costs at settlement.
The significant variations between buyer categories - especially the substantial savings for first home buyers and high costs for foreign buyers - make professional advice essential before committing to any purchase.
Sources
- Real Estate - Brisbane house prices hit record high
- Open Agent - Brisbane Property Market
- Queensland Revenue Office - Transfer Duty Rates
- Mint Legal - Queensland Stamp Duty Guide
- MFAA - Queensland removes stamp duty for first home buyers
- Queensland Revenue Office - Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty
- Your Mortgage - Understanding Mortgage Registration Fees
- Brisbane City Council - How rates are calculated