Selling your property is a significant life event, and in Queensland, the process has changed. As of August 1, 2025, sellers are now required to provide a Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2) to prospective buyers before they sign a contract. This legal shift moves Queensland from a “buyer beware” approach to a model of transparency and full disclosure.

Getting organised early is more crucial than ever. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, ensuring you are not only ready to sell but are also fully compliant with the new laws.

The Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2) is the cornerstone of your sale. This document outlines key legal information about your property. While you can complete it yourself, it is strongly recommended that you engage a qualified property solicitor or conveyancer to ensure its accuracy. Errors or omissions can give a buyer the legal right to terminate the contract at any time before settlement.

YOUR ACTIONS PLAN:

1.

Engage a Professional Early: Identify and appoint a qualified solicitor or conveyancer at the very beginning of the process. They will guide you through the Form 2 and help you gather all the necessary documentation.

2.

Gather Key Documents: Start a digital and physical folder for all documents related to the sale. You will need these to complete the Form 2 accurately.

• • Title Documents: Locate your property title or land title. Your solicitor can help you if you can’t find it.
  • Mortgage Details: Contact your mortgage provider to understand your current loan balance and any early repayment fees.
  • Rates Notices & Utility Bills: Keep recent copies of your council rates and water notices.
  • Building & Renovation Permits: Gather all building permits and approval certificates for any renovations or additions, including those from a licensed builder or an owner-builder permit if applicable within the last six years.
  • Pool Compliance Certificate: If your property has a pool, you must have a valid compliance certificate. Your solicitor will need this.
  • Smoke Alarm Compliance: Ensure all smoke alarms are hardwired, interconnected, less than 10 years old, and in working order to meet legal requirements.

3.

Understand the Form 2: Your solicitor will assist you with the key sections of the Form 2, which include:

* If you have no idea who to use, we recommend TopGun Conveyancing. 

• • Seller and Property Details: Your legal name, the property address, and the Lot on Plan description.
  • Title Details & Encumbrances: This includes registered encumbrances like easements and covenants, as well as any unregistered agreements that may affect the property.
  • Land Use & Planning: Information on the property’s zoning and any government transport proposals or environmental notices that may affect it.
  • Buildings and Structures: Details on building compliance and approvals. This is also where you will disclose details regarding asbestos, if you have made an effort to identify it as a risk.
  • Community Title Schemes & BUGTA: If your property is part of a body corporate or a scheme under the Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 (BUGTA), you will need to provide relevant details and certificates. Your solicitor will advise on the associated costs and regulations.

Once your legal preparation is underway, you can focus on getting the property ready for sale. A pre-sale building and pest inspection is highly recommended to proactively identify and address any issues that could stall a sale.

4.

BEFORE the inspection:

Tidy Up: Ensure the property is generally tidy and accessible. Clear clutter from around the perimeter of the house, under the house (if applicable), and in the yard.

Provide Access: Make sure the inspector has easy access to all areas of the property, including:

 All rooms (unlock any locked doors)

 Under the house (crawl space) – unlock, ensure its safe

 Roof cavity (attic) – ensure its safe

 Yard and garden areas

 Garage and sheds

Clear Obstructions: Remove any obstructions that could hinder the inspection:

 Move furniture away from walls

 Clear items stored against the foundation

 Trim overgrown vegetation near the house

 Unlock sheds to provide access.

Provide Information: Gather any relevant information about the property and make it available to the inspector:

 Building plans (if available)

 Previous inspection reports (if any)

 Details of any known issues or repairs

 Chemical treatment or repairs for pests (proof of treatment).

5.

DURING the inspection:

 Be Present: If possible, be present during the inspection to answer any questions the inspector may have.

 Avoid Distractions: Allow the inspector to work undisturbed. Keep children and pets away from the inspection area.

 Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the inspector questions about their findings.

6.

AREAS TO CHECK yourself 

Exterior:

 Foundation: Look for cracks, signs of movement, or moisture.

 Walls: Check for damaged weatherboards.

 Roof: Look for damaged or missing tiles.

 Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure they are clean and in good repair.

 Windows and Doors: Check for rot, damage, or signs of pest activity.

 Landscaping: Look for trees or shrubs that are too close to the house.

 Retaining Walls: Check for cracks or movement.

Interior:

 Walls and Ceilings: Look for cracks, water stains, or signs of pest activity (e.g., termite mud tubes).

 Floors: Check for unevenness, squeaking, or damage.

 Bathrooms and Kitchen: Look for leaks, mold, or water damage.

 Attic/Roof Cavity: Check for leaks, signs of pests, or inadequate ventilation.

 Under the House: Look for signs of moisture, rot, or pest activity.

Pest Control (signs of termites/ pests):

 Mud Tubes: Look for small, earthen tubes on walls, foundations, or in the subfloor.

 Damaged Wood: Tap on wooden surfaces to listen for hollow sounds, indicating potential termite damage.

 Pest Droppings: Check for droppings in the roof cavity, subfloor, or around the property.

 Live Pests: Look for live termites or other pests.

 Unusual Noises: Listen for clicking or rustling sounds within the walls.

Important Notes:

• • • • Choose a licensed and insured building and pest inspector with a good reputation.

      • Thoroughly read the inspection report and ask the inspector to clarify any concerns you may have.

      • If the inspection reveals any significant issues, address them immediately to avoid them getting in the way of your sale.

The goal of this comprehensive checklist is to put you in a position of strength and transparency. By proactively preparing your Form 2 and addressing any physical issues, you are giving buyers confidence and dramatically reducing the chance of a contract falling through. This process ensures a smoother, more successful sale for you, the seller.

PHASE ONE

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