What to Consider Before Buying a Property Interstate
The idea of buying property interstate is exciting. Whether you’re chasing the Queensland lifestyle for your family or looking for better returns outside of your local market, the goal of buying a home in another state is a thrilling milestone to hit.
However, the moment you cross a border, you enter a new legal, financial, and logistical landscape. Many interstate property buyers—especially those trying to do it alone—make costly mistakes due to a simple lack of local knowledge.
If you currently live elsewhere and are considering buying a home in Brisbane (or anywhere else in the country), here is your essential checklist of what to consider first.
Buying a Home in Brisbane to Move To (Owner-Occupiers)
If you are buying a home in one state while living in another with the intention of moving, the challenge is emotional as much as it is financial. So, here are the things you have to keep in mind.
Researching the “Hyper-Local” Market
Your biggest risk is relying on broad market averages. Brisbane is not one market—it’s hundreds of suburbs, each with its own character, flood history, and development plans.
Vibe Check: You need to experience the neighbourhood. Do the local shops close early? Is the main road quiet at night? If you can’t make multiple visits, you need someone on the ground who can verify the “feel” and suitability of the suburb for you and your family.
The School Catchment Trap: If you have a growing family, school catchment zones are critical and directly impact value. Brisbane school zones may change, and just being “close” may not be enough. Verify the exact boundaries with the Queensland government.
Logistics of the Move: Consider the settlement time and how it aligns with your move. Buying a house in another state before moving requires coordinating temporary accommodation, the removalist, and the property settlement itself.
Considering Legal, Financial, and State-Specific Costs
Each Australian state and territory has its own set of regulations. These differences are often what catch interstate buyers by surprise.
Stamp Duty Variations: In comparison to your home state, stamp duty rates can differ substantially. This is a significant upfront cost, so account for it in your overall budget.
The First Home Buyer (FHB) Concessions: If you are an FHB, verify your eligibility for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty concessions, as these vary based on property type, price, and residency status.
Conveyancing: You need to work with a local solicitor or conveyancer in Queensland. Hiring a local expert is essential for a seamless transaction because property law, contracts, and settlement procedures vary by state.
Buying a Second Home in Another State (Investment)
If your goal is purely financial—buying a second home in another state as an investment—the focus shifts entirely to metrics and strategy.
Setting a Strategy: Investment Drivers, Not Lifestyle
The mistake many investors make is buying what they like or buying in an area they holiday in. When buying investment property interstate in Australia, your choices must be driven by data.
Capital Growth Drivers: Consider more than just the price at the moment. Examine what propels Brisbane’s long-term growth:
Infrastructure projects (Cross River Rail, new road upgrades).
Employment nodes (major hospital or university precincts).
Population growth and migration trends.
Local Demographics and Rentability: What type of property is in demand by renters? Houses are popular in family suburbs, while units near transport hubs and the city attract professional tenants. A house might offer better capital growth, but a well-located unit might offer a better rental yield.
Performing Due Diligence from a Distance
When you are buying property interstate, you lose the ability to easily perform an in-person physical check. This necessitates relying on professionals.
The Inspection Mandate: Never buy sight-unseen. Always make your contract subject to a satisfactory Building and Pest Inspection. You should either fly in for the inspection or hire a local professional, like a buyer’s agent, to attend on your behalf.
Choosing Your Team: You need to assemble a capable, local team before you even start searching for properties. This team includes:
Local Buyer’s Agent: This expert on the ground serves as your sole representative in the buying process. They are essential for:
Getting Off-Market Deals: Their network allows them to source properties you wouldn’t find online, reducing competition.
Valuation and Negotiation: They accurately determine the true value, preventing you from overpaying—a common risk when buying a home in another state you aren’t familiar with.
Due Diligence Management: They coordinate with the selling agent and oversee all physical inspections, giving you an unbiased, expert viewpoint.
Local Broker/Lender: They are familiar with lender restrictions on certain Brisbane postcodes (like flood zones) and can save you time on finance applications.
Local Conveyancer: As mentioned above, a local expert is required to handle the state-specific legal and contract requirements.
Local Property Manager: This professional is essential for market insight, setting correct rents, and handling maintenance. Choose them based on their knowledge of your target suburb, not just the lowest fee.
Can I Buy Property in Another State? Absolutely.
The answer to the question, “Can I buy property in another state?” is a resounding yes, provided you manage the distance risk with local expertise.
Essentially, buying a home in another state successfully comes down to replacing your physical presence and personal knowledge with an objective, experienced local team. They can provide on-the-ground support to navigate the hyper-local markets, state-specific contracts, and complex negotiation processes.
If you’re ready to explore purchasing your next home or investment in Brisbane, contact U Buyers Agents today. Our local expertise takes the guesswork out of buying property interstate.