A Night to Celebrate & What’s Next for Queensland Housing Market
What a phenomenal evening it was! John and I attended the 2025 Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Awards for Excellence. It was far more than a glamorous gala. The event celebrated the next-generation talent. It also honored familiar faces in the industry. This marked a pivotal moment in Queensland’s housing environment.
🎉 Highlights from the night
- Rising stars and first-time winners: It was inspiring to see up-and-coming agents. Property managers and industry professionals stepped into the spotlight. They stood alongside more seasoned practitioners making their first award win.
- Transition of leadership: An important moment for the industry happened. Peter Brewer left his role as REIQ Board Director and Chair. He handed over the baton to Peter Camphin. This signals a new chapter in REIQ’s leadership and industry direction.
- Broader purpose beyond awards: The evening reinforced that REIQ isn’t just for real estate agents in isolation. It represents a collective commitment to housing outcomes. It also emphasizes transparency, advocacy, and service across Queensland.
REIQ’s work extends beyond sales performance. The organisation actively engages with government, policy, and regulatory reform. This includes the rollout of new seller disclosure laws, changes to leasing, and enhancements in energy efficiency. Accessibility in new builds is also a focus.
🏡 Major Policy & Reform Changes Shaping Queensland Real Estate
If you’re thinking of selling, buying, or investing in Queensland, now is a critical time. You must understand the emerging legal landscape. These reforms affect how to sell a home in Queensland. They dictate what sellers must disclose. Buyers can also expect more transparency.
📌 1. New Seller Disclosure Regime: “What sellers must disclose in Queensland”
- The Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) will introduce a new scheme. This will commence on 1 August 2025. A statutory seller disclosure scheme will then apply across residential and commercial property sales in Queensland.
- Sellers must provide a completed and signed Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2). They also need to provide prescribed certificates. This must be done before the buyer signs the contract of sale. (REIQ)
- The disclosure will include information such as: lot & plan description. It will also include title details and encumbrances. Additionally, zoning/planning/environmental notices will be disclosed. Disclosures related to community titles or body corporate matters will be included if applicable. Finally, it will cover rates and water charges. (Nada Jovanovic Property)
- If the disclosure documents aren’t provided correctly, the buyer has the statutory right to terminate the contract before settlement. If there’s a material mistake or omission that a buyer was unaware of, they can also terminate the contract. (REIQ)
- The new regime improves transparency. However, it does not cover everything. For example, structural soundness, pest infestation, or asbestos may not always be included. Buyers must still undertake due diligence. (REIQ)
Why this matters for sellers:
- Sellers preparing for 2025 must factor in extra documentation and process time. They need to obtain title searches and certificates. Body corporate statements may be required. Additionally, preparing the disclosure pack is necessary.
- Agents and sellers must ensure legal compliance: Incorrect or incomplete disclosures could void a contract or create liability.
- Marketing and listing strategies may need to adjust. Buyers expect disclosure upfront. Off-market or fast auctions might see delays as sellers obtain required documents. (Realestate)
🧱 2. Broader Property Law Reform: Modernising Queensland’s property sales & leasing
- The Property Law Act 2023 replaces the older Act from 1974. It marks one of the most comprehensive property law reforms in Queensland in decades. (Crown Law Queensland)
- Other changes include updated rules around leases, especially commercial leases. There are also changes regarding easements. Rights to rescind contracts of sale when a dwelling is destroyed or damaged have been updated. Additionally, there is improved clarity around instalment contracts. (REIQ)
- These reforms tie into the shift in “how property is sold in Queensland.” They reflect a move toward greater fairness and streamlined processes.
🔄 3. Implications for Sellers, Buyers, Investors & Agents
- For Sellers: You now must prepare disclosure early and expect increased compliance responsibilities. If you’re planning to “sell my house in Queensland in 2025”, you need to consider timing. You should also be aware of cost and risk.
- For Buyers: While the “buyer beware” era is evolving, buyers must still do their homework. The new disclosure regime provides greater transparency. However, it does not replace building and pest inspections. It cannot be a substitute for flood or hazard checks, or planning overlays either.
- For Agents & Industry: The reforms raise the bar on professional standards. Agents must be able to explain disclosure obligations. They should direct clients to appropriate legal advice. Agents must ensure their process aligns with the new legal requirements. (Attwood Marshall Lawyers)
- For Investors: More disclosures may affect how you assess risk. This is especially true if you are acquiring property via leaseback. It also applies to community titles schemes or investment portfolios.
🚀 What this means for your next move
Whether you’re selling, buying or advising clients, those who stay ahead of the change will be best positioned.
If you’re selling in Queensland:
- Start gathering documentation now — title searches, body corporate certificates, zoning/planning notices, rates/water details, any known encumbrances.
- Engage a conveyancer or solicitor early — especially if you’re in a community titles scheme or commercial property.
- Align your marketing timeline with the disclosure preparation timeline. Rushing without disclosure may lead to contract termination by a buyer.
- Choose an agency familiar with the new regime to mitigate risk.
If you’re buying or investing:
- Request the Seller Disclosure Statement and prescribed certificates before signing.
- Don’t assume the disclosure covers everything — still do building/pest inspections, hazard/flood searches, approved works history.
- Use the new information to benchmark value — risks and disclosures can impact price or contract terms.
If you’re an agent or property professional:
- Update your knowledge and internal processes — training and resources from REIQ are available. (REIQ)
- Make sure your agency agreements and listings reflect the new obligations. This is especially important if your client is a seller in a community titles scheme.
- Position yourself as a trusted advisor. Your added value will be in guiding sellers through the disclosure process. It also involves helping buyers understand the change.
The REIQ Awards night
On the awards night, it was clear that the industry is embracing innovation. The focus is now on transparency and advocacy. This is in line with these regulatory shifts. The REIQ Awards are more than glitter and trophies. They highlight best practice. They emphasize ethical standards and the forward‐thinking mindset that will define property in Queensland going forward.
Seeing first-time award winners and newer entrants recognised reinforces a generational shift in how real estate is being done. The handover from Peter Brewer to Peter Camphin as Chair of REIQ marks the industry’s evolution. Strong governance, transparency, and advocacy for all Queenslanders are now front and centre.
For example, REIQ continues to engage with the government on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. They also focus on accessibility in new construction and energy efficiency in homes. That broader focus is reflected in the legislative and regulatory changes happening now.
✅ Conclusion
The 2025 REIQ Awards for Excellence was more than a night of celebration. It provided a snapshot of where Queensland’s property industry is heading. Major reforms are coming into force. This includes the seller disclosure regime and overarching property law changes. Sellers, buyers, and agents must be more prepared than ever.
If you’re looking to sell, invest or simply stay informed, now is the time to act. The legal and regulatory landscape in Queensland is shifting, and those who align early will benefit most.
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