This Act regulates sales of proposed lots in Queensland: sellers must provide cadastral disclosure plans/statements before contract, hold pre‑settlement payments in prescribed trust accounts, and follow strict timing and notice rules. It limits unilateral “sunset” terminations, gives buyers statutory termination and refund rights, and prevents contracting out of protections.
It chiefly affects developers/sellers, buyers, cadastral surveyors and recognised trust holders, creates compliance costs and criminal penalties for breaches, and includes limited exemptions (eg large transactions) and regulatory and court discretion.
The Land Sales Act 1984, as reproduced in the source, sets mandatory disclosure, settlement and trust-account rules for the sale of proposed lots in Queensland (see s 3, s 10-s 14, pt 2). Mechanically, the Act requires sellers to give either a disclosure plan and disclosure statement, or an approved plan of survey, before a buyer enters into a contract for a proposed lot (s 10). It prescribes what must be in the disclosure plan (prepared by a cadastral surveyor, s 11) and in the disclosure statement (signed by the seller, s 12). The Act gives buyers specific termination rights where disclosure or settlement rules are breached (s 10(3), s 13(4), s 14(5)). It also fixes a maximum period for settlement, 18 months from contract entry, for a seller to complete the subdivision and settle the sale (s 14(1)).
The Act imposes strict handling for amounts paid towards the purchase of a proposed lot before settlement. Those amounts must be paid to a recognised entity , a law practice, public trustee or a real estate agent , and held in a prescribed trust account (ss 15-17). Recognised entities must keep funds until entitlement vests and must deal with the monies under the law governing their trust accounts (s 18). Investment of trust monies is permitted only with contract authorisation or signed consent and in line with trust-account law (s 19).
For off-the-plan contracts, the Act now curtails automatic sunset termination. Division 4A (ss 19A-19F) treats sunset clauses as not automatically terminating a contract (s 19C), requires specified notice before termination attempts (s 19D), makes buyer consent a precondition to seller termination in most cases (s 19D(1)(a)), and creates a court pathway where the seller can apply to the Supreme Court for permission to terminate on just and equitable grounds (s 19F). The court must consider a non-exhaustive list of factors including seller conduct, whether matters beyond the seller’s control affected settlement, prospects for settlement, effects on buyer and seller, performance by the buyer, and any value increase in the proposed land (s 19F(3)).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Land Sales Act 1984.
77
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Land Sales Act 1984 .
sec.2
Objects of Act
sec.2 Objects of Act
The objects of this Act are—
to facilitate property development in Queensland; and
to protect the interests of consumers in relation to property development; and
to ensure that proposed lots are clearly identified; and
to achieve the objects mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) without imposing procedural obligations on local governments or MEDQ in addition to their or its obligations under the Planning Act or the Economic Development Act .
s 2 ins 1997 No. 40 s 4
amd 1999 No. 63 s 70 ; 2009 No. 36 s 872 sch 2 ; 2011 No. 44 s 10 ; 2012 No. 43 s 221 sch 1 ; 2014 No. 46 s 38
(a) to facilitate property development in Queensland; and
(b) to protect the interests of consumers in relation to property development; and
(c) to ensure that proposed lots are clearly identified; and
(d) to achieve the objects mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) without imposing procedural obligations on local governments or MEDQ in addition to their or its obligations under the Planning Act or the Economic Development Act .
sec.3
Application of Act generally
sec.3 Application of Act generally
This Act applies to the sale of a proposed lot if, when the proposed lot becomes a lot, it will be situated in Queensland.
For subsection (1) , it does not matter where the contract for the sale was entered into.
This Act does not apply to the sale of a proposed lot if—
the sale is part of a large transaction; or
the sale arises from the reconfiguration of land into not more than 5 lots.
In this section—
large transaction means the sale of 6 or more proposed lots if—
the seller of each proposed lot is the same person; and
the buyer of each proposed lot is the same person; and
the sale is the subject of—
a single contract; or
2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours.
reconfiguration , in relation to land, means reconfiguration by subdivision or amalgamation.
s 3 prev s 3 amd 1989 No. 103 s 3 sch
om R1 (see RA s 36)
pres s 3 ins 2014 No. 46 s 39
(sec.3-ssec.1) This Act applies to the sale of a proposed lot if, when the proposed lot becomes a lot, it will be situated in Queensland.
(sec.3-ssec.2) For subsection (1) , it does not matter where the contract for the sale was entered into.
(sec.3-ssec.3) This Act does not apply to the sale of a proposed lot if— the sale is part of a large transaction; or the sale arises from the reconfiguration of land into not more than 5 lots.
