Commercial property
Offices, shops, warehouses, industrial and development sites.
Commercial property is bought for income, use or development, so the questions are different. What can the land be used for? Are the leases sound? How is GST treated? Who should own it? A due diligence period in the contract gives you time to find out — if it is used well.
The contract must state whether the sale is a going concern, under the margin scheme, or taxable at the full price. Getting this wrong can add 10% to the cost.
Check the zoning and approvals allow your intended use, signage, parking and any expansion.
Read every lease, option and side deal. Check rent, outgoings recoveries, arrears, bank guarantees and expiry dates.
Fire safety, essential services, disability access and an asbestos register for older workplaces.
Contaminated land listings, previous uses such as fuel or chemicals, and any notices.
A company, trust or SMSF changes duty, land tax, lending and tax. SMSF purchases with borrowing need a holding trust set up correctly before you sign.
Commercial land usually attracts land tax. Duty, foreign acquirer duty and land tax surcharges depend on the buyer.
FIRB approval may be needed depending on the buyer and the value.
Property and title
- Title, easements and covenants
- Survey and boundaries
- Council approvals and notices
- Strata or body corporate records for commercial units
- Services, access and road widening
Income and operations
- Leases, options and guarantees
- Outgoings budgets and recoveries
- Retail shop lease compliance for retail tenants
- Service and maintenance contracts
- Building and plant condition reports
- GST clause that does not match the facts
- Going concern claimed when it does not qualify
- Intended use not permitted by zoning
- Leases with options or rent reviews not disclosed
- Bank guarantees not transferred to the buyer
- Due diligence period too short or not used
- SMSF or trust structure set up after signing
- Land tax not budgeted
- Retail lease non-compliance passed to the buyer
- Environmental issues found after settlement
How we help — our difference
We have extensive experience as a corporate and commercial lawyer. We structure the purchase, run the due diligence and negotiate the contract terms that matter. Your matter is handled personally by an experienced solicitor, working with your accountant and lender.
- Contract terms negotiated, including GST
- Due diligence planned and managed
- Lease review and tenancy schedule checks
- Company, trust and SMSF buyers
- Off-the-plan commercial purchases
- Clear, fixed quoted fees
Buying or selling commercial property? Talk to us first.
A short first phone call is free. Detailed advice on your situation is given at a paid consultation, by appointment.
General information only, current as at October 2026 — not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees and duty rates change, so we confirm the current position before advising you. Official information: Queensland seller disclosure · Queensland Revenue Office.