Can you buy a Gold Coast property without being there in person?
Yes, absolutely. With modern virtual inspection technology, comprehensive building reports, live video walkthroughs, drone footage, and secure electronic settlement (PEXA), buying property remotely is now safe, common, and fully supported by Australian conveyancing systems.
Key capabilities: Live video inspections, 360° virtual tours, professional building and pest inspections with video reports, independent valuations, electronic contract signing, remote settlement, and full property management setup—all from anywhere in the world.
Who uses remote buying: FIFO workers on remote mine sites, interstate investors, international buyers from China/Singapore/Hong Kong, Australian expats living overseas, and busy professionals who can't attend in person.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a trend that was already emerging: remote property buying. What was once considered risky is now mainstream, with an estimated 25-40% of property transactions in major Australian markets involving buyers who never physically inspected the property before purchase.
The Gold Coast, with its appeal to interstate investors and international buyers, has become a leader in virtual inspection services. Property technology has advanced to the point where remote buyers often have more comprehensive property information than traditional buyers who attend a single 15-minute open house.
Note: Statistics based on industry reports and Real Estate Institute data. Virtual buying is now standard practice, not experimental.
This guide explains exactly how to buy Gold Coast property remotely with confidence, what technology to use, how to conduct thorough due diligence from afar, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that catch inexperienced remote buyers.
The most interactive and comprehensive option. You connect with the agent or inspector via video call while they walk through the property, showing you exactly what you want to see.
Pro Tip: Schedule live inspections for different times of day if possible. Morning light vs afternoon light can reveal different aspects. Saturday morning shows weekend neighborhood activity.
High-definition video tours you can review multiple times, share with family, and analyze in detail. These typically run 5-15 minutes and show the property systematically.
Typical Cost: $100-300 for professional production, though many agents now include this as standard marketing material.
Interactive tours using specialized 360° cameras (typically Matterport). You navigate through the property yourself, clicking to move between rooms, and can zoom in on any detail.
Typical Cost: $200-500 depending on property size. Increasingly included in premium listings.
Limitation: Static capture, so you can't open cupboards or test appliances. Best used alongside live video inspection.
Aerial views show what ground-level photography can't: the property's position relative to neighbors, proximity to amenities, surrounding environment, and aspects like backyard privacy.
Typical Cost: $150-400 for professional drone footage and photography package.
Professional property photography capturing every room, angle, and detail. Remote buyers should request comprehensive photo sets with 50-100+ images, far more than typical marketing material.
Request specific shots: Ceiling corners, under sinks, inside wardrobes, electrical panels, hot water systems, air conditioning units, garage storage, fence condition, neighboring properties.
We provide comprehensive virtual property inspections via video call. Inspect properties from anywhere in the world at a time convenient for your timezone.
Before inspecting properties, get formal loan pre-approval from a lender experienced with remote buyers. This establishes your budget and makes you a serious buyer.
Timeline: 3-7 days for standard pre-approval
Required: Income verification, credit check, deposit confirmation
International buyers: See our Overseas Property Financing Guide for non-resident lending.
A buyer's agent or off-market property service acts as your eyes and ears on the ground. They attend properties on your behalf, provide honest assessments, and have local market knowledge.
Cost: Typically 1-2% of purchase price for buyer's agent services, or subscription/success fees for off-market services
Value: Saves time, provides local expertise, negotiates on your behalf, coordinates inspections
Identify 3-5 properties matching your criteria. Request comprehensive virtual inspection packages for each before narrowing down.
Request for each property:
Your conveyancer or solicitor conducts searches to verify property details, identify any issues, and confirm what you're actually buying.
Standard searches include:
Cost: Typically $300-600 for complete search package
Timeline: 2-5 business days
Arrange independent building and pest inspections through a licensed inspector. This is non-negotiable for remote purchases.
⚠️ Critical for Remote Buyers: You cannot physically see or touch the property. The building inspection is your primary safeguard against hidden defects, structural issues, or pest damage that cameras won't reveal.
