Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of the Gold Coast's property market is included in our pack
Buying property on the Gold Coast as a foreigner comes with a unique set of costs that can catch many buyers off guard.
Queensland applies specific duties and fees that do not exist in every Australian state, so understanding these upfront is essential.
We keep this blog post constantly updated so you always have the latest figures and regulations at your fingertips.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in the Gold Coast.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in the Gold Coast in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign buyers on the Gold Coast should expect total closing costs of roughly 12% to 17% of the purchase price, which translates to approximately A$120,000 to A$170,000 (about US$78,000 to US$110,500 or €72,000 to €102,000) on a A$1,000,000 property.
If you keep expenses to the bare legal minimum on the Gold Coast, you might get away with around 10% to 12% of the purchase price, meaning about A$100,000 to A$120,000 (roughly US$65,000 to US$78,000 or €60,000 to €72,000) on that same A$1,000,000 home.
However, if you want to be fully prepared for all potential fees on the Gold Coast, you should budget up to 16% to 20% of the purchase price, which could reach A$160,000 to A$200,000 (approximately US$104,000 to US$130,000 or €96,000 to €120,000) on a A$1,000,000 property.
The main factors that push your Gold Coast closing costs toward the high end include the FIRB fee band (which depends on property price and whether it is established or new), the complexity of strata records in areas like Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, and any lender costs if you are borrowing.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in the Gold Coast?
For a foreign buyer purchasing residential property on the Gold Coast in 2026, the usual total percentage of fees and taxes over the purchase price is around 12% to 17%.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range that covers most standard property transactions on the Gold Coast runs from about 10% for very simple deals up to 20% for more complex high-value purchases with extensive due diligence.
Out of that total, government taxes (transfer duty plus the 8% Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty plus the FIRB fee) typically make up around 10% to 14%, while professional service fees like conveyancing, inspections, and searches usually add another 1% to 3%.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in the Gold Coast.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property on the Gold Coast include Queensland transfer duty, the Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) if you qualify as a foreign acquirer, the FIRB application fee if approval is required, conveyancing or solicitor fees, and Titles Queensland registry fees for transfer registration and searches.
While not legally required, highly recommended optional costs on the Gold Coast include building and pest inspections (especially for older homes in suburbs like Southport or Labrador), strata records searches for apartments in Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, and an independent property valuation to confirm you are paying a fair price.
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What taxes do I pay when buying a property in the Gold Coast in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property transfer tax in Queensland (called transfer duty) is progressive, starting at 0% for the first A$5,000 and rising to 5.75% on amounts above A$1,000,000, which means a A$1,000,000 Gold Coast property incurs roughly A$38,000 in standard transfer duty.
Yes, there is an extra transfer tax for foreigners buying residential property on the Gold Coast: the Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) adds 8% on top of the standard transfer duty, so on a A$1,000,000 home, that is an extra A$80,000.
Australia has a 10% GST, but for most residential property purchases on the Gold Coast, GST only applies to new-build homes and is typically already included in the contract price rather than charged separately at settlement.
Stamp duty on the Gold Coast is the same as transfer duty, and it is calculated based on the property's purchase price using Queensland's progressive rate table, then paid around settlement through your conveyancer or solicitor.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in the Gold Coast?
Queensland offers first home transfer duty concessions that can significantly reduce or eliminate duty for eligible buyers, but these concessions come with strict residency and occupancy requirements that many foreign buyers cannot meet.
If you buy property on the Gold Coast through a company or trust instead of as an individual, you may face different land tax rules including a potential foreign surcharge, and you will not qualify for the first home duty concessions at all.
There is a tax difference between buying a new-build versus a resale property on the Gold Coast: new residential properties may have GST included in the price, while established homes are typically treated differently under GST rules and are often GST-free.
To qualify for first home concessions on the Gold Coast, you generally must be an individual (not a company), never have owned property in Australia before, and commit to living in the home as your principal residence for a continuous period after purchase.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in the Gold Coast in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, hiring a conveyancer or solicitor on the Gold Coast typically costs between A$800 and A$1,800 (roughly US$520 to US$1,170 or €480 to €1,080) for their professional fee, plus another A$300 to A$800 (about US$195 to US$520 or €180 to €480) for disbursements and searches.
