Buying a home in Queensland? Learn how the 5-business-day cooling-off period works, the 0.25% penalty, and when it doesn’t apply. Talk to RHC Solicitors.

Queensland families increasingly use granny flat arrangements to keep elderly parents close while sharing care. Without a formal agreement, disputes, financial loss, or Centrelink and estate planning issues can arise. A legally binding granny flat agreement clarifies rights, responsibilities, care, finances, and inheritance, helping protect all parties, maintain pension eligibility, and prevent conflicts.

This guide explains what a settlement statement is in conveyancing and how settlement adjustments are calculated for property transactions. It covers plus and less adjustments, rates, water and sewerage, body corporate levies, rental adjustments, and negotiated deductions, helping buyers and sellers understand settlement figures and avoid surprises at settlement.

Buying or selling property in Queensland now involves a few more questions than usual, and there is a brand-new legal reason behind it. From 1 July 2026, Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework expanded to include the real estate and legal sector. Known as the "Tranche 2" reforms, these changes legally require conveyancers, solicitors and real estate agents to conduct formal identity and source-of-funds checks before acting on a property tr

Transferring property from a company or trust into your personal name is possible, but complex. Stamp duty, Capital Gains Tax, and Division 7A rules can create significant costs. Even related-party transfers are treated like full sales at market value. Speak with a solicitor, accountant, and financial specialist before acting to ensure compliance and minimise tax risks.

From 1 January 2027, all Queensland homes, including owner-occupied properties, must meet strict smoke alarm requirements: photoelectric, interconnected alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and level, powered by hardwiring or a 10-year battery. Compliance impacts safety, legal obligations, and property transactions, so homeowners should review, upgrade, and retain evidence of alarms well before the deadline to avoid risk and delays.

When buying or selling a unit or townhouse in Queensland, statutory warranties are a critical part of the contract under the updated REIQ Contract (August 2025). These legally binding promises about the body corporate are separate from the Seller Disclosure Statement and cannot be avoided. Errors or omissions may allow buyers to terminate or claim damages, making early, accurate disclosure essential.

Buying property off the plan in Queensland can offer early access and potential savings, but it carries legal risks, particularly around sunset clauses. A sunset clause allows a contract to be terminated if settlement is delayed. New laws from 22 November 2023 restrict when developers can use these clauses for vacant land, strengthening buyer protections. Independent legal advice is essential before signing.

Specific performance is a court-ordered remedy requiring a party to carry out their contractual obligations, rather than paying damages. It is commonly used in property disputes where land is unique and money may not be adequate compensation. This article explains when specific performance applies, when courts will grant it, what must be proven, alternative remedies, possible defences, and why early legal advice is essential.

When buying or owning property in Queensland, easements can significantly affect how land is used or developed. This article explains what easements are, common types, how to find them, the difference between public/private and positive/negative easements, and when they can be removed. It also outlines sellers’ legal obligations to disclose easements in the Contract and Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2).

A delayed settlement can have legal and financial consequences, including default interest, compensation claims or contract termination, even if caused by banks or third parties. Common causes include finance and valuation issues, paperwork errors, final inspection problems and linked transactions. In Queensland, REIQ contracts allow limited unilateral extensions and automatic short extensions for late signing, making early legal advice essential if timing is critical.

We’re launching a new Client Portal to simplify and secure your legal matters. It centralises messages, documents, and questionnaires, offering 24/7 access, streamlined communication, and improved efficiency. Current and future clients can manage their matters online, enjoy greater transparency, and benefit from faster, more accurate service. Contact us to learn more.

Queensland’s property industry slows significantly over the Christmas shutdown from 25 December 2025 to 1 January 2026. This year, delays are more likely due to the new Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2), which requires additional documents before a contract can be signed. Reduced availability at councils, banks, search providers and the Titles Office can affect turnaround times. Buyers and sellers planning transactions in December or January should seek legal advice early

Breaching a residential property contract in Queensland can lead to serious consequences, including loss of deposit, damages, or legal action. Whether you're a buyer or seller, your rights and remedies depend on the terms of your contract, especially under the standard REIQ form. If you're at risk of breach, it's essential to act quickly: review your contract, seek an extension if needed, and communicate through your solicitor to protect your interests.

Whether you're buying your first home or selling an investment property, the conveyancing process can feel like a complex maze of legal documents, deadlines and fine print written in another language. Over our 40+ years of service throughout Queensland, we’ve seen how small oversights can lead to costly delays, lost properties and extensive (and expensive) litigation. Let's explore five of the most common pitfalls we see property transactions, and how to avoid them.