What's included:
Cost: $400-700 for combined building and pest inspection
Timeline: Can be arranged within 2-3 days; report delivered within 24-48 hours
Using the report for negotiation: If significant defects are found, you can negotiate a price reduction, request repairs before settlement, or walk away if issues are too severe.
Most lenders require an independent valuation before approving finance. Even if not required, remote buyers should obtain one for peace of mind.
Purpose: Confirms the property is worth what you're paying, protects against overpaying, provides negotiation leverage
Cost: $300-600 (often paid by lender)
Timeline: 3-7 days
Armed with your inspection reports, valuation, and local market data, make your offer. Being remote doesn't weaken your position—you're an informed buyer with verified information.
Negotiation leverage:
Your agent or conveyancer handles negotiations on your behalf. All communication is via phone, email, or video call.
Your solicitor or conveyancer reviews the contract, explains all terms, and ensures your interests are protected. Contracts can be signed electronically—no need to be present.
What your conveyancer checks:
Electronic signing platforms: DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or conveyancer's secure platform
Once contracts are exchanged, pay the deposit (typically 10% of purchase price). In Queensland, most residential contracts don't have a cooling-off period for standard contracts, though you can negotiate one.
Deposit payment: Electronic transfer to conveyancer's trust account or deposit holder
Note: Cooling-off rights vary by state and transaction type. Discuss with your conveyancer.
Your lender completes final approval and prepares for settlement. You arrange property insurance, coordinate property management (if investment), and prepare for final settlement.
Timeline: 30-90 days typically (as per contract settlement date)
Tasks before settlement:
Settlement occurs electronically through PEXA (Property Exchange Australia), the national electronic settlement platform. You never need to be physically present.
✅ PEXA Settlement Process:
Your role on settlement day: Ensure funds are available in your conveyancer's trust account. Your conveyancer handles everything else. You'll receive confirmation when settlement is complete.
After settlement: You receive the keys (via property manager or mail), updated title deed showing your ownership, and final settlement statement showing all costs.
If using a property manager, they'll conduct a handover inspection with photos/video for your records. If leasing out, they'll begin marketing immediately.
Tasks: Receive keys, review property manager's handover report, approve tenant applications (if investment), complete first tax depreciation schedule, file with ATO.
Total timeline: 6-12 weeks from initial search to settlement, depending on contract terms and finance approval speed.
The problem: Cameras show the property, but not problem neighbors, local noise, traffic congestion, or neighborhood character that you'd notice if present.
✅ Mitigation Strategies:
The problem: Structural issues, hidden water damage, pest infestations, or electrical problems that cameras don't capture.
✅ Mitigation Strategies:
The problem: It's hard to get excited or feel confident about a property you've never stood in. Emotional connection matters, especially for future homes.
✅ Mitigation Strategies:
The problem: Properties that don't exist, fake agents, or fraudulent listings targeting remote buyers who can't verify in person.
✅ Mitigation Strategies:
The problem: International buyers face 6-15 hour time differences. Slow communication can mean missing opportunities or delayed responses during negotiations.
✅ Mitigation Strategies:
The problem: Not understanding local market nuances, what's a good vs overpriced deal, which streets are desirable vs problematic.
✅ Mitigation Strategies:
See our International Buyers Guide and FIRB Approval Guide for complete details.
See our FIFO Workers Property Investment Guide for complete details on financing, tax strategies, and remote buying as a FIFO worker.
While most properties can be safely purchased remotely, certain situations warrant the time and expense of an in-person visit:
🏠 Properties Over $2-3 Million
The financial stakes justify the travel cost. High-value properties often have unique features, luxury finishes, or complex layouts that virtual tours don't fully capture.
🏚️ Older Properties (Pre-1980s)
Higher risk of structural issues, outdated wiring, plumbing problems, asbestos, or foundation issues. Older properties deserve your physical presence to assess condition and feel for potential problems.
⚠️ Properties with Known Defects
If the building report flags significant issues (structural cracks, water damage, pest damage), visit in person to assess severity before committing to repairs or walking away.
🏡 Future Primary Residence
If you're buying a home you'll actually live in (not investment), emotional connection matters. Visit to ensure the neighborhood, commute, and lifestyle fit your expectations.
