Queensland Property Market "Freeze"

August 1^st, 2025, saw the introduction of Mandatory Seller Disclosure Statements (Form2) for all transactions in Queensland under the $10,000,000 mark.  This introduction aims to bring more transparency to real estate transactions and ensure buyers are informed of all key information that may be pertinent to sale. Whilst widely seen as a positive move it has been attributed to a slow down in transactions for the first half of August.

This is not due to a decrease in offers or interest but primarily a result of the bottleneck created by the new disclosure requirements. Turn around times for completion of the needed documentation sitting at an average of 10 days. Slowing down the supply of homes coming to market and delaying potential offers whilst agents and owners wait for the needed documentation to be returned of completed. This may also mean buyers are missing out as others swoop in due to delays and present more attractive offers.

Antonia Mercorella from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland stating "What we're seeing playing out now is what we feared, which is that it can take time to obtain the necessary information from the relevant suppliers” this is effecting the unit and town home markets more than any other sector given the heightened level of third party documentation involved.

It is predicted that the industry will take 2-3 months to bounce back as a result, many fearing the process has become to complicated or will be used as a way for purchasers to terminate contracts up until settlement day if the Disclosure is incorrect or incomplete. This loophole means you must be prepared before going to market.

During the planning and preparation phase ensure your agent has a plan and understands what is required. If prepared in advance the disclosure should not be something to fear but purely seen as an additional step in the process.

Agents can complete the Disclosure form on behalf of their clients but need to be careful not crossing the line into legal advice. This consent to complete needs to be outlined in the Appointment of Agency Form 6. Form more information visit https://www.qld.gov.au/law/housing-and-neighbours/buying-and-selling-a-property/seller-disclosure-scheme giving all information from the Queensland Government on the seller disclosure scheme.

The Disclosure Inclusions at a Glance

Section	Core Inclusions
1. Seller & Property Details	Seller identity, address, lot/plan, scheme status
2. Title & Encumbrances	Title search, encumbrances (registered & unregistered), tenancy history
3. Land Use & Environment	Zoning, infrastructure/resumption notices, contamination, tree/heritage issues
4. Buildings & Structures	Pool safety, owner-builder work notices, enforcement orders
5. Rates & Services	Council rates, water charges, exemptions if any
6. Scheme Details	Body corporate documents or management statements, as applicable
Prescribed Certificates	Title, statutory notices, pool, environment, tree, body corporate, etc.

Notes & Exclusions

• The seller must provide the completed and signed Form 2 (electronic signature is acceptable) and all prescribed certificates to the buyer before the contract is signed by the buyer. REIQ+1

• This disclosure offers a detailed snapshot but excludes structural soundness, flood history, pest conditions, asbestos, development approvals, or utility connections—these remain the buyer’s responsibility to investigate. REIQblog.empirelegal.com.au

• Failure to comply—or providing inaccurate or incomplete information—grants the buyer a statutory right to terminate the contract before settlement.