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How to support your clients under Queensland’s new seller disclosure rules

From 1 August 2025, Queensland’s property landscape is changing. The commencement of the Property Law Act 2023 (QLD) introduces a standardised seller disclosure regime designed to improve transparency, reduce the risk of disputes, and better inform buyers before signing on the dotted line.

The new legislation requires sellers to provide a prescribed disclosure statement (Form 2) and supporting certificates before a contract of sale is signed. This is a shift from the current regime, placing greater responsibility on sellers to disclose key information upfront.

For property lawyers and conveyancers, it represents an opportunity to strengthen the service you deliver, by guiding clients through new obligations with confidence, reducing legal risk, and delivering a smooth transaction experience.

A closer look at Part 3: Land Use, Planning and Environment

Of particular importance in the disclosure statement is Part 3 – Land Use, Planning and Environment. This section ensures buyers are made aware of zoning, planning proposals, or environmental risks that may affect their intended use of the property. Supporting your clients to disclose this accurately helps prevent future disputes and upholds your duty of care.

Sellers will be required to disclose:

  • The zoning of the property under the relevant planning scheme,
  • Notification from a public authority about a proposed transport corridor or future resumption,
  • Whether the land is listed on the Contaminated Land Register (CLR) or the Environmental Management Register (EMR).

It’s this last point – contamination and environmental protection – where additional resources may be needed to answer the questions accurately.

Contamination and environmental protection

The first question in this section of the disclosure statemen asks whether the land is listed on either the Contaminated Land Register (CLR) or the Environmental Management Register (EMR).

  • The Contaminated Land Register (CLR) contains sites where contamination has been confirmed and poses a risk to human health or the environment.
  • The Environmental Management Register (EMR) contains sites where a potentially contaminating activity has occurred in the past, and further investigation or management may be required.

You may already be familiar with the CLR/EMR search, as this forms part of the current mandatory disclosure requirements.

However, to complete the remaining questions in this section, sellers may also consider providing additional environmental details. These include whether the property is subject to an Environmental Enforcement Order (EEO) or is part of a prescribed Transitional Environmental Program (TEP) – which outlines specific actions and conditions for environmental improvements.

Failure to properly disclose environmental risks can lead to contract termination or post-settlement liability. Yet, sellers are not always fully aware of a property’s environmental history.

That’s where InfoTrack and Lotsearch can help.

Lotsearch Environmental Risk - Contaminated Land Search

Available through InfoTrack, the Lotsearch Contaminated Land Search supports sellers and their representatives in confidently completing Part 3 of the disclosure statement and fulfilling environmental due diligence obligations.

The report includes essential information including whether the site has been:

  • Subject to an Environmental Enforcement Order (EEO)
  • Included in a prescribed Transitional Environmental Program (TEP)
  • Issued with Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs), direction notices, or clean-up notices

Additionally, it addresses environmental evaluations or site investigations, along with other contaminated land notices recorded on the relevant public register.

The report can be used to access:

  • Details of licensed industrial or commercial activities that may present contamination risks
  • Records of investigations into suspected contamination
  • Notices related to clean-up requirements or groundwater use restrictions
  • With the 1 August mandate approaching, Lotsearch is continuing to enhance its reporting to support broader disclosure obligations across both contaminated land and other planning or environmental matters, in line with the new legislation. Furthermore, Lotsearch are exploring adding the Contaminated Land Register (CLR) and Environmental Management Register (EMR) search to their existing contaminated land search reports to make them even more comprehensive.

    Ordering the Lotsearch report through InfoTrack integrates easily into your existing process, making it simpler to access the insights you need to keep matters moving efficiently.

    By leveraging Lotsearch via InfoTrack, you can help your clients pre-empt disclosure issues, meet new legislative obligations, and deliver greater peace of mind throughout the transaction, ensuring they feel informed and protected every step of the way.

    Be prepared for 1 August

    With Queensland’s new property law reforms just around the corner, now is the time to get familiar with the updated requirements and ensure your practice is ready to continue providing exceptional service. Ordering a Lotsearch Contaminated Land Search through InfoTrack is a practical step to strengthen compliance and support your due diligence process.

    To help your team stay ahead, InfoTrack is in the process of developing a purpose-built solution designed to help lawyers and real estate agents comply with the new regime and reduce administrative burden. Our upcoming solution will combine certificate ordering with smart form drafting and compilation, creating a streamlined, end-to-end process.

    In addition, we’re supporting our customers with:

    • Dedicated Account Managers – for tailored training and support on InfoTrack tools and services to help you meet the requirements with confidence.
    • Comprehensive training and education – including complimentary CPD webinars and regular updates on the legislative changes, your obligations, and best practices.

    Want to learn more or start preparing now? Book a demonstration today to explore the tools and services available to support your property matters ahead of 1 August.