Queensland is making a name for itself as one of Australia’s most affordable growth states when it comes to property.
With its reasonably priced real estate and the strong performance of regions like the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, buyers who have been priced out of expensive options like Sydney and Melbourne are flocking to the Sunshine State.
However, buying a property in Queensland can be a potential money pit, if you don’t know what to watch out for. While most buyers know to check for household pests and building damage, there are other factors that can shatter the image of what appears to be the perfect home. Some of the biggest issues to look for include:
1. Termites
Unfortunately, Queensland is one of the areas in Australia that is absolutely notorious for termite problems. In 2016 a Sunshine Coast property made headlines for because a termite infestation caused damage so severe, it was deemed unliveable and resulted in heavy financial losses for the unlucky buyer. Make sure that in conducting your initial building and pest inspections on a home, you include a thorough scan for the presence of termites, ideally using professional pest inspectors.
2. Proximity to construction sites
With the influx of unit construction approvals in Brisbane and south east Queensland at present, it’s important to check whether you might be in close proximity to a project that’s about to start building – filling your lovely new home with dust and debris, while subjecting you to the inevitable clangs and bangs of construction equipment. Real estate agents are not obliged to tell you about any new developments in the neighbourhood, so you’ll need to research on your own; try consulting the local council website as your first port of call.
3. Ability to withstand flooding
Following the devastation left by Cyclone Debbie in March 2017 and heavy rainfall in the months since, Queensland buyers must now more than ever pay attention to whether a property can withstand the elements. It’s also a good idea to pass through the home during poorer weather, to determine whether there are any issues to do with flooding or drainage.
4. Noisy neighbours
Another thing agents don’t generally warn you about, is the potential headache of living with party people who don’t turn their music down. With all of that year-round sunshine, Queensland attracts a huge number of tourists and international students, which can lead to some noisy neighbour situations. Noise can be difficult to check if you happen by the property during a peaceful moment, so it might be wise to inspect the property a few different times at varying times of the day to review the noise factor.
You should also keep an eye out for hidden costs to a property, particularly when you’re looking at an older home. A leaning retaining wall, for instance, could turn into thousands of dollars worth of repair works, while common property in a strata setting could need repairs. Be sure to inspect every nook and cranny, and don’t be too shy to ask questions.
When you’re buying a dwelling, especially for the first time, it’s important to be as thorough as you can. Don’t be afraid to seem like you’re nit-picking too much – it’s going to be your house or investment property, and you’re going to be the one who has to live with any potential problems down the track.
If you’re not sure what questions to ask, or this is your first time buying a house, feel free to get in contact with us at Conveyancing.com.au, and we can make some suggestions to ensure you protect yourself every step of the way. We aim to make the process of buying property as seamless and stress-free as possible for you: for more information on how we can help you (or for an obligation-free quote) don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team on 1300 932 738 or contact us online here.
This article is provided for general information purposes only. Its content is current at the date of publication. It is not legal advice and is not tailored to meet your individual needs. You should obtain specialist advice based on your specific circumstances before taking any action concerning the matters discussed in this article.