Conveyancing fees on the Gold Coast are usually charged as a flat rate rather than a percentage of the property price, though complex transactions may incur additional hourly charges.
Translation or interpreter services for foreign buyers on the Gold Coast typically cost between A$150 and A$400 (approximately US$100 to US$260 or €90 to €240) for document translation, and A$300 to A$800 (about US$195 to US$520 or €180 to €480) if you need certified translation plus live interpreting for meetings.
A tax advisor is not mandatory on the Gold Coast, but if you are a non-resident or buying through a company structure, a one-off advice session typically costs A$400 to A$1,500 (roughly US$260 to US$975 or €240 to €900) and can save you from expensive mistakes later, especially if you plan to rent the property out.
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about the Gold Coast.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical real estate agent commission on the Gold Coast ranges from about 2% to 4.5% of the sale price plus GST, which on a A$1,000,000 property would be roughly A$22,000 to A$49,500 (approximately US$14,300 to US$32,200 or €13,200 to €29,700).
On the Gold Coast, as in all of Queensland, the seller pays the real estate agent's commission, so as a buyer you do not pay this fee directly.
The realistic low-to-high range for agent fees on the Gold Coast runs from around 2% for straightforward sales up to 4.5% or more when extensive marketing packages are involved, with most transactions falling somewhere in between.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in the Gold Coast?
Legal checks on the Gold Coast, including title searches, liens verification, and basic registry searches, typically cost between A$50 and A$250 (roughly US$35 to US$165 or €30 to €150) per search set, while strata records searches for apartments can add another A$250 to A$800 (about US$165 to US$520 or €150 to €480).
A property valuation on the Gold Coast, whether required by your lender or done independently for peace of mind, typically costs between A$300 and A$700 (approximately US$195 to US$455 or €180 to €420) for a standard residential property.
The most critical legal check you should never skip on the Gold Coast is the strata records search if you are buying an apartment, because this is where you discover special levies, building defects, or ongoing litigation that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars after settlement.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in the Gold Coast.
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What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in the Gold Coast right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in the Gold Coast?
The most common unexpected fees buyers discover on the Gold Coast are body corporate special levies in high-rise areas like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Main Beach, where building repairs for issues like concrete spalling, waterproofing failures, or lift replacements can run into tens of thousands of dollars.
You generally will not inherit unpaid property taxes on the Gold Coast because your conveyancer or solicitor should ensure rates and water charges are adjusted at settlement, though you need to verify this is done correctly to avoid paying the seller's portion.
Scams with fake listings or fake fees do happen on the Gold Coast, with the most common pattern being requests to pay a deposit to a bank account that is not the solicitor's or agent's trust account, so always independently verify any last-minute bank detail changes.
Fees that are usually not disclosed upfront on the Gold Coast include strata special levies and building defect disputes (which only appear in a thorough strata records search), higher ongoing maintenance costs for coastal buildings exposed to salt and wind, and setup costs if you plan to do short-term letting.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in the Gold Coast, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in the Gold Coast?
If the Gold Coast property you are buying has a tenant, you may face extra costs of around A$300 to A$800 (approximately US$195 to US$520 or €180 to €480) for additional legal review of the lease, bond transfer handling, and ensuring proper notice and entry procedures during the sale process.
When you purchase a tenanted property on the Gold Coast, you legally inherit the existing lease and must honor its terms, including the current rent amount and the tenant's right to remain until the lease expires.
No, you generally cannot terminate an existing lease immediately after purchasing a property on the Gold Coast; Queensland tenancy laws protect the tenant's right to stay until the lease ends, and you can only issue notices to leave under specific circumstances defined by law.
A sitting tenant on the Gold Coast can affect negotiating position both ways: some buyers see it as a hassle and negotiate a lower price, while investors may value the immediate rental income and pay closer to asking price.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in the Gold Coast.
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Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in the Gold Coast?
Which closing costs are negotiable in the Gold Coast right now?
On the Gold Coast, the closing costs you can typically negotiate include your conveyancing professional fee, the scope and number of inspections and valuations you order, and sometimes the settlement timing which can affect small administrative costs.
