BRISBANE SELLERS, TAKE NOTE

From 1 August 2025, selling property in Queensland comes with homework. Sellers now have to hand buyers a disclosure pack before anyone signs a contract. Think of it as Brisbane catching up with Sydney and Melbourne, but with our own flavour (and a bit more paperwork).

Why is this happening?

For decades, Queensland was the classic “buyer beware” state. If you bought a New Farm apartment and only later discovered an easement running through your car space, or a council transport project planned outside your balcony, that was your bad luck.

The new law flips the script. Sellers must now hand over a Form 2 Seller Disclosure Statement plus a bundle of certificates upfront. Transparency first, signatures second.

What goes in the pack?

Here’s the short version:

• Title stuff - who owns it, what plan it sits on.

• Attachments - easements, covenants, long leases. (Think of the laneways behind Teneriffe Woolstores or weird easements running across old lots in West End.)

• Zoning - is the block in a “high density residential” patch like Fortitude Valley, or earmarked for infrastructure like the new Green Bridge at Kangaroo Point?

• Environmental / heritage - is it on the contaminated land register? Heritage listed like some of the old Queenslanders in Highgate Hill?

• Building notices - any show-cause or remedial orders. (E.g. a dodgy balustrade on a CBD balcony.)

• Pools - does it have a safety certificate, or not?

• Body corporate - if it’s an apartment in Abian or Quay West, the disclosure must include the official body corporate certificate.

What’s not in there (and still catches Brissie buyers)

• Flooding - no, the disclosure doesn’t tell you if the block went under in 2011 or 2022. If you’re looking at riverfront, you still need a flood report.

• Termites & defects - still your building and pest inspection’s job.

• Utilities - whether the fibre rollout reached your Kangaroo Point rental, or if the hot water system is on its last legs, not in the pack.

So yes, it’s more transparent but buyers still need to dig.

What if sellers skip it?

If the disclosure is missing or wrong, buyers can walk. Even up until settlement. Imagine selling a $3m apartment and losing your buyer on the finish line - that’s the risk.

What it means for Brisbane

• Plan ahead - Sellers in suburbs like Newstead or West End need their solicitor pulling council + body corporate searches before a “for sale” sign even goes up.

• Factor in cost - you’re looking at $400–$1,000+ in upfront legal fees to get disclosure packs ready.

• Auctions change -disclosure packs must be ready before the hammer falls. If you’re bidding at The Calile on a Saturday morning auction, you’ll get to see it first.

• Buyers get confidence - no more hidden encumbrances or surprise resumptions. (Looking at you, Gabba Olympic precinct.)

The wrap-up

This isn’t about scaring sellers or overloading buyers. It’s about giving Brisbane’s property market a stronger handshake at the start of the deal.

And in a city where summer storms can flood streets, body corporates in the CBD can rival Shakespearean drama, and every second Queenslander has a pool that may or may not be certified - a little more clarity feels like a win.

PS: If you’re thinking of selling in 2025, now’s the time to chat. We’ll guide you through the new disclosure rules so you can focus on croissants at Sprout or ferry lights on the river, not fine print.