Why buyers have to check for themselves
Since 1 August 2025, Queensland sellers must give buyers a Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2) before the contract is signed. It covers the title, zoning, contamination, pools and more, but it does not cover flooding. The form itself tells buyers to check flood and natural hazard risk with the council.
Step 1: the council’s flood maps
Councils are the property-level source of flood information in Queensland.
- Brisbane: the council’s Flood Awareness Map rates the likelihood of flooding at an address as high, medium, low or very low, by type of flooding. The free FloodWise Property Report gives flood and ground levels for the property.
- Other councils: many have their own tools. Moreton Bay, for example, offers a flood check report. Search your council’s website for “flood map” or “flood check”.
Step 2: FloodCheck Queensland for the bigger picture
FloodCheck Queensland shows floodplains, historic flood lines and where flood studies exist. Its own disclaimer says not to use it to judge flood risk for an individual property, so treat it as context and go back to the council for the answer.
Step 3: ask, and get an insurance quote
- Ask the agent and the seller directly whether the property has ever flooded. The disclosure statement won’t tell you.
- Get an insurance quote that includes flood cover before you commit. Policies treat flood differently (covered, capped or excluded), so read the Product Disclosure Statement.
- In cyclone areas, the government’s cyclone reinsurance pool covers cyclone damage, including cyclone-caused flooding, during a cyclone and for 48 hours after. It is not general flood cover.
In Queensland the burden is on the buyer. If the council map shows any flood likelihood, find out the flood level and the floor level before you sign.
How MapView helps
MapView’s Must Knows flag flood risk, bushfire, heritage, easements on the title and more for any Queensland address, marked Clear or Flagged. It’s a quick first check before you dig into council maps for the homes on your shortlist.
Common questions
Does the Queensland seller disclosure statement tell me about flooding?
No. Since 1 August 2025 sellers must give a disclosure statement (Form 2) before you sign, but it does not cover flooding. The form tells buyers to check flood and natural hazard risk with the council.
Is FloodCheck Queensland enough to judge flood risk?
No. FloodCheck shows floodplains, historic flood lines and where flood studies exist. Its own disclaimer says not to use it to judge flood risk for a property; contact the council for that.
What is a FloodWise Property Report?
A free report from Brisbane City Council with flood and ground levels for a property, used for building and buying decisions. The council's Flood Awareness Map also rates flood likelihood as high, medium, low or very low.
Does cyclone insurance cover floods?
The Australian Government's cyclone reinsurance pool covers cyclone damage, including flooding caused by a cyclone, during a cyclone and for 48 hours after. It is not general flood cover, so check your policy.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and official tools change, so check the sources below and talk to your conveyancer or solicitor before you commit.
