More Transparency, Less Risk: New Seller Laws You Should Know About

From August 1, 2025, the way property is bought and sold in Queensland is changing — and it’s a change that’s been a long time coming.

For decades, Queensland has relied on a “buyer beware” model, where it’s been up to the buyer to do all the digging after signing a contract. Only then would they uncover details like zoning, easements, or body corporate rules. But now, that’s being turned on its head.

The new Seller Disclosure Regime, part of the Property Law Act 2023, will legally require sellers to provide key information about a property before a buyer signs anything. That means important details — like who owns the land, whether there are any easements, pool compliance, or upcoming infrastructure works — must be disclosed upfront.

Sellers will need to complete a standardised document known as Form 2 and provide specific supporting certificates, such as a title search, registered plan, and rates or water summaries. The exact documents required will vary depending on the property — for example, body corporate disclosures for apartments or pool safety certificates where applicable. It’s a formal, structured shift toward transparency.

For buyers, it means greater confidence and fewer surprises. For sellers and agents, it means more responsibility to get the details right from the outset. And the consequences are real — if the disclosure is missing or inaccurate, the buyer can terminate the contract at any time before settlement and receive a full refund of their deposit. These protections are non-negotiable and cannot be waived, even by mutual agreement.

At RealWay, we’ve always championed clarity, honesty, and good communication. So while this reform changes the legal landscape, it simply formalises what we already stand for. We believe that buyers and sellers alike deserve to make informed decisions — and that starts with sharing the right information, at the right time.

If you’re thinking about selling in the months ahead, now is the time to get prepared. Begin collecting the documents you’ll need and speak with your agent and solicitor about the new requirements. With a little preparation, you’ll avoid delays and be ready to move confidently into this new chapter of property law.

For us, it’s business as usual — just with better rules for everyone involved. If you’d like to understand how these changes may affect your property journey, our RealWay team is here to help.