Tag #PropertyLawQLD

Off‑the‑plan Contracts in Queensland: Key Considerations for Buyers and Investors

This article was written by Simone Garcia Solicitor at W & G Lawyers.

Buying your first home is a major milestone, and off‑the‑plan properties can be an appealing pathway into the market. They often offer lower upfront costs, more time to save before settlement, and the excitement of moving into a brand‑new home. But these benefits come with risks—particularly for first‑time buyers who may be unfamiliar with complex property contracts.

Read More

Queensland Sunset Clause Reforms: 5 Things You Must Know Before Buying Off-the-Plan in 2025

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

Read More

Understanding Flood Maps and Property Reports in Queensland

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.

Read More

When Is a Deed Binding? Lessons from a Recent Queensland Case

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.

Read More

First Home Guarantee: Buy Your First Home with Just 5% Deposit

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.

Read More

My Neighbour Built on My Land—What Now?

Boundary disputes between neighbours aren’t unusual—but when someone builds over the line, things can get messy fast. In Queensland, the Property Law Act 1974 gives property owners a way to deal with this through what’s called encroachment proceedings.

The recent case of Wardanski v Mawby (No 2) gives us a real-life example of how the Court handles this kind of situation—and what happens when people refuse to settle.

Read More

First Home in Queensland? Don’t Forget These Hidden Upfront Costs

Saving for a home deposit is a huge milestone—congratulations! 🎉 But before you start house hunting, it’s important to know that the deposit is only part of the picture. There are several upfront costs that many first-home buyers don’t anticipate.

At W & G Lawyers, we help Queensland buyers understand what’s involved and avoid unpleasant surprises at settlement. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Read More

Changed Your Mind After Signing a Property Contract in QLD? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Cooling-Off Period

So you’ve signed a contract to buy a property in Queensland—but now you’re having second thoughts. Can you back out of it? In some cases, yes—but only if you act quickly.

In Queensland, most residential property contracts (excluding auctions) come with a 5 business day “cooling-off period.” This legal provision offers buyers a short window of time to reconsider their decision.

Read More

Settlement Day Explained – A Step-by-Step Guide for First Home Buyers in Queensland

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. At W & G Lawyers, we understand how important this milestone is and we’re here to help you navigate it with confidence. This article explains what happens on settlement day and how you can prepare to make the process as smooth as possible.

Read More