BIG changes are coming to Queensland’s real estate industry from mid-2025, affecting how properties are bought, sold, leased, and how agents remain licensed.
From early this month, all real estate agents in Queensland must complete compulsory annual training known as CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
The CPD year will begin on the anniversary of an agent’s licence or certificate issue date, and agents will need to keep records of their completed training.
The REIQ has developed a tracker tool to help, and there are other accredited training providers available to meet the requirement.
On July 1, a new version of the Form 6 – the document used to appoint a real estate agent – will become mandatory for residential sales.
Then, from August 1, a new residential sales contract will be introduced to support Queensland’s updated seller disclosure laws.
Under these new laws, sellers must provide buyers with a standardised disclosure statement and supporting certificates before a contract is signed. In Queensland, real estate professionals are permitted to prepare and exchange these documents on behalf of their seller.
There are some limited exceptions, but the focus is on increasing transparency and buyer confidence.
If important information is missing or incorrect and it relates to a material matter that would have influenced the buyer’s decision, the buyer may have the right to cancel the contract at any time before settlement.
Settlement processes are also being modernised to reflect growing use of electronic transactions.
The updated legislation includes provisions for delays caused by natural disasters, public health emergencies, or system failures.
Commercial leasing is also being overhauled. Landlords will have clearer deadlines for responding to sublease and assignment requests, and new procedures are being introduced to improve how lease breaches and renewals are handled.
These changes aim to balance the rights of landlords and tenants.
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or agent, these updates are important.
Note: This article is general in nature. Always seek professional legal advice.