The closing costs that are fixed by law and cannot be negotiated on the Gold Coast include transfer duty, the Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD), the FIRB application fee, and all Titles Queensland registry fees.
On the negotiable fees, Gold Coast buyers can realistically achieve discounts of around 10% to 20% on conveyancing quotes by shopping around, while inspection costs can be managed by bundling services or choosing which optional reports to skip.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in the Gold Coast?
On the Gold Coast, it is relatively uncommon for sellers to agree to cover buyer closing costs directly, though you can always negotiate this as part of your offer, especially in softer market conditions.
The closing costs that Gold Coast sellers are most commonly willing to help with (if any) are minor items like a contribution toward building inspections or settlement adjustments, rather than major costs like transfer duty.
Sellers on the Gold Coast are more likely to accept covering some closing costs when the property has been on the market for a long time, when there is oversupply in the area (such as certain high-rise pockets in Surfers Paradise or Southport), or when known building issues have been discovered.
Is price bargaining common in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is common on the Gold Coast, though the amount of negotiation room varies significantly depending on the property type and specific suburb.
Gold Coast buyers typically negotiate around 2% to 6% below the asking price, which on a A$1,000,000 property would mean discounts of A$20,000 to A$60,000 (roughly US$13,000 to US$39,000 or €12,000 to €36,000), with larger gaps possible when strata issues or stale listings are involved and tighter margins for scarce beachside houses in areas like Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads, or Palm Beach.
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What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in the Gold Coast?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in the Gold Coast right now?
For a house without strata on the Gold Coast, a realistic monthly owner budget (excluding your mortgage) is around A$300 to A$700 (roughly US$195 to US$455 or €180 to €420), while apartments and townhouses with strata typically require A$600 to A$1,500 per month (approximately US$390 to US$975 or €360 to €900).
The main recurring expense categories that make up this monthly budget on the Gold Coast include council rates, building and contents insurance, maintenance reserves, and for strata properties, body corporate levies that cover common area upkeep, building insurance, and sinking fund contributions.
The realistic low-to-high range for monthly owner costs on the Gold Coast runs from about A$300 per month for a simple freestanding house up to A$1,500 or more for a high-rise apartment with extensive amenities like pools, lifts, gyms, and concierge services in areas like Surfers Paradise or Main Beach.
The monthly cost that tends to vary the most on the Gold Coast is the body corporate levy, because it depends heavily on building amenities, age, and whether any special levies have been raised for repairs or defect rectification.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in the Gold Coast here.
What is the annual property tax amount in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, Queensland does not have a single universal annual property tax like some countries; instead, Gold Coast property owners pay council rates (which vary by property valuation and category) plus land tax if their land value exceeds certain thresholds and exemptions do not apply.
For council rates on the Gold Coast, the realistic low-to-high range is roughly A$2,000 to A$5,000 per year (approximately US$1,300 to US$3,250 or €1,200 to €3,000), while Queensland land tax only kicks in above threshold amounts and can include a 3% surcharge for foreign or absentee owners depending on structure.
Queensland land tax is calculated based on the unimproved land value of your property (not the building value), assessed on 30 June each year, with rates that increase progressively as land value rises.
Exemptions or reductions may be available for owner-occupiers of their principal residence (who are generally exempt from land tax), though foreign owners using company or trust structures often face the land tax foreign surcharge regardless of how they use the property.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in the Gold Coast in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income from Gold Coast property is taxable in Australia, and if you are a foreign resident for tax purposes, you face foreign resident tax rates that start at 32.5% on your first dollar of income with no tax-free threshold.
Yes, landlords on the Gold Coast can deduct expenses from rental income taxes, including costs like repairs (but not capital improvements), depreciation on fixtures and fittings, property management fees, insurance, and loan interest, as outlined in the ATO's rental guide.
After legitimate deductions, the effective tax rate for typical Gold Coast landlords who are foreign residents can range from roughly 20% to 32.5% depending on how much taxable income remains after expenses.
Foreign property owners on the Gold Coast do pay a different rental income tax rate than Australian residents: residents get a tax-free threshold and lower marginal rates on initial income, while foreign residents start at 32.5% from the first dollar.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, yes, you must pay tax on short-term rental income (like Airbnb) from your Gold Coast property, and you are required to declare all rental income regardless of how short the stays are.