🗺️ Completely Unfamiliar Area
If you've never been to the Gold Coast or the specific suburb, consider a reconnaissance trip to understand the market, visit multiple properties, and get a feel for different areas before committing.
🏗️ Off-the-Plan or Under Construction
Visit the display suite and inspect the builder's previous work. Off-the-plan purchases involve trusting plans and artist impressions; seeing similar completed projects validates quality expectations.
Budget consideration: Flights from Singapore to Gold Coast typically range $400-800 return, hotels $150-200/night. If purchasing a $600,000+ property, a $1,000-1,500 visit represents 0.15-0.25% of the purchase price—often worthwhile for peace of mind.
| Service | Typical Cost | Who Pays | Essential? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live video inspection | Free - $50 | Usually free from agent | ✅ Essential |
| 360° virtual tour (Matterport) | $200-500 | Seller/agent (sometimes) | 🔵 Highly recommended |
| 4K video walkthrough | $100-300 | Seller/agent (usually included) | 🔵 Highly recommended |
| Drone footage & photography | $150-400 | Seller/agent (usually included) | 🔵 Highly recommended |
| Building & pest inspection | $400-700 | Buyer | ✅ Essential |
| Live video during building inspection | $0-100 (extra) | Buyer | 🔵 Highly recommended |
| Independent valuation | $300-600 | Lender/buyer | ✅ Essential |
| Title & property searches | $300-600 | Buyer | ✅ Essential |
| Conveyancer/solicitor fees | $1,200-2,500 | Buyer | ✅ Essential |
| Buyer's agent (optional) | 1-2% of purchase price | Buyer | 🔵 Optional but valuable |
| In-person visit (if chosen) | $1,000-2,500 | Buyer | ⚪ Optional |
| TOTAL (excluding buyer's agent & visit) | $2,200-$4,200 | Buyer | — |
Cost context: On a $600,000 property purchase, $2,200-4,200 in due diligence represents just 0.37-0.7% of the purchase price—a small insurance premium for a safe remote purchase.
Buyer: Singapore-based professional, first Australian property investment
Location: Southport, Gold Coast (2-bedroom apartment, $485,000)
Process: Engaged local buyer's agent, conducted three virtual inspections, used building inspection with live video streaming, settled via PEXA without ever visiting Australia. Property manager found tenant within 2 weeks. Now achieving 8.2% gross rental yield.
"I was nervous about buying without being there, but the virtual inspection technology and professional reports gave me all the information I needed. The process was actually smoother than buying in Singapore because everything is digital."
Buyer: FIFO worker, Pilbara mine site, planning Gold Coast retirement
Location: Palm Beach, Gold Coast (3-bedroom house, $850,000)
Process: Researched properties during night shift downtime, had buyer's agent attend shortlisted properties in person, conducted final live video inspection via satellite phone from mine site, used his swing off to fly down for one final visit and sign contracts. Now rents it out while continuing FIFO work, planning to move in within 5 years.
"Being on a 2-week roster makes it impossible to attend auctions or do traditional property hunting. Off-market buying with virtual inspections let me buy my retirement home on my schedule."
Buyer: Australian expat working in Hong Kong, relocating to Europe
Location: Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast (townhouse, $720,000)
Process: Started property search from Hong Kong, moved to UK during purchase process, completed entire transaction remotely across three countries and 11-hour time zone difference. Used WhatsApp for quick communication, electronic contract signing, PEXA settlement. Returned to Australia 6 months later and finally saw the property in person.
"I settled on the property while sitting in a London cafe. The fact that I was on the other side of the world didn't matter—PEXA handled everything electronically. When I finally visited the property months later, it was exactly as the virtual tour showed."
Yes, thousands of properties are purchased remotely each year in Australia. With comprehensive virtual inspections, professional building reports, video walkthroughs, drone footage, and experienced conveyancers, remote buying can be as secure as in-person purchases when done correctly. Over 25-40% of Australian property transactions now involve buyers who never physically inspected before purchase.
