The property industry has reacted strongly against the Queensland government's decision to put a 3% surcharge on foreign property investors.

The additional charge, which doubles the former rate, comes at a precarious time for the Queensland property industry, and contradicts previous comments on the subject by state Treasurer Curtis Pitt. 

Paul Bidwell of the Master Builders Queensland told The Brisbane Times, “The increase in the stamp duty will have a major impact I think in south-east Queensland particularly in the unit market, and already we are seeing, although the approvals are still going up, there is a lot of nervousness about where that is headed. 

"We need those foreign investors to invest. Is it going to stop them?  Well, it is not going to help them,” he said.

Warwick Temby of the Housing Industry Association said, "It is going to put a dent in demand in south-east Queensland."

"It is not a lot of money, but the impact on overseas confidence about investing in Queensland is potentially damaging. It is bad PR," he said.

The Baird government is considering additional property taxes for foreign buyers in its 21 June budget.

See also:

NSW joins Vic, Qld with foreign investor taxes

Victorian government increases stamp duty for foreigners

Negative gearing debate ends Turnbull honeymoon

Shorten's housing tax plans revealed