QLD $700k first home: Live in it vs Investment
Same price, same FHB tick — purpose alone can turn a $0 duty path into full standard duty in Queensland.
Engine 2026-07-ftc. Educational estimate — not a Revenue Office assessment or credit advice.
The decision
Will you live in this property as your home, or is it genuinely an investment?
- QLD home concession / FHB duty paths need Live in it
- Investment + FHB does not unlock the homebuyer duty exemption
- 5% Deposit Scheme is owner-occupier only — investment kills it
What to tick
- State: QLD
- Price: $700,000
- First home buyer: Yes
- Property: Established
- Compare purpose: Live in it vs Investment
Engine comparison
Live in it + FHB
Eligible QLD FHB established path inside the modelled ≤$700k exemption band.
- Stamp duty
- $0
- Deposit
- $140,000 (20%)
- LVR
- 80.0%
- LMI flag
- Not flagged
- Funds to complete
- $140,462
QLD FHB full exemption on established homes (≤ $700k)
Within 5% Scheme cap ($1,000,000) for QLD metro / regional centre — no LMI under Scheme
Investment + FHB
Same FHB tick, but investment purpose uses standard QLD duty — FHB alone is not enough.
- Stamp duty
- $24,525
- Deposit
- $140,000 (20%)
- LVR
- 80.0%
- LMI flag
- Not flagged
- Funds to complete
- $164,987
5% Deposit Scheme: owner-occupied only (not investment)
Takeaway
In Queensland, purpose is a cash decision. If you will occupy, start on Live in it before you celebrate a first-home tick. If it will be rented, model investment rates and do not pretend the FHB duty exemption still applies.