Big changes are coming to the Queensland property market on 1st August 2025, with anyone selling residential property in Queensland required to provide a seller disclosure statement and applicable prescribed certificates to buyers before they sign a contract.
You must understand what this requirement entails and how it could affect your next real estate transaction whether you’re a buyer or seller of property. At The Henry Wong Team® we like to keep you across all industry changes such as this one. So today we’re taking a very close look at the new seller disclosure statement. As always, reach out if you have any questions.
What are the New Seller Disclosure Statement and Prescribed Certificates?
Before signing a contract for the sale of a property, the seller legally has to provide the buyer with:
- The seller disclosure statement.
- Applicable prescribed certificates.
The disclosure statement provides buyers with important information about the property to ensure transparency and help them make an informed decision. It includes:
- Information about the seller and the property;
- Confirmation if the lot is part of a community titles scheme or a Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 (BUGTA) scheme;
- Details of any unregistered encumbrances affecting the property;
- Zoning details and any proposed transport infrastructure impacting the lot;
- Any applications or orders concerning trees on the property;
- Information on contamination, environmental protection measures, and heritage listings;
- Whether a regulated pool is associated with the property;
- Notices of any intention to resume (compulsorily acquire) the lot;
- Rates and water service charges;
- Details of any rent increases in the past 12 months if the property was rented under a residential tenancy or rooming accommodation agreement.
The applicable prescribed certificates relating to the property that need to be provided include:
- A title search and a copy of the survey plan;
- If the lot is part of a community titles scheme, the community management statement and either a BCCM Form 33 or Form 34 body corporate certificate (depending on the applicable regulation module);
- If the lot falls under a BUGTA scheme, a BUGTA Form 18 body corporate certificate;
- A pool compliance certificate, if applicable;
- Any notices or work orders issued by government, building, environmental, or planning authorities;
- Documents relating to transport infrastructure proposals, compulsory acquisition (intention to resume), or any tree applications or orders affecting the lot.
These give the buyer a clear picture of the legal standing of the property.
This move that comes into effect on August 1 2025 brings Queensland closer into line with other Australian states such as New South Wales and Victoria, where pre-contract disclosure is already standard practice.
When Must It Be Provided?
The disclosure statement must be given to the buyer before they sign a contract of sale.
If the seller doesn’t provide the disclosure statement, or if the statement is incomplete or inaccurate, the buyer may be entitled to cancel the contract.
This makes it critical for sellers to prepare the necessary documentation properly and for buyers to carefully review the disclosure and the certificates before signing. In Queensland, real estate professionals are permitted to prepare and exchange the disclosure documents on behalf of their client (the seller). So your real estate agent will be able to help and guide you through this process.
Why Is This Important for Sellers?
For sellers, the new disclosure requirement offers protection and peace of mind. By fully disclosing all material facts upfront:
- You reduce the risk of disputes after the sale.
- You limit your liability becasue buyers can’t later claim they weren’t informed about issues that were disclosed.
- You help the sale process move smoothly by building trust with the buyer.
However, if you don’t get it right for some reason, you could jeopardise your sale. That’s why having a professional real estate agent to guide you through the disclosure process is so important. These can be pretty tricky documents to get your head around. It’s a lot of boxes to tick, and a steady hand showing you the right ones will make all the difference.
Why Buyers Should Pay Attention
For buyers, the disclosure statement allows you to review important details about the property before committing to the purchase. If the disclosure reveals something that concerns you, you have the chance to walk away before signing. Or you can give them the opportunity to rectify the issue if possible.
Just remember to always take the time to read the disclosure thoroughly. You can reach out to a real estate or legal professional if something isn’t clear.
How The Henry Wong Team® Can Help
At The Henry Wong Team®, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling houses. It’s about creating a seamless experience that you will look back on fondly, where everything goes according to plan and both the buyer and seller walk away happy.
With the new seller disclosure laws, we’re here to help. If you’re selling, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing compliant seller disclosure documents. If you’re buying, we’ll make sure you receive the disclosure statement in a timely manner, and help you understand what it means for your purchase.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. It’s important you understand these new requirements and have the right professionals by your side. Contact The Henry Wong Team® today!