(sec.3-ssec.4) In this section— large transaction means the sale of 6 or more proposed lots if— the seller of each proposed lot is the same person; and the buyer of each proposed lot is the same person; and the sale is the subject of— a single contract; or 2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours. reconfiguration , in relation to land, means reconfiguration by subdivision or amalgamation.
(a) the sale is part of a large transaction; or
(b) the sale arises from the reconfiguration of land into not more than 5 lots.
(a) the seller of each proposed lot is the same person; and
(b) the buyer of each proposed lot is the same person; and
(c) the sale is the subject of— (i) a single contract; or (ii) 2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours.
(i) a single contract; or
(ii) 2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours.
(i) a single contract; or
(ii) 2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours.
sec.4
Act does not apply to particular State leasehold land
sec.4 Act does not apply to particular State leasehold land
A regulation may declare that, subject to any stated conditions, this Act does not apply to the whole or part of land the subject of—
a stated miners homestead under the Land Act 1994 , chapter 8 , part 7 , division 2 ; or
a stated lease or a stated class of lease under the Land Act 1994 .
If a person contravenes a condition to which a declaration under subsection (1) is subject, the Supreme Court may, on the application of a buyer under a contract for the sale of a proposed lot to which the declaration relates, order the person to comply with the condition.
s 4 prev s 4 amd 1985 No. 43 s 4 ; 1989 No. 103 s 3 sch
om 1992 No. 40 s 122
pres s 4 ins 2014 No. 46 s 39
(sec.4-ssec.1) A regulation may declare that, subject to any stated conditions, this Act does not apply to the whole or part of land the subject of— a stated miners homestead under the Land Act 1994 , chapter 8 , part 7 , division 2 ; or a stated lease or a stated class of lease under the Land Act 1994 .
(sec.4-ssec.2) If a person contravenes a condition to which a declaration under subsection (1) is subject, the Supreme Court may, on the application of a buyer under a contract for the sale of a proposed lot to which the declaration relates, order the person to comply with the condition.
(a) a stated miners homestead under the Land Act 1994 , chapter 8 , part 7 , division 2 ; or
(b) a stated lease or a stated class of lease under the Land Act 1994 .
sec.5
Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
sec.5 Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
In this section—
inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
s 5 prev s 5 amd 1993 No. 82 s 3 sch 1 ; 1997 No. 40 s 5
om 2014 No. 46 s 39
pres s 5 (prev s 5A) ins 2014 No. 8 s 129
renum 2014 No. 46 s 40
(sec.5-ssec.1) The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
(sec.5-ssec.2) Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
(sec.5-ssec.3) In this section— inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
sec.6
Definitions
sec.6 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular terms used in this Act.
s 6 amd 1997 No. 40 s 6 (7) – (13) ; 1999 No. 63 s 71 (1) ; 2014 No. 46 s 41 (3) – (4)
Note—prev s 6 contained definitions for this Act. Definitions are now located in schedule 1 (Dictionary). Annotations for definitions contained in prev s 6 are located in annotations for sch 1.
sec.6A
Section sec.6A
s 6A (prev) s 6(2)–(3) renum 1999 No. 63 s 71 (6), (9)
amd 1999 No. 63 s 71 (7) – (8)
om 2014 No. 46 s 42
pt.2
Sale of proposed lots
Sale of proposed lots
pt.2-div.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.7
References to things done by or in relation to buyer or seller
sec.7 References to things done by or in relation to buyer or seller
This section applies in relation to a provision of this part that refers to—
a thing required or permitted to be done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot; or
a thing having been done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot.
The thing may be done, or the thing may have been done, by or in relation to the buyer or seller either—
personally; or
through an agent who is authorised to act for the buyer or seller in relation to the thing.
s 7 prev s 7 amd 1985 No. 105 s 5 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1
om 1997 No. 40 s 8
pres s 7 ins 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.7-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to a provision of this part that refers to— a thing required or permitted to be done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot; or a thing having been done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot.
(sec.7-ssec.2) The thing may be done, or the thing may have been done, by or in relation to the buyer or seller either— personally; or through an agent who is authorised to act for the buyer or seller in relation to the thing.
(a) a thing required or permitted to be done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot; or
(b) a thing having been done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot.
(a) personally; or
(b) through an agent who is authorised to act for the buyer or seller in relation to the thing.
sec.7A
Section sec.7A
s 7A ins 1992 No. 40 s 124
sub 1993 No. 82 s 35
amd 1997 No. 40 s 9
om 2014 No. 46 s 43
sec.8
Restriction on selling State leasehold land
sec.8 Restriction on selling State leasehold land
A person may sell a proposed lot that is State leasehold land, other than a development lease, only if—
the chief executive under the Land Act 1994 has made a subdivision offer for the proposed subdivision of the lot under section 176A of that Act; and
the lessee of the land has accepted the subdivision offer under the Land Act 1994 .