Virtual inspections typically use: live video calls (Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp), pre-recorded 4K video walkthroughs, 360-degree virtual tours (Matterport), high-resolution photography (50-100+ images), drone footage for exterior and surroundings, live streaming during building inspections, and interactive floor plans with measurement tools.
Many agents offer free live video inspections as part of their service. Professional 360-degree virtual tours typically cost $200-500. Drone footage ranges from $150-400. Recorded 4K video walkthroughs are often $100-300. Many off-market property services include comprehensive virtual inspection packages at no additional cost to the buyer.
Yes, you can arrange building and pest inspections remotely. The inspector attends the property in person and provides a comprehensive written report with photos and videos documenting their findings. Some inspectors offer live video streaming during the inspection so you can watch in real-time and ask questions as they work.
Yes, electronic settlement through PEXA (Property Exchange Australia) is the standard method in Australia and is completely secure and legal. Over 90% of all property settlements in Australia now use PEXA. It's a government-backed platform that electronically transfers funds and property title in real-time. You never need to be physically present at settlement, regardless of where you're located in the world.
Main risks include: not noticing neighborhood issues (noise, traffic, problem neighbors), missing property defects that cameras don't capture, emotional disconnect making it harder to assess the "feel" of the property, relying heavily on others' assessments, and potential communication delays across time zones. All these risks can be effectively mitigated through thorough due diligence, professional inspections, local representation, and comprehensive virtual inspection technology.
Verify through: title search confirming ownership and property details, council rates notice showing the address and property description, building and pest inspection report from a licensed inspector (proves someone physically attended), Google Street View and satellite imagery, independent valuation from your bank or a registered valuer (valuer physically attends), and using licensed conveyancers who verify all documentation and parties involved.
Absolutely. Remote buyers successfully negotiate all the time. Use recent comparable sales data for the area, independent valuations showing market value, building inspection findings as negotiation leverage (defects justify lower price), and local buyer's agents who know the market intimately. Being remote doesn't weaken your negotiating position when you're armed with professional data and expert representation.
Request: all rooms including storage, laundry, and garage; ceilings and corners (water damage indicators); all windows and doors operating; kitchen appliances functioning (ask them to turn on stove, oven); bathroom fixtures and water pressure; air conditioning and heating systems operating; outdoor spaces, gardens, and fencing; street view and neighboring properties; local amenities within walking distance (shops, parks, transport stops).
Yes. International buyers need to navigate FIRB approval, foreign currency transfers, understand different tax obligations (CGT, withholding), and coordinate across significant time zones (6-15 hours). FIFO workers are Australian residents without FIRB concerns but need to coordinate around roster schedules (often 2-week swings), may have limited internet connectivity on remote mine sites, and face lender assessment differences for FIFO income. Both benefit equally from virtual inspection technology, but the administrative requirements differ significantly.
Consider in-person visits for: properties over $2-3 million where the financial stakes are higher, older properties (pre-1980s) with higher risk of structural issues, properties with noted defects in building reports that need personal assessment, when buying your future primary residence (not investment) where emotional connection matters, neighborhoods you're completely unfamiliar with, or when your budget allows and you have the time. For standard investment properties under $2 million in good condition, remote buying with proper due diligence is perfectly safe.
Complete guide for international investors: FIRB approval, financing, taxation, legal requirements, and step-by-step buying process.
Everything international buyers need to know about Foreign Investment Review Board approval, fees, timelines, and application process.
Non-resident mortgage guide: LVR limits, interest rates, deposit requirements, income verification, and lender options.
Property investment strategies for Fly-In-Fly-Out workers: remote buying, financing FIFO income, tax benefits, and property management.
For Australian citizens living overseas: tax residency implications, CGT treatment, rental income tax, and FIRB exemptions.
Why off-market properties are ideal for remote buyers: no auction pressure, flexible inspection timing, negotiated pricing, and privacy.
This guide provides general information about virtual property inspections and remote buying processes in Australia. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Property laws, technology capabilities, and best practices vary by location and situation.
Before purchasing property remotely:
While virtual inspections and remote buying are now mainstream and safe when done properly, always conduct thorough due diligence and engage qualified professionals to protect your interests.
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