Land Tax in Queensland — Rates, Thresholds & Calculator 2026
Everything you need to know about land tax in QLD for the 2025-26 financial year, including current rates, thresholds, exemptions, and surcharges.
Overview
Queensland has a $600,000 threshold for individuals and applies marginal rates from 1% up to 2.75%. Since 2023, Queensland has controversially begun assessing land tax on the total value of Australian landholdings, not just Queensland land. This means interstate investors may face a higher effective rate on their Queensland properties because their total Australian land portfolio is considered when determining the rate bracket. Queensland also applies a 2% foreign owner surcharge.
The threshold for individuals is $600,000 for 2025-26. Companies and trusts have a lower threshold of $350,000. Above the threshold, marginal rates apply.
| Land Value From | To | Marginal Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $600,000 | Nil |
| $600,001 | $1,000,000 | 1.0% |
| $1,000,001 | $3,000,000 | 1.75% |
| $3,000,001 | $5,000,000 | 1.25% |
| $5,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 1.75% |
| $10,000,001 | and above | 2.75% |
How Land Is Valued in QLD
Queensland uses the unimproved value of land as determined by the Valuer General. This reflects the value of the land in its natural state, without any improvements such as buildings, landscaping, or drainage works. Valuations are typically issued annually.
Revenue Body
Queensland Revenue Office
Assessment Date
30 June each year. Ownership at midnight on 30 June determines your land tax liability for the following financial year.
Aggregation Rules
Queensland aggregates all taxable land owned in the state. Since 2023, the rate applied to your Queensland land is determined by your total Australian landholdings (including interstate land). This means a NSW investor who buys Queensland land may be taxed at a higher marginal rate than a Queensland-only investor with the same Queensland land value, because their total Australian portfolio is larger.
Exemptions
- Principal place of residence (PPOR)
- Primary production land
- Charitable and religious land
- Moveable dwelling parks (with conditions)
- Supported accommodation
- Land below the tax-free threshold
Surcharges
Foreign Owner Surcharge
A 2% foreign owner surcharge applies to foreign individuals, corporations, and trusts that own residential land in Queensland. This is in addition to standard land tax rates.
Absentee Owner Surcharge
Queensland does not have a separate absentee owner surcharge, but the interstate landholdings provision (since 2023) effectively penalises interstate investors by considering their total Australian land value when determining the applicable QLD rate bracket.
Other Notable Rules
The interstate landholdings provision is the most significant recent change to Queensland land tax. It has been challenged in court by interstate investors. Under this rule, if you own $2M of land in NSW and $500,000 of land in QLD, your QLD land tax rate is determined as if you owned $2.5M total -- meaning a higher marginal rate applies to your QLD land than if only the QLD land were considered.
Land Value
$800,000
State
QLD
Annual Land Tax
$2,000 per year
Calculation
Taxable amount = $800,000 - $600,000 = $200,000. Tax = $200,000 x 1.0% = $2,000.
Queensland's $600,000 threshold and strong rental yields have made it a popular destination for interstate investors, particularly from NSW and Victoria. However, the 2023 interstate landholdings provision has complicated this strategy. An investor with a large NSW portfolio may find that their first Queensland property is taxed at a higher rate than expected.
The interstate provision has been controversial and is subject to ongoing legal challenges. Investors should seek professional advice on how their total Australian portfolio affects their Queensland land tax liability. Despite this, Queensland remains attractive due to its relatively high threshold compared to Victoria's $50,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Queensland tax interstate landholdings?
Since 2023, Queensland considers your total Australian landholdings (including interstate land) when determining the land tax rate applied to your Queensland land. The actual tax is still only assessed on the value of your Queensland land, but the rate bracket is determined by your Australia-wide total. This can significantly increase the effective rate for interstate investors.
What is the land tax threshold in QLD for individuals?
The land tax threshold for individuals in Queensland is $600,000 for 2025-26. Companies and trusts have a lower threshold of $350,000. If your total taxable land value in Queensland is below the threshold, no land tax is payable.
Is there a foreign owner surcharge in Queensland?
Yes. Foreign individuals, companies, and trusts that own residential land in Queensland pay a 2% surcharge on top of the standard land tax rates. This surcharge applies to the full taxable value of the land.
When is land tax assessed in Queensland?
Land tax in Queensland is assessed based on ownership at midnight on 30 June each year. This differs from most other states which use 31 December. The assessment determines your land tax liability for the following financial year.
Calculate Your QLD Land Tax
Enter your total taxable land value and get an instant calculation of your Queensland land tax liability. Compare with other states to see where your money goes furthest.
Related Calculators & Guides
Land Tax by State
Information is for the 2025-26 financial year and is general in nature. Rates, thresholds, and surcharges may change. Land tax rules are complex and depend on your specific circumstances including ownership structure, property use, and residency status. Always consult a qualified tax professional or your state revenue office for advice specific to your situation.