From 1 August 2025, anyone selling a residential property in Queensland will need to follow new mandatory disclosure laws before a contract can be signed. These reforms are designed to give buyers more transparency – but they also mean sellers and agents have new responsibilities they must meet to avoid delays, disputes, or potential penalties.
If you’re planning to sell this year or early next, now is the time to get prepared. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing?
Under the new laws, sellers will be legally required to provide a Disclosure Statement and supporting certificates to a buyer before they sign the contract. This includes private treaty sales, auctions, and off-market deals. If these documents aren’t provided in time, a buyer may have the right to terminate the contract before settlement.
Previously, disclosure obligations in Queensland were scattered across various laws and not always required upfront. These reforms create a clearer, more consistent process – and shift more responsibility to the seller.
What You’ll Need to Provide
The Disclosure Statement will include key details about the property, including:
- Title information and registered encumbrances
- Zoning and planning details
- Building work or approvals (if applicable)
- Services and infrastructure affecting the land
- Flood and environmental overlays
- Whether the property is affected by heritage listings or proposals
- Any unapproved structures or work that hasn’t been signed off
You’ll also need to attach copies of prescribed certificates, such as:
- A title search (no more than 14 days old)
- A registered survey plan
- A local government rates notice
- Body corporate records (for units or townhouses)
- Water and sewerage infrastructure maps
- Any relevant notices or reports from authorities
These documents must be current and accurate at the time they’re provided. If anything changes before settlement, sellers are obligated to update the disclosure.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
If a seller fails to provide the required disclosure documents – or gives inaccurate or incomplete information – a buyer can terminate the contract up to the day before settlement. That means the deal can fall over even after finance, inspections, and legal checks have been completed.
This makes disclosure not just a formality, but a critical step in the selling process. Getting it right early avoids risk and keeps your sale on track.
What Sellers Should Do Now
1. Gather Your Documents Early
Speak with your solicitor or conveyancer before listing to start collecting the necessary documents. Some – like infrastructure plans or body corporate reports – can take time to obtain.
2. Check for Unapproved Structures
If you’ve made changes to the property (like a carport, patio, or shed), make sure they were properly approved and certified. Missing approvals can become a sticking point in the sale process.
3. Work with Your Agent Strategically
A good agent will help time the disclosure correctly – ensuring buyers receive it before signing, but not so early that certificates expire and need to be refreshed.
4. Know That Compliance Builds Trust
Having a complete and professional disclosure pack not only protects you legally – it also reassures buyers that your home has been well cared for, which can increase confidence and shorten decision time.
Selling in 2025? Start Preparing Now.
These changes may feel like extra paperwork, but they’re also an opportunity to present your property in the best light. By getting ahead of your disclosure obligations, you can help ensure a smooth, stress-free transaction – something both buyers and sellers appreciate.
If you’re considering to sell, talk to the Hauss team today. We’re here to help you navigate every step, including the new disclosure process.
