Nearly One Year In: The Real Impact of Seller Disclosure on Queensland Property Sales

As Queensland approaches the first anniversary of the introduction of mandatory Seller Disclosure legislation on, the property industry here has now had time to adapt to one of the most significant changes to residential property transactions in recent years.

Over the past year, agents, solicitors, sellers and buyers have all adjusted to a new process that requires key property information to be provided upfront, before a contract is signed. MBPS, we have now worked through the new requirements across a range of sales throughout Main Beach and the Gold Coast, with some clear lessons beginning to emerge around preparation, timing and buyer expectations.

What Is Seller Disclosure?

Under the Queensland legislation introduced on 1 August 2025, sellers are required to provide buyers with a Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2) before a contract is signed. The purpose is to provide buyers with important information about a property upfront, helping them make more informed decisions and reducing the likelihood of disputes later in the transaction process.

The disclosure documents generally include: • Title searches and registered plan details • Easements or encumbrances affecting the property • For apartments and townhouses, body corporate information including levies, insurance and special levies • Notices or orders from local or state government • Other material information that may affect the property or buyer decision-making

Importantly, if a compliant disclosure statement is not provided before contract signing, buyers may have termination rights under the legislation.

What Have We Learned?

Lesson 1: Preparation Is More Important Than Ever

One of the biggest lessons since the legislation was introduced has been the importance of preparing early.

Under the previous system, some searches and disclosure information were often gathered once a buyer showed serious interest or after negotiations had commenced. Today, much of that work needs to happen before a property even reaches the market.

For sellers, this means:

• Ordering disclosure documents earlier
• Allowing additional lead time before launching a campaign • Factoring disclosure costs into pre-sale preparation

In apartment markets like Main Beach, obtaining body corporate records and disclosure certificates can sometimes take longer than expected, particularly in larger complexes or where multiple reports are required.

The smoothest campaigns are typically those where disclosure documentation has been organised well before photography, marketing and launch dates.

Lesson 2: Buyers Are Better Informed Earlier

The legislation has also changed buyer behaviour.

Buyers now receive significantly more information at the beginning of the process rather than during due diligence. In many cases, serious buyers are reviewing body corporate levies, sinking fund balances, insurance and committee matters before even making an offer.

This has resulted in: • More informed conversations early • Fewer surprises during negotiations • Greater transparency throughout the transaction

For well-managed buildings and properly maintained properties, this has generally been a positive shift.

Lesson 3 Early Advice Helps Prevent Delays

Another key takeaway has been the importance of engaging professional advice early.

Working with your solicitors or conveyancer and agents at the beginning of the process can help identify issues before a property reaches the market. This may include: • Incorrect title details • Outstanding notices • Easement or boundary matters • Body corporate issues requiring clarification

Resolving these matters upfront often leads to smoother negotiations and reduces the likelihood of delays or complications later in the transaction.

Where To From Here?

Whilst there were initial concerns around additional administration and costs, the process is increasingly being viewed as part of a more transparent and professional transaction environment.

For sellers, the key message is simple: Preparation matters.

At MBPS we guide sellers through the disclosure process early, ensuring the correct documentation is obtained upfront so campaigns can run smoothly and buyers can purchase with confidence.

If you are considering selling and would like to better understand the Seller Disclosure requirements, timing and preparation involved, we are always happy to assist.

EMAIL : [email protected]

PHONE : 0401 717 906

Posted By Elizabeth Draheim

Updated : 3rd June 2026 | Words : 651 | Views : 6