See the Land Act 1994 , section 403T for requirements for acceptance of offers under that Act.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
A person may sell a proposed lot that is a development lease only if the Minister has consented, under the Land Act 1994 , section 290J , to a plan of subdivision for the development lease dividing the development lease into proposed lots.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
A contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into in contravention of subsection (1) or (2) is void.
Any person who paid an amount under a contract mentioned in subsection (3) may recover the amount, together with any interest accrued on the amount since it was paid, as a debt from the person to whom the amount was paid.
In this section—
development lease means an existing development lease issued under the Land Act 1962 , part 9 , division 1 that is taken to be a term lease under the Land Act 1994 , section 476 .
s 8 amd 1985 No. 43 s 6 ; 1985 No. 105 s 6 ; 1992 No. 40 s 125 ; 1993 No. 82 s 3 sch 1 ; 1997 No. 40 s 10 ; 2003 No. 64 s 123 ; 2009 No. 36 s 872 sch 2 ; 2011 No. 44 s 12 ; 2012 No. 43 s 221 sch 1
sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
amd 2023 No. 2 s 108 sch 1
(sec.8-ssec.1) A person may sell a proposed lot that is State leasehold land, other than a development lease, only if— the chief executive under the Land Act 1994 has made a subdivision offer for the proposed subdivision of the lot under section 176A of that Act; and the lessee of the land has accepted the subdivision offer under the Land Act 1994 . See the Land Act 1994 , section 403T for requirements for acceptance of offers under that Act. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.8-ssec.2) A person may sell a proposed lot that is a development lease only if the Minister has consented, under the Land Act 1994 , section 290J , to a plan of subdivision for the development lease dividing the development lease into proposed lots. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.8-ssec.3) A contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into in contravention of subsection (1) or (2) is void.
(sec.8-ssec.4) Any person who paid an amount under a contract mentioned in subsection (3) may recover the amount, together with any interest accrued on the amount since it was paid, as a debt from the person to whom the amount was paid.
(sec.8-ssec.5) In this section— development lease means an existing development lease issued under the Land Act 1962 , part 9 , division 1 that is taken to be a term lease under the Land Act 1994 , section 476 .
(a) the chief executive under the Land Act 1994 has made a subdivision offer for the proposed subdivision of the lot under section 176A of that Act; and
(b) the lessee of the land has accepted the subdivision offer under the Land Act 1994 . Note— See the Land Act 1994 , section 403T for requirements for acceptance of offers under that Act.
pt.2-div.2
Disclosure requirements
Disclosure requirements
sec.9
Application of div 2 if option granted
sec.9 Application of div 2 if option granted
Section 10 , as modified by this section, applies if a person grants an option (the option ) to another person—
to purchase a proposed lot; or
to sell a proposed lot.
For subsection (1) —
section 10 (1) requires the seller to give the documents mentioned in section 10 (1) (a) or (b) to the buyer in relation to the option as if a reference to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot being entered into were a reference to an option to purchase or sell the proposed lot being granted; and
any right of termination under section 10 relating to the giving of the documents applies in relation to—
the option; and
a contract entered into by the seller and buyer for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option.
If the seller and buyer enter into a contract for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option, section 10 (1) does not require the seller to give the documents to the buyer.
If the buyer is not a party to the contract for the sale of the proposed lot arising from the option, the seller must comply with section 10 before entering into the contract for the sale.
In this section—
buyer means the person who is granted an option to purchase, or grants an option to sell, the proposed lot.
seller means the person who grants an option to purchase, or is granted an option to sell, the proposed lot.
s 9 amd 1985 No. 105 s 7 ; 1997 No. 40 s 11 ; 1999 No. 63 s 72 ; 2003 No. 64 s 124 ; 2003 No. 70 s 206 sch 2 ; 2005 No. 14 s 2 sch ; 2009 No. 36 s 872 sch 2 ; 2011 No. 44 s 13 ; 2012 No. 43 s 221 sch 1
sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.9-ssec.1) Section 10 , as modified by this section, applies if a person grants an option (the option ) to another person— to purchase a proposed lot; or to sell a proposed lot.
(sec.9-ssec.2) For subsection (1) — section 10 (1) requires the seller to give the documents mentioned in section 10 (1) (a) or (b) to the buyer in relation to the option as if a reference to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot being entered into were a reference to an option to purchase or sell the proposed lot being granted; and any right of termination under section 10 relating to the giving of the documents applies in relation to— the option; and a contract entered into by the seller and buyer for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option.
(sec.9-ssec.3) If the seller and buyer enter into a contract for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option, section 10 (1) does not require the seller to give the documents to the buyer.
