Warning to homeowners

Homeowners are being warned of a silent problem that could devalue properties by 10 per cent if undetected, an industry expert claims.

HOMEOWNERS and buyers are being warned of a silent problem that could devalue properties by 10 per cent if undetected, an industry expert claims.

Sixty-three per cent of Sunshine Coast properties tested for methamphetamine residue are returning unacceptable levels.

Meth Screen CEO Ryan Matthews says unlike physical damage, residents can have little or no way of knowing if the new or rented property has been used as a meth lab.

"The houses look fine, some don't obviously, but the majority you wouldn't know there was a problem," Mr Matthews said.

One Buderim property was 85 times the accepted level, another 40 times, and a Maroochydore home 60 times over.

Queensland Police data shows 82 people have been apprehended for producing drugs on the Coast so far this year.

Mr Matthews has called for the testing to be mandatory to protect buyers and renters from potentially having to fork out tens of thousands of dollars.

Speaking to The Financial Review, Mr Matthews likened contamination to having termites, devaluing it by 10 per cent.

"Real estate agents are only getting testing done where it's clear there's been a problem," Mr Matthews said.

"I'd say about 1 per cent of rental properties are tested.

"Meth residue doesn't disappear, it can stay in an environment for decades. It's happening in any suburb, high-end or lower economic."

He said Maroochydore and Buderim were the most common suburbs for testing, simply because of their high populations.

Positive readings were also found at Meridan Plains, Pacific Paradise, Palmwoods, Sunrise Beach, Warana, Wurtulla, Sippy Downs and Alexandra Headland.