News
21 August, 2025
Seller dislosure shakes market
From August 1, 2025, anyone buying or selling property in Queensland faces new rules under the state’s updated property law.
The Property Law Act 2023 has now taken effect, introducing a mandatory seller disclosure scheme aimed at improving transparency in real estate transactions.
Under the reform, sellers of houses, townhouses, units, commercial properties, and vacant land must provide buyers with a completed disclosure statement and supporting certificates before a contract is signed.
If these documents are not provided, or contain inaccurate or incomplete information, buyers may have the right to walk away from the deal at any time before settlement.
The disclosure statement, known as Form 2, requires details about the property’s title, encumbrances, leases, zoning, planning notices, and whether the land is listed on environmental or heritage registers. It must also identify the existence of pools, community title arrangements, and notices issued under building and planning laws. Prescribed certificates, such as a current title search, survey plan, and pool safety certificate (if applicable), must be attached.
The Queensland Government has stressed the need for sellers to prepare early. This may include engaging a solicitor, collecting documents, and ensuring delivery of the statement is properly recorded. Disclosure can be provided in person, by post, or electronically, but proof of delivery is essential.
The scheme applies to both private treaty and auction sales, with auctioneers required to make disclosure documents available before the fall of the hammer.
Failure to comply, even unintentionally, carries significant risks. The government has published a detailed guide for sellers, buyers, and agents, urging all parties to seek legal advice.