(sec.9-ssec.4) If the buyer is not a party to the contract for the sale of the proposed lot arising from the option, the seller must comply with section 10 before entering into the contract for the sale.
(sec.9-ssec.5) In this section— buyer means the person who is granted an option to purchase, or grants an option to sell, the proposed lot. seller means the person who grants an option to purchase, or is granted an option to sell, the proposed lot.
(a) to purchase a proposed lot; or
(b) to sell a proposed lot.
(a) section 10 (1) requires the seller to give the documents mentioned in section 10 (1) (a) or (b) to the buyer in relation to the option as if a reference to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot being entered into were a reference to an option to purchase or sell the proposed lot being granted; and
(b) any right of termination under section 10 relating to the giving of the documents applies in relation to— (i) the option; and (ii) a contract entered into by the seller and buyer for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option.
(i) the option; and
(ii) a contract entered into by the seller and buyer for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option.
(i) the option; and
(ii) a contract entered into by the seller and buyer for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option.
sec.10
Documents to be given by seller to buyer
sec.10 Documents to be given by seller to buyer
The seller of a proposed lot must give the proposed buyer of the lot, before the proposed buyer enters into a contract for the sale of the lot—
a disclosure plan and disclosure statement for the proposed lot; or
a copy of the plan of survey for the proposed lot approved by the relevant local government under the Planning Act or by MEDQ under the Economic Development Act .
The seller of a proposed lot does not fail to give the buyer a disclosure plan or disclosure statement under subsection (1) (a) merely because the plan or statement, although substantially complete as at the day the contract is entered into, contains inaccuracies.
If the seller of a proposed lot fails to comply with subsection (1) , the buyer may terminate the contract for the sale of the lot by written notice given to the seller before the contract is settled.
In this section—
disclosure plan means a disclosure plan complying with section 11 .
disclosure statement means a disclosure statement complying with section 12 .
s 10 amd 1985 No. 43 s 7
sub 1985 No. 105 s 8
amd 1992 No. 40 s 126 ; 1992 No. 64 s 3 sch 1
sub 1997 No. 40 s 12
amd 1999 No. 63 s 73 ; 2009 No. 36 s 872 sch 2 ; 2011 No. 44 s 14 ; 2012 No. 43 s 221 sch 1
sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.10-ssec.1) The seller of a proposed lot must give the proposed buyer of the lot, before the proposed buyer enters into a contract for the sale of the lot— a disclosure plan and disclosure statement for the proposed lot; or a copy of the plan of survey for the proposed lot approved by the relevant local government under the Planning Act or by MEDQ under the Economic Development Act .
(sec.10-ssec.2) The seller of a proposed lot does not fail to give the buyer a disclosure plan or disclosure statement under subsection (1) (a) merely because the plan or statement, although substantially complete as at the day the contract is entered into, contains inaccuracies.
(sec.10-ssec.3) If the seller of a proposed lot fails to comply with subsection (1) , the buyer may terminate the contract for the sale of the lot by written notice given to the seller before the contract is settled.
(sec.10-ssec.4) In this section— disclosure plan means a disclosure plan complying with section 11 . disclosure statement means a disclosure statement complying with section 12 .
(a) a disclosure plan and disclosure statement for the proposed lot; or
(b) a copy of the plan of survey for the proposed lot approved by the relevant local government under the Planning Act or by MEDQ under the Economic Development Act .
sec.10A
Section sec.10A
s 10A ins 1997 No. 40 s 12
amd 1999 No. 63 s 74 ; 2003 No. 64 s 125 ; 2003 No. 70 s 206 sch 2 ; 2009 No. 36 s 872 sch 2 ; 2011 No. 44 s 15 ; 2012 No. 43 s 221 sch 1
om 2014 No. 46 s 43
sec.11
Requirements for disclosure plan
sec.11 Requirements for disclosure plan
A disclosure plan may comprise 1 or more documents and must include—
for a proposed lot intended to be a volumetric format lot—the volumetric format lot particulars for the lot; or
for a proposed lot intended to be a standard format lot—the relevant lot particulars for the lot.
A disclosure plan must be prepared by a cadastral surveyor.
a draft plan of survey
The disclosure plan must be substantially complete.
In this section—
appropriate contour intervals means contour intervals of not more than—
for a proposed lot of not more than 2,000m 2 —50cm in height; or
for a proposed lot of more than 2,000m 2 —1m in height.
existing surface contours , of a proposed lot for which there is no operational work, means the surface contours of the lot at the time the disclosure plan for the lot is prepared.
relevant lot particulars , for a proposed lot intended to be a standard format lot, means the following—
the proposed number of the lot;
the total area of the lot;
a description of the dimensions of the lot as bearings and distances;
identification of the proposed orientation of the lot by reference to north;
if there is operational work for the lot—
contour maps of the lot showing the surface contours, with appropriate contour intervals, as at the completion of the work; and
the location of any retaining walls forming part of the work; and
the height of any retaining walls forming part of the work or, if the height varies across the length of the wall, the height of the lowest and highest points of the wall and the average height of the wall; and
the following information about any fill that is part of the work—
the depth of the fill;
whether the compaction of the fill will be done in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3798-2007, and the level of inspection and testing services carried out;
if the compaction of the fill will not be done in accordance with that Australian Standard, the nature of the departure from the standard.
if there is no operational work for the lot—contour maps of the lot showing the existing surface contours, with appropriate contour intervals.
standard format lot see the Land Title Act 1994 , schedule 2 .
volumetric format lot see the Land Title Act 1994 , schedule 2 .
volumetric format lot particulars , for a proposed lot intended to be a volumetric format lot, means the following—
the proposed number of the lot;
an isometric representation of the lot;
the area of the projected footprint of the lot;
the level of the ground surface in approximate values for illustrating the location of the lot in relation to that level;
identification of the proposed orientation of the lot by reference to north;
if the lot is proposed to contain a building or be located in a building—the floor level on which the lot is proposed to be located.
s 11 amd 1985 No. 43 s 8 ; 1985 No. 105 s 9 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 1996 No. 56 s 123 ; 1997 No. 40 s 13 ; 2000 No. 62 s 601 sch 2 ; 2004 No. 11 s 596 sch 1 ; 2007 No. 24 s 770 sch 1 ; 2014 No. 22 s 287 sch 2 pt 2
sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.11-ssec.1) A disclosure plan may comprise 1 or more documents and must include— for a proposed lot intended to be a volumetric format lot—the volumetric format lot particulars for the lot; or for a proposed lot intended to be a standard format lot—the relevant lot particulars for the lot.
(sec.11-ssec.2) A disclosure plan must be prepared by a cadastral surveyor. a draft plan of survey
(sec.11-ssec.3) The disclosure plan must be substantially complete.
(sec.11-ssec.4) In this section— appropriate contour intervals means contour intervals of not more than— for a proposed lot of not more than 2,000m 2 —50cm in height; or for a proposed lot of more than 2,000m 2 —1m in height. existing surface contours , of a proposed lot for which there is no operational work, means the surface contours of the lot at the time the disclosure plan for the lot is prepared. relevant lot particulars , for a proposed lot intended to be a standard format lot, means the following— the proposed number of the lot; the total area of the lot; a description of the dimensions of the lot as bearings and distances; identification of the proposed orientation of the lot by reference to north; if there is operational work for the lot— contour maps of the lot showing the surface contours, with appropriate contour intervals, as at the completion of the work; and the location of any retaining walls forming part of the work; and the height of any retaining walls forming part of the work or, if the height varies across the length of the wall, the height of the lowest and highest points of the wall and the average height of the wall; and the following information about any fill that is part of the work— the depth of the fill; whether the compaction of the fill will be done in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3798-2007, and the level of inspection and testing services carried out; if the compaction of the fill will not be done in accordance with that Australian Standard, the nature of the departure from the standard. if there is no operational work for the lot—contour maps of the lot showing the existing surface contours, with appropriate contour intervals. standard format lot see the Land Title Act 1994 , schedule 2 . volumetric format lot see the Land Title Act 1994 , schedule 2 . volumetric format lot particulars , for a proposed lot intended to be a volumetric format lot, means the following— the proposed number of the lot; an isometric representation of the lot; the area of the projected footprint of the lot; the level of the ground surface in approximate values for illustrating the location of the lot in relation to that level; identification of the proposed orientation of the lot by reference to north; if the lot is proposed to contain a building or be located in a building—the floor level on which the lot is proposed to be located.
(a) for a proposed lot intended to be a volumetric format lot—the volumetric format lot particulars for the lot; or
(b) for a proposed lot intended to be a standard format lot—the relevant lot particulars for the lot.
(a) for a proposed lot of not more than 2,000m 2 —50cm in height; or
(b) for a proposed lot of more than 2,000m 2 —1m in height.
(a) the proposed number of the lot;
(b) the total area of the lot;
(c) a description of the dimensions of the lot as bearings and distances;
(d) identification of the proposed orientation of the lot by reference to north;
(e) if there is operational work for the lot— (i) contour maps of the lot showing the surface contours, with appropriate contour intervals, as at the completion of the work; and (ii) the location of any retaining walls forming part of the work; and (iii) the height of any retaining walls forming part of the work or, if the height varies across the length of the wall, the height of the lowest and highest points of the wall and the average height of the wall; and (iv) the following information about any fill that is part of the work— (A) the depth of the fill; (B) whether the compaction of the fill will be done in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3798-2007, and the level of inspection and testing services carried out; (C) if the compaction of the fill will not be done in accordance with that Australian Standard, the nature of the departure from the standard.
(i) contour maps of the lot showing the surface contours, with appropriate contour intervals, as at the completion of the work; and
(ii) the location of any retaining walls forming part of the work; and
(iii) the height of any retaining walls forming part of the work or, if the height varies across the length of the wall, the height of the lowest and highest points of the wall and the average height of the wall; and
(iv) the following information about any fill that is part of the work— (A) the depth of the fill; (B) whether the compaction of the fill will be done in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3798-2007, and the level of inspection and testing services carried out; (C) if the compaction of the fill will not be done in accordance with that Australian Standard, the nature of the departure from the standard.
(A) the depth of the fill;
(B) whether the compaction of the fill will be done in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3798-2007, and the level of inspection and testing services carried out;
(C) if the compaction of the fill will not be done in accordance with that Australian Standard, the nature of the departure from the standard.
(f) if there is no operational work for the lot—contour maps of the lot showing the existing surface contours, with appropriate contour intervals.
(i) contour maps of the lot showing the surface contours, with appropriate contour intervals, as at the completion of the work; and
(ii) the location of any retaining walls forming part of the work; and
(iii) the height of any retaining walls forming part of the work or, if the height varies across the length of the wall, the height of the lowest and highest points of the wall and the average height of the wall; and
(iv) the following information about any fill that is part of the work— (A) the depth of the fill; (B) whether the compaction of the fill will be done in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3798-2007, and the level of inspection and testing services carried out; (C) if the compaction of the fill will not be done in accordance with that Australian Standard, the nature of the departure from the standard.
(A) the depth of the fill;
(B) whether the compaction of the fill will be done in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3798-2007, and the level of inspection and testing services carried out;
(C) if the compaction of the fill will not be done in accordance with that Australian Standard, the nature of the departure from the standard.
(A) the depth of the fill;
(B) whether the compaction of the fill will be done in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3798-2007, and the level of inspection and testing services carried out;
(C) if the compaction of the fill will not be done in accordance with that Australian Standard, the nature of the departure from the standard.
(a) the proposed number of the lot;
(b) an isometric representation of the lot;
(c) the area of the projected footprint of the lot;
(d) the level of the ground surface in approximate values for illustrating the location of the lot in relation to that level;
(e) identification of the proposed orientation of the lot by reference to north;
(f) if the lot is proposed to contain a building or be located in a building—the floor level on which the lot is proposed to be located.
sec.11A
Section sec.11A
s 11A ins 1997 No. 40 s 14
om 2014 No. 46 s 43
sec.12
Requirements for disclosure statement
sec.12 Requirements for disclosure statement
A disclosure statement for a proposed lot must be signed by the seller and state the following—
that the seller has given the buyer a disclosure plan for the proposed lot under section 10 ;
whether a development approval has been granted for—
reconfiguring a lot for the proposed lot; or
any operational work for the proposed lot;
that the seller must—
settle the contract for the sale of the proposed lot not later than 18 months after the buyer enters into the contract for the sale of the lot; and
give any other documents required to be given to the buyer under section 14 (3) at least 14 days before the contract is settled.
The disclosure statement must be substantially complete.
In this section—
development approval means—
a development approval under the Planning Act ; or
a PDA development approval under the Economic Development Act .
s 12 amd 1985 No. 43 s 9
sub 1985 No. 105 s 10
amd 1996 No. 56 s 124 ; 1997 No. 40 s 15 ; 2007 No. 24 s 770 sch 1
sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
amd 2016 No. 27 s 287
(sec.12-ssec.1) A disclosure statement for a proposed lot must be signed by the seller and state the following— that the seller has given the buyer a disclosure plan for the proposed lot under section 10 ; whether a development approval has been granted for— reconfiguring a lot for the proposed lot; or any operational work for the proposed lot; that the seller must— settle the contract for the sale of the proposed lot not later than 18 months after the buyer enters into the contract for the sale of the lot; and give any other documents required to be given to the buyer under section 14 (3) at least 14 days before the contract is settled.
(sec.12-ssec.2) The disclosure statement must be substantially complete.
(sec.12-ssec.3) In this section— development approval means— a development approval under the Planning Act ; or a PDA development approval under the Economic Development Act .
(a) that the seller has given the buyer a disclosure plan for the proposed lot under section 10 ;
(b) whether a development approval has been granted for— (i) reconfiguring a lot for the proposed lot; or (ii) any operational work for the proposed lot;
(i) reconfiguring a lot for the proposed lot; or
(ii) any operational work for the proposed lot;
(c) that the seller must— (i) settle the contract for the sale of the proposed lot not later than 18 months after the buyer enters into the contract for the sale of the lot; and (ii) give any other documents required to be given to the buyer under section 14 (3) at least 14 days before the contract is settled.
(i) settle the contract for the sale of the proposed lot not later than 18 months after the buyer enters into the contract for the sale of the lot; and
(ii) give any other documents required to be given to the buyer under section 14 (3) at least 14 days before the contract is settled.
(i) reconfiguring a lot for the proposed lot; or
(ii) any operational work for the proposed lot;
(i) settle the contract for the sale of the proposed lot not later than 18 months after the buyer enters into the contract for the sale of the lot; and
(ii) give any other documents required to be given to the buyer under section 14 (3) at least 14 days before the contract is settled.
(a) a development approval under the Planning Act ; or
(b) a PDA development approval under the Economic Development Act .
sec.13
Variation of disclosure plan by further statement
sec.13 Variation of disclosure plan by further statement
This section applies if the contract for the sale of a proposed lot has not been settled and—
the seller becomes aware that information in the disclosure plan was inaccurate as at the day the contract was entered into; or
the disclosure plan would not be accurate if now given as a disclosure plan.
The seller must, at least 21 days before the contract is settled, give the buyer a further document (the further statement )—
rectifying the information in the disclosure plan; and
explaining, in plain English, the differences between the information in the disclosure plan and the information in the further statement.
The depth of fill required for the lot has changed from that disclosed in the disclosure plan. The further statement must rectify the information by indicating the new depth of fill and explain, in plain English, that the depth of fill has changed and identify what the new depth of fill is.
The further statement must be—
signed by the seller; and
prepared by a cadastral surveyor.
The buyer may terminate the contract if—
it has not already been settled; and
the buyer would be materially prejudiced, if compelled to complete the contract, given the extent to which the disclosure plan was, or has become, inaccurate; and
the termination is effected by written notice given to the seller within 21 days, or a longer period agreed between the buyer and seller, after the seller gives the buyer the further statement.
Subsections (1) to (4) continue to apply after the further statement is given on the basis that the disclosure plan is taken to be constituted by the disclosure plan and any further statement.
If the seller fails to comply with this section, the buyer may terminate the contract by written notice given to the seller if—
the contract has not already been settled; and
the buyer would be materially prejudiced, if compelled to complete the contract, given the extent to which the disclosure statement was, or has become, inaccurate.
s 13 prev s 13 amd 1985 No. 43 s 10 ; 1985 No. 105 s 11
om 1997 No. 40 s 16
pres s 13 ins 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.13-ssec.1) This section applies if the contract for the sale of a proposed lot has not been settled and— the seller becomes aware that information in the disclosure plan was inaccurate as at the day the contract was entered into; or the disclosure plan would not be accurate if now given as a disclosure plan.
(sec.13-ssec.2) The seller must, at least 21 days before the contract is settled, give the buyer a further document (the further statement )— rectifying the information in the disclosure plan; and explaining, in plain English, the differences between the information in the disclosure plan and the information in the further statement. The depth of fill required for the lot has changed from that disclosed in the disclosure plan. The further statement must rectify the information by indicating the new depth of fill and explain, in plain English, that the depth of fill has changed and identify what the new depth of fill is.
(sec.13-ssec.3) The further statement must be— signed by the seller; and prepared by a cadastral surveyor.
(sec.13-ssec.4) The buyer may terminate the contract if— it has not already been settled; and the buyer would be materially prejudiced, if compelled to complete the contract, given the extent to which the disclosure plan was, or has become, inaccurate; and the termination is effected by written notice given to the seller within 21 days, or a longer period agreed between the buyer and seller, after the seller gives the buyer the further statement.
(sec.13-ssec.5) Subsections (1) to (4) continue to apply after the further statement is given on the basis that the disclosure plan is taken to be constituted by the disclosure plan and any further statement.
(sec.13-ssec.6) If the seller fails to comply with this section, the buyer may terminate the contract by written notice given to the seller if— the contract has not already been settled; and the buyer would be materially prejudiced, if compelled to complete the contract, given the extent to which the disclosure statement was, or has become, inaccurate.
(a) the seller becomes aware that information in the disclosure plan was inaccurate as at the day the contract was entered into; or
(b) the disclosure plan would not be accurate if now given as a disclosure plan.
(a) rectifying the information in the disclosure plan; and
(b) explaining, in plain English, the differences between the information in the disclosure plan and the information in the further statement.
(a) signed by the seller; and
(b) prepared by a cadastral surveyor.
(a) it has not already been settled; and
(b) the buyer would be materially prejudiced, if compelled to complete the contract, given the extent to which the disclosure plan was, or has become, inaccurate; and
(c) the termination is effected by written notice given to the seller within 21 days, or a longer period agreed between the buyer and seller, after the seller gives the buyer the further statement.
(a) the contract has not already been settled; and
(b) the buyer would be materially prejudiced, if compelled to complete the contract, given the extent to which the disclosure statement was, or has become, inaccurate.
pt.2-div.3
Settlements
Settlements
sec.14
Settlement and documents to be given before settlement
sec.14 Settlement and documents to be given before settlement
The seller of a proposed lot must settle the contract for the sale of the lot not later than 18 months after the buyer enters into the contract for the sale of the lot.
Subsection (3) applies if the seller of a proposed lot does not give the buyer a copy of the plan of survey for the proposed lot, approved by the relevant local government under the Planning Act or by MEDQ under the Economic Development Act , before the buyer enters the contract for the sale of the lot.
The seller must give the buyer of the proposed lot, at least 14 days before the contract is settled—
a copy of the plan of survey for the lot registered under the Land Act 1994 or Land Title Act 1994 ( registered plan ); and
a statement prepared by a cadastral surveyor to the effect that there are no differences between the information contained in the registered plan and the information contained in the disclosure plan for the lot given to the buyer under section 10 .
For subsection (3) (b) , if the information contained in the disclosure plan is rectified by a further statement given to the buyer under section 13 , the reference to the information contained in the disclosure plan means the information as rectified.
If the seller fails to comply with subsection (1) or (3) , other than because of the buyer’s default, the buyer may terminate the contract for the sale of the proposed lot by written notice given to the seller before the contract is settled.
s 14 prev s 14 sub 1985 No. 43 s 11
amd 1985 No. 105 s 12
om 1997 No. 40 s 16
amd 1997 No. 82 s 3 sch (amdt inoperative as prov previously om)
pres s 14 ins 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.14-ssec.1) The seller of a proposed lot must settle the contract for the sale of the lot not later than 18 months after the buyer enters into the contract for the sale of the lot.
(sec.14-ssec.2) Subsection (3) applies if the seller of a proposed lot does not give the buyer a copy of the plan of survey for the proposed lot, approved by the relevant local government under the Planning Act or by MEDQ under the Economic Development Act , before the buyer enters the contract for the sale of the lot.
(sec.14-ssec.3) The seller must give the buyer of the proposed lot, at least 14 days before the contract is settled— a copy of the plan of survey for the lot registered under the Land Act 1994 or Land Title Act 1994 ( registered plan ); and a statement prepared by a cadastral surveyor to the effect that there are no differences between the information contained in the registered plan and the information contained in the disclosure plan for the lot given to the buyer under section 10 .
(sec.14-ssec.4) For subsection (3) (b) , if the information contained in the disclosure plan is rectified by a further statement given to the buyer under section 13 , the reference to the information contained in the disclosure plan means the information as rectified.
(sec.14-ssec.5) If the seller fails to comply with subsection (1) or (3) , other than because of the buyer’s default, the buyer may terminate the contract for the sale of the proposed lot by written notice given to the seller before the contract is settled.
(a) a copy of the plan of survey for the lot registered under the Land Act 1994 or Land Title Act 1994 ( registered plan ); and
(b) a statement prepared by a cadastral surveyor to the effect that there are no differences between the information contained in the registered plan and the information contained in the disclosure plan for the lot given to the buyer under section 10 .
pt.2-div.4
Amounts held in trust accounts
Amounts held in trust accounts
sec.15
Definitions for div 4
sec.15 Definitions for div 4
In this division—
prescribed trust account , for a recognised entity, means—
if the recognised entity is a law practice—a trust account kept by the practice under the Legal Profession Act 2007 ; or
if the recognised entity is the public trustee—a common fund held by the public trustee under the Public Trustee Act 1978 ; or
if the recognised entity is a real estate agent—a trust account kept by the agent under the Agents Financial Administration Act 2014 .
recognised entity means any of the following—
a law practice;
the public trustee;
a real estate agent.
s 15 prev s 15 amd 1985 No. 43 s 12 ; 1985 No. 105 s 13
om 1997 No. 40 s 16
pres s 15 ins 2014 No. 46 s 43
(a) if the recognised entity is a law practice—a trust account kept by the practice under the Legal Profession Act 2007 ; or
(b) if the recognised entity is the public trustee—a common fund held by the public trustee under the Public Trustee Act 1978 ; or
(c) if the recognised entity is a real estate agent—a trust account kept by the agent under the Agents Financial Administration Act 2014 .
(a) a law practice;
(b) the public trustee;
(c) a real estate agent.
sec.16
Payment of particular amounts
sec.16 Payment of particular amounts
This division applies to the following amounts—
an amount paid towards