Short-term rental income on the Gold Coast is generally taxed the same as long-term rental income under income tax rules, though GST treatment can differ if your short-term letting is treated as providing commercial accommodation rather than residential rent.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in the Gold Coast.
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If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in the Gold Coast in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a property on the Gold Coast is typically around 3% to 6% of the sale price.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range for total selling costs on the Gold Coast runs from about 3% for a straightforward sale with minimal marketing up to 6% or more when extensive advertising campaigns are involved.
The specific cost categories that make up that total include real estate agent commission (usually 2% to 4.5% plus GST), marketing costs, conveyancing or legal fees (around A$800 to A$2,000), and potentially early mortgage repayment fees if you have a loan.
The single largest contributor to selling expenses on the Gold Coast is almost always the real estate agent's commission, which typically accounts for more than half of the total selling costs.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, when you sell a property on the Gold Coast for more than you paid, the capital gain is added to your taxable income and taxed at your marginal tax rate, which for foreign residents starts at 32.5%.
Australian residents may qualify for a main residence exemption (no CGT on your home) or a 50% CGT discount if they held the property for more than 12 months, but foreign residents have restricted access to the main residence exemption under rules that often surprise expats and overseas owners.
Yes, foreigners selling property on the Gold Coast face additional hurdles: they often cannot access the main residence CGT exemption, and buyers may be required to withhold a portion of the sale price under the foreign resident capital gains withholding rules unless proper clearance certificates are obtained.
Capital gain on the Gold Coast is calculated as the sale price minus the original purchase price (your cost base), adjusted for allowable costs like stamp duty paid on purchase, legal fees, and the cost of capital improvements made during ownership.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about the Gold Coast, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland Revenue Office - Transfer Duty | Official Queensland government guide to transfer duty rates. | We used it as the primary reference for what transfer duty applies in Queensland. We cross-checked the rate table against legislation and law firm summaries. |
| Queensland Revenue Office - AFAD | Official Queensland page for the foreign buyer surcharge. | We used it to confirm Queensland's extra duty for foreign acquirers on residential land. We triangulated the current percentage using reputable legal summaries. |
| Foreign Investment - Schedule of Fees (July 2025) | Official Commonwealth fee schedule for FIRB applications. | We used it to price FIRB application fees by purchase price band. We applied the July 2025 schedule as it governs fees in the 2025-26 financial year. |
| Australian Taxation Office - GST and Residential Property | Official ATO explanation of when GST applies to home sales. | We used it to explain whether buyers pay GST and the difference between new and established homes. We clarified why GST is often in the price rather than a separate fee. |
| Australian Taxation Office - Foreign Resident Tax Rates | Official income tax rate table for non-residents. | We used it for the rental income section to ground tax rate bands for foreign residents. We cross-referenced it with ATO rental guidance for consistency. |
| Australian Taxation Office - Main Residence Exemption | Official ATO page on a rule that often surprises foreign owners. | We used it for the selling and CGT section to flag that foreign residents often cannot use the main residence exemption. We framed exemption risk clearly for non-professionals. |
| Titles Queensland - Registry Fees FY2025/26 | Official fee list for Queensland land title dealings and searches. | We used it to estimate unavoidable registration and search costs. We applied the FY25/26 schedule as it covers early 2026. |
| City of Gold Coast - My Rates Bill | Official local council guidance on rates administration. | We used it to ground ongoing owner costs specific to the Gold Coast. We supported expectations for council rates beyond state and federal taxes. |
| Queensland Government - Commissions and Costs | Official Queensland explanation of who pays the agent fee. | We used it to answer whether buyers pay the agent fee in Queensland. We clearly separated buyer closing costs from seller costs. |
| Queensland RTA - When a Property is for Sale | Official tenancy regulator with practical rules people follow. | We used it for the tenanted property section to explain what changes after purchase. We kept tenant-related extra costs realistic and compliant. |
| Ashurst - Stamp Duty and Land Tax Rates | Top-tier global law firm publishing structured rate summaries. | We used it to cross-check Queensland transfer duty brackets. We used it as triangulation since QRO pages require JavaScript. |
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