How to Make an Offer on a House in Brisbane

Buying a house is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but if you’re new to the process or the Brisbane property market, it can also be a little overwhelming. Between finding the right suburb, lining up your finances, and working out how much to offer, there’s a lot to think about.

If you’re feeling unsure about how to make an offer on a house in Brisbane, don’t stress. We’ve broken it down step by step to help you feel confident and in control, whether it’s your first home or your next investment. If you need a hand with finance along the way, the team at Inovayt is here to help.

Understand the Brisbane Property Market

Before jumping in with an offer, it’s essential to understand what you’re walking into. Brisbane’s property market has remained one of the more affordable capital cities in Australia, especially when compared to Sydney or Melbourne. That said, demand has been growing steadily in recent years, with lifestyle-friendly suburbs and infrastructure upgrades attracting more buyers to the Sunshine State.

Each suburb has its own price trends, so make sure you’re comparing apples with apples. Online platforms like Domain, CoreLogic and realestate.com.au can help you explore recent sales in the areas you’re interested in. It’s also a good idea to attend a few inspections and auctions to get a feel for how quickly properties are selling and what kind of offers are being accepted.

Get Your Finance Sorted First

Before making any sort of offer, it’s crucial to have your finances in order. This means getting pre-approval from your lender (also known as conditional approval). Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend and shows agents and sellers that you’re serious.

It also helps you avoid heartbreak – there’s nothing worse than falling in love with a house, making an offer, and then finding out you can’t actually get the financing you need.

At Inovayt, we can help you explore your borrowing options, compare lenders, and secure pre-approval that puts you in a strong position. And if you’re a first home buyer, we’ll also check if you’re eligible for government support, such as the First Home Guarantee or Queensland’s stamp duty concessions.

Understand How Offers Work in QLD

Every state in Australia has slightly different rules when it comes to buying property, so it’s important to understand how it works in Queensland.

In Brisbane, most properties are sold via private treaty (i.e. not at auction). This means you make an offer directly to the seller through the real estate agent. Unlike some other states, offers in Queensland are usually made by filling in a Contract of Sale with your proposed price and conditions. Verbal offers are common early on, but they don’t carry any legal weight until they’re submitted in writing.

Once the seller signs the contract, there’s a five-business-day cooling-off period, during which you can change your mind (although a small termination fee may apply). This gives you time to complete things like building and pest inspections, and confirm your finance.

We always recommend having a conveyancer or solicitor look over the contract before you sign. They’ll ensure your rights are protected and that any conditions (like ‘subject to finance’ or ‘subject to pest inspection’) are included correctly.

How to Decide What to Offer

Now to the big question: how much should you offer?

Your offer should be based on more than just the listed price. Consider the following:

• Recent sales of similar properties in the area
• How long the property has been on the market
• The condition of the home (and whether any repairs are needed)
• Market competition and how quickly similar properties are selling
• Your own budget and pre-approval limits

If the home ticks all your boxes and demand is high, you might choose to offer at or above the asking price. If it’s been on the market for a while or needs work, there may be room to negotiate. Just remember not to stretch yourself too thin, no matter how much you love the property.

Including conditions like ‘subject to finance’ and ‘subject to building and pest inspection’ is common in Queensland and can give you peace of mind.

Submitting the Offer

Ready to make an offer? Here’s what typically happens:

1. The agent provides you with a Contract of Sale.
2. You complete the contract with your offer price, settlement terms, and any conditions.
3. You return the signed contract to the agent – digitally or in person.
4. The agent presents your offer to the seller.
5. The seller can either accept, reject, or counteroffer. It’s worth noting that your offer is not legally binding until the seller signs the contract, so there’s still room for negotiation.

What to Do If Your Offer Is Accepted (or Rejected) 

If your offer is accepted – congratulations! You’re officially under contract, pending conditions.

Now’s the time to:

• Notify your mortgage broker in Brisbane to progress on your finance application
• Book a building and pest inspection
• Have your solicitor review the contract (if they haven’t already)
• Pay the initial deposit, usually a small percentage of the total

If your offer is rejected, don’t be discouraged. It’s common for buyers to miss out on their first few attempts, especially in a competitive market. You can always revise your offer, ask the agent for feedback, or move on to the next property. Stay in touch with your broker to keep your pre-approval active and up to date.

Final Tips for Brisbane Buyers

Making an offer is just one part of the home-buying puzzle, but it’s a big one. Here are a few bonus tips to help things go smoothly:

• Be ready to act quickly, especially in a competitive market
• Stay professional and polite with agents – it can make a difference
• Don’t forget about extra costs like stamp duty, legal fees, and inspections
• Keep emotions in check and don’t overextend your budget
• Use a mortgage broker to help you navigate the process from start to finish

Working With the Inovayt Team

Making an offer on a house in Brisbane can feel like a high-stakes game, but with the right knowledge, preparation, and team behind you, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

At Inovayt, we help you get your finances in order, secure the best home loan for your situation, and guide you through every step of the buying process. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to put in an offer, we’re here to help.

Need help with pre-approval or want to chat about your next move? Get in touch with the team at Inovayt today.