When Your Property Deal Goes Wrong: What Queensland’s New Laws Mean for Buyers and Sellers
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most Queenslanders will ever make. And while most transactions go through without a
Queensland property law changed on 1 August 2025. With new mandatory seller disclosure rules (including Form 2 requirements), stricter settlement deadlines, deposit and contract disputes and increased ATO compliance, standard conveyancing now carries more risk than ever before.
Don’t leave your investment to chance, if your deal is not handled by a law firm experienced in property litigation, a minor procedural error or missed deadline could lead to a forfeited deposit or a voided contract.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or transferring property, Bennett Carroll Solicitors makes conveyancing easy, wherever you are in Queensland.
We are PEXA leaders and offer fully electronic conveyancing. Everything can be done by phone, email, or video, so there’s no need to visit an office. But if you prefer face-to-face support, we also have offices across South East Queensland.
Ready to formalise your arrangement? Shared property ownership is a high-stakes commitment. To help you protect your equity, we’ve developed a Co-Ownership Planning Questionnaire. This is a deep-dive assessment designed to trigger the “tough conversations” now.
Completing this is the equivalent of a long-form consultation with our solicitors, without the cost. Identify conflicts and clarify contributions before you sign.
Navigating Queensland’s property laws requires more than just processing paperwork. With new mandatory disclosure requirements and strict settlement deadlines, even a minor error can derail your transaction. We provide proactive legal protection to identify and mitigate risks like Form 2 errors, ATO traps, and deposit disputes before they become a problem, ensuring your property deal stays on track
From 1 August 2025, Queensland is introducing Australia’s most comprehensive property disclosure laws, changing the way every residential property contract is handled across the state.
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you’ll be affected.
Sellers must now provide a mandatory disclosure statement (Form 2) and a range of prescribed certificates before a buyer signs the contract. This includes details like easements, zoning, building approvals, and more.
🔹 Miss a document? The buyer could walk away.
🔹 Incorrect details? The contract could fall through or be delayed.
🔹 Think you’re covered? Not everything is included—buyers still need to conduct their own due diligence.
These changes apply to all Queensland residential property sales, and every buyer and seller will need to understand their legal obligations from the outset.
👉 Need help getting ready for these changes? Contact our team today or see our latest article on the upcoming disclosure laws.
At Bennett Carroll Solicitors, our conveyancing team is already helping clients:
Prepare Form 2 correctly and avoid costly mistakes
Review disclosure documents before contracts are signed
Ensure full compliance with the Property Law Act 2023
Navigate any missing or complex information
Protect the entire conveyancing process from legal risk
✅ We’ve been across these changes from the start—and we’re ready to help you stay compliant, avoid delays, and settle with confidence.
The new Property Law Act 2023 has introduced significant changes to Queensland property law, affecting not just standard sales (via Form 2), but also complex investment contracts. We provide experienced legal advice to protect buyers and sellers in these high-risk transactions.
Off-the-Plan Contracts: We guide you through the developer’s obligations and protect you from potential risks, particularly concerning the use of Sunset Clauses. We review contract terms to ensure your interests are secured from the moment you sign until completion.
Further Reading: Buying Off-the-Plan in Queensland: A Guide to Conveyancing, Sunset Clauses, and the Property Law Act
Instalment Contracts: Whether you are paying or receiving a deposit in stages, the new legislation provides strict buyer protections. Our team ensures full compliance with the law, secures your payments, and clearly explains the specific rights and risks associated with these regulated agreements.
Further Reading: Instalment Contracts in Queensland: Real Estate Advice from a QLD Law Firm
Facing a complex contract? Don’t sign without professional advice. Contact our Property Law Team today.
While most of our work focuses on residential and commercial property, we also offe experience in the complex area of Retirement Village Contracts.
Unlike standard residential sales or purchases, these agreements involve intricate structures such as leases, licenses, or loan agreements that can have significant long-term legal and financial implications.
Don’t mistake a Retirement Village Contract for a simple property settlement.
Our experienced Conveyancing and Property Law team is here to provide the clear, practical advice you need to understand:
Entry and Exit Fees: The financial impact of Deferred Management Fees (DMFs) and other charges.
Ongoing Costs: Clarity on service and maintenance fees.
Capital Gains & Returns: Understanding what happens to your investment when you leave.
Dispute Resolution: Your rights and obligations under the contract.
Ensure your move is secure. Contact us today to have your contract professionally reviewed before you commit.
With over 50 years of combined experience in Queensland property law, we handle a wide range of property matters:
Review contracts before you sign
Handle all searches and due diligence
Liaise with banks and agents
Coordinate a smooth settlement
Prepare your contract and vendor disclosure (including Form 2 Disclosure Notice)
Ensure your legal obligations are met
Work with the buyer’s team for a hassle-free settlement
Off-the-plan contracts
Instalment Contracts
Family transfers
Estate-related conveyancing
Deceased estate sales
Subdivisions and boundary adjustments
Did you know? In Queensland, sellers are legally required to provide a Form 2 Disclosure Notice before the buyer signs the contract. Our conveyancing team ensures your disclosure is accurate and compliant, protecting you from costly legal issues down the track.
Leading the Way in Electronic Conveyancing- Our firm embraces the latest in technology to simplify the conveyancing process for our clients. We are industry leaders in electronic conveyancing and have been conducting online settlements securely through PEXA since 2018. This means faster processing times, fewer delays, and an entirely digital experience for you.
We stay up to date with Queensland’s property and legal standards through trusted industry platforms:
PEXA (Property Exchange Australia) – Australia’s leading platform for electronic property settlements
REIQ – Real Estate Institute of Queensland – Advocacy and resources for Queensland real estate professionals
Queensland Law Society (QLS) – The peak professional body for solicitors in Queensland
These resources can help you stay informed on the legal and industry frameworks that impact your property transaction.
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most Queenslanders will ever make. And while most transactions go through without a
Navigating Queensland Property Law is a complex journey, particularly with recent legislative reforms. While “cheap” DIY kits promise to save you a few hundred dollars,
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