A man who took his own life after stabbing his estranged wife to death on the Gold Coast was on bail over an earlier domestic violence charge, it has been revealed.

The bodies of David Bradford, 52, and Teresa Bradford, 40, were found inside a Pimpama home after 6:30am, where children were also present.

David Bradford, 52, was charged with assaulting his estranged wife weeks before her death. ( Supplied )

Police believe Bradford, who was not living at the Pimpama home, broke into the property, stabbed Ms Bradford to death and then took his own life.

He had been charged last November over an assault on his estranged wife where he choked her and taken into custody, but was granted bail earlier this month.

Ms Bradford's friend Karina Mason said the November incident was serious.

"She did fight very hard for her life that day, and she did talk him down and she was able to call for an ambulance," Ms Mason said.

She also said Ms Bradford was unaware her estranged husband was even applying for bail.

"The day she learned he had been granted bail she was definitely in fear for her life and for her children's safety," Ms Mason said.

"She was actually due to look at five houses this week because she knew she needed to move out of the house they were living in together and she needed to move so he didn't know where they were."

Ms Mason said Ms Bradford would be remembered fondly.

"She was a very smart, intelligent girl … she's been through a lot of hardships in her life," Ms Mason said.

"She always saw the good side in friends and in people. She was always the first to put her hand out and help."

Detective Inspector Mark Thompson said police did not believe anyone else was involved.

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath has ordered a briefing on the decision to release Bradford on bail.

'I feel for the children that have been left behind'

Neighbour Storm Bacon said she was shocked by this morning's discovery.

"It is a little scary — not something you want to drive down the road from you after you wake up and know that two people have died in a house," she said.

Another neighbour, Susan Helyard, said her thoughts were with the children.

"It is a damn shame for something to happen like that. Two lives — it is very disturbing," she said.

"I feel for the children that have been left behind."

A crime scene has been established and police are continuing their investigation.