In this article:
changes">What are the Changes in Conveyancing from 1st August 2025
Sellers Must Provide Mandatory Disclosure Documents due to changes in conveyancing effective from 1st August.
Before a buyer signs a contract, sellers will now be legally required to provide:
A Form 2 Disclosure Statement along with a bundle of prescribed certificates related to the property.
These documents will include key information like:
- Title and ownership details
- Zoning and land use information
- Any easements, encumbrances, or leases
- Pool safety certification
- Notices from local councils or state government
- Any building work notices or unapproved structures
- Water and rates charges
- Body corporate records (for units or townhouses)
This change brings Queensland's system in line with the more transparent property laws used in states like New South Wales and Victoria.
Why Changes in Conveyancing from 1st August Matters
Until now, Queensland followed a "buyer beware model". This meant buyers were responsible for doing most of their due diligence after signing the contract. Starting on 1st August 2025, sellers must provide key details, aligning with changes in conveyancing from 1st August, before any contract is signed.
If these documents are missing or inaccurate, buyers may have the legal right to terminate the contract right up to settlement and or seek compensation.
What Sellers Need to Do
As a seller, you will need to be better prepared before listing your property or accepting any offers.
Here is what you should do:
- Speak to a solicitor early to prepare the Form 2 Disclosure Statement
- Order all necessary property searches and certificates
- Ensure all renovations or additions are legally compliant
- Allow extra time in your timeline for disclosure preparation
While this may increase your upfront costs and effort, it helps avoid surprises, delays, or cancellations later in the process.
What Buyers Should Still Check
Even with stronger disclosure laws, buyers still need to perform their own checks with the conveyancing changes from 1st August. These include:
- Building and pest inspections
- Flood and stormwater risk
- Asbestos or structural issues
- Development approvals or restrictions
- Body corporate records (more in-depth than the summary)
Do not rely solely on the disclosure statement. A personal due diligence process is still essential.
What Happens If Sellers Do Not Comply
If a seller fails to provide the correct documents:
- The buyer may cancel the contract up until settlement
- The seller may be fined or held liable for misleading information
- The entire sale could be voided, costing time and money for both parties
This is one of the most significant changes to Queensland property law in decades. It is designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, and give buyers more confidence in their purchases.
For sellers, this means more responsibility, earlier preparation, and increased legal risk if documents are not complete or accurate.
At MCG Legal, we encourage all sellers, buyers, and agents to review their processes now. Our experienced conveyancing team can help you:
- Prepare your disclosure statement correctly
- Identify missing documents early
- Reduce the risk of delays, cancellations, or legal issues
With the Changes in Conveyancing from 1st August, if you're selling, buying, or just want advice on how these new laws affect you, contact MCG Legal. We make conveyancing simple, stress-free, and fully compliant with Queensland's latest legal requirements.
