How Much Does a Quantity Surveyor Cost in Australia? (2026)
| City | Typical range | Year on year |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $650–$1,100 | ↑ +2.5% |
| Melbourne | $600–$950 | ↑ +2.5% |
| Brisbane | $500–$850 | ↑ +2.0% |
| Perth | $550–$900 | ↑ +2.0% |
| Adelaide | $450–$750 | ↑ +1.5% |
| Gold Coast | $500–$850 | ↑ +2.0% |
| Canberra | $600–$1,000 | ↑ +2.5% |
| Newcastle | $500–$850 | ↑ +2.0% |
| Sunshine Coast | $500–$850 | ↑ +2.0% |
| Wollongong | $550–$900 | ↑ +2.0% |
| Geelong | $500–$850 | ↑ +2.0% |
| Townsville | $500–$800 | ↑ +1.5% |
| Hobart | $500–$800 | ↑ +1.5% |
| Darwin | $600–$1,000 | ↑ +2.5% |
Quantity Surveyor Cost by City
A quantity surveyor measures and costs buildings. For most property owners in Australia that means a tax depreciation schedule for an investment property, an insurance replacement-cost report, or a construction cost plan.
Detailed Pricing — Quantity Surveyor Cost in Australia 2026
| Tier | Typical fee | What it funds |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop / self-assessed depreciation schedule | $350–$500 | No site visit. Suits newer builds with documented costs. |
| Full-inspection residential schedule | $550–$900 | QS inspects and itemises Division 40 and 43 assets. Lasts 40 years, fee is deductible. |
| Commercial / mixed-use schedule | $1,200–$4,000+ | Offices, retail, industrial. Priced on floor area and fit-out complexity. |
| Insurance replacement-cost report | $500–$1,200 | Rebuild valuation for strata or owner insurance. |
| Cost plan / sinking fund / DA cost report | $1,500–$6,000+ | Construction estimating for developers, strata committees and council submissions. |
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Get quotes →What Actually Moves the Quantity Surveyor Cost in Australia
- Desktop vs inspection. A desktop schedule uses plans and photos; a full-inspection schedule sends a QS to site and finds more.
- Property type. Residential is a fixed-price product; commercial and mixed-use is priced on floor area and fit-out.
- Age and renovation history. Older properties with undocumented renovations take longer to assess.
- Report type. A depreciation schedule, an insurance valuation and a DA cost plan are different products at different price points.
- Location. Regional travel adds to inspection-based reports.
Do you need a depreciation schedule?
Yes if you own an investment property built after September 1987, or any property with renovations or new plant and equipment. The schedule lasts 40 years and the fee is fully deductible.
A pre-1987 property with no renovations and only second-hand fittings may yield too little to justify the report. A reputable QS will tell you before charging.
The honest test: most firms guarantee at least double the fee in first-year deductions or the report is free. If they won't, find one that will.
Red flags when comparing quantity surveyors
- Not registered with the Tax Practitioners Board. Since 2010 only registered tax agents can prepare depreciation schedules.
- Not a qualified QS (AIQS or equivalent) doing the actual inspection.
- No double-fee guarantee on a residential schedule.
- Quoting second-hand plant and equipment deductions on a property bought after May 2017 without checking eligibility.
- No turnaround commitment. Five to seven days is standard.
How to Keep the Quantity Surveyor Cost Sane in Australia
Frequently Asked Questions — Quantity Surveyor Cost in Australia
Our Methodology
These are independent estimates from public cost guides, marketplaces and industry rate data, and no provider can influence them, so always get a few quotes. Last reviewed October 2026. Read our full methodology →