Introduced on 1 August 2025, the Property Law Act 2023 established Queensland’s first statutory seller disclosure regime, requiring sellers to provide key information about a property before a contract is signed.
The reforms transformed the way property transactions are conducted in Queensland, improving transparency for buyers and enabling potential issues to be identified and addressed before they jeopardise a transaction.
Queensland Law Society President Peter Jolly said the reforms represented the most important change to Queensland’s property transaction framework in a generation and had brought the state into line with similar disclosure regimes operating across Australian.
"Twelve months on, we're hearing from our members that seller disclosure is helping buyers make informed decisions and helping sellers avoid the kind of issues that can put a contract at risk," Mr Jolly said.
"Certainty matters in the property market. Sellers want confidence that once a contract is signed, it's likely to proceed through to settlement without a last-minute surprise derailing it.
"The earlier potential issues are identified, the fewer surprises there are for everyone involved. Providing key information upfront means allows concerns to be addressed before they become obstacles."
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington acknowledged the extensive feedback provided by the Queensland Law Society and industry stakeholders on the implementation of the scheme.
"Seller disclosure laws aim to deliver transparency and accuracy for buyers entering a contract of sale," she said.
"We're listening to the feedback and recommendations from industry bodies and stakeholders, and I thank you for your contribution in helping to improve the implementation of the scheme."
Mr Jolly said the reforms were the result of more than a decade of advocacy by the Society.
"Queensland Law Society first pushed for seller disclosure more than ten years ago, so it's satisfying to see that work translate into real benefits for Queenslanders."
"These reforms represent one of the most significant modernisations of Queensland property law in decades.
“This is an example of policy reform done well, improving transparency, reducing risk and delivering better outcomes for buyers, sellers and the broader community.”
QLS continues to work closely with legal practitioners, the real estate industry and government to support the implementation and ongoing refinement of the scheme.
About Queensland’s Seller Disclosure Laws
Queensland's seller disclosure regime commenced on 1 August 2025 under the Property Law Act 2023, introducing the state’s first statutory seller disclosure framework and modernising a property transaction system that had remained largely unchanged for decades.
The laws require sellers to provide prescribed information and supporting documents about a property before a contract is signed, replacing Queensland's long-standing reliance on the principle of "buyer beware" and bringing the state into line with other Australian jurisdictions that have statutory disclosure regimes.
Under the scheme, sellers must provide buyers with key information about a property's title, planning and zoning, environmental status, rates and charges, body corporate arrangements and other matters that may affect a purchaser's decision to buy.
The disclosure must be provided before a contract is signed, helping buyers make informed decisions while reducing the risk of disputes and failed transactions later in the sale process.
