Category Conveyancing

This article was written by Grace Blake Solicitor at W & G Lawyers. 

At W and G Lawyers, we are seeing a growing trend across Queensland, particularly on the Gold Coast, where local councils are increasingly targeting unapproved works and boundary issues during property transactions. Following discussions with Stewart Title, title insurance is worth considering as a risk management tool for buyers navigating this evolving landscape.

We have previously written about the general benefits of title insurance. This article focuses on a more recent and specific trend. Council enforcement activity across Queensland has increased sharply, and this has real consequences for buyers who may not have previously considered title insurance a priority.

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Introduction

In September–October 2025, the Queensland Department of Justice ran a public consultation asking buyers, developers, and industry groups for feedback on the 2023 “sunset clause” reforms for off-the-plan land contracts. The government wants to know: are these laws protecting buyers as intended, and do they need to go further? Justice Qld Consultation

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When purchasing or developing property in Queensland, it is essential to consider flood risk as part of your legal due diligence. Flood exposure can affect a property’s development potential, insurance costs, future resale value, and importantly, compliance with planning law and building codes.

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Buying or selling a home is exciting, but the paperwork can feel overwhelming. In Queensland, most residential sales use the REIQ Contract for Houses and Residential Land, which includes key clauses that define your rights and responsibilities.

At W & G Lawyers, we make sure you understand what you’re signing before you commit. Below are some of the most important terms explained in simple, everyday language.

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Queensland has extended key incentives for first home buyers, making it easier to enter the property market. Eligible buyers of new homes can now receive a $30,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026.

From 1 May 2025, qualifying buyers of new homes or vacant residential land to build their first residence may also enjoy a full transfer duty (stamp duty) exemption — with no price cap.

Both benefits have different rules but can work together to reduce upfront costs. Here’s a clear summary of what they mean and how you can prepare.

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Deeds are commonly used in property, finance, and commercial transactions because they provide certainty and strong legal enforceability. But what happens if a deed is signed by one party and sent out, while the other side never signs it?

A recent Queensland Supreme Court decision highlights how critical the act of “delivery” can be in determining whether a deed is binding.

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By Xiaonan (Nancy) Wang, Legal Practice Director, W & G Lawyers

When it comes to property contracts in Queensland, timing is everything. A recent Court of Appeal decision has clarified a deceptively simple but critical question: does “pay” mean that funds are treated as paid once the buyer initiates a transfer, or only when the deposit holder actually receives the money?

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Legal Insight from W & G Lawyers

At W & G Lawyers, we regularly assist first-home buyers with property transactions. The Federal Government’s First Home Guarantee (FHG) helps eligible buyers purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit—but it is not without legal risks.

Many people mistakenly believe the scheme is a form of financial protection. In fact, the Guarantee is a contractual arrangement between the Government and your lender, not a safety net for you. This article sets out the core legal implications and how we, as your solicitors, can protect your interests throughout the process.

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From 1 August 2025, all Queensland property sellers will be required to comply with the new Seller Disclosure Scheme under the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld). This includes residential, commercial, and vacant land sales. A failure to provide proper disclosure may lead to the contract being terminated or expose the seller to legal liability. If you’re new to this topic, we recommend reading our earlier article explaining the fundamentals: New Seller Disclosure Laws Coming to Queensland Property Sales

In this article, we focus on what sellers need to do in practice before listing or selling their property.

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Saving for a house deposit feels impossible?
Tired of watching property prices rise while your savings stay flat?
Good news — the Queensland Government’s new Boost to Buy scheme might be your chance to finally get on the property ladder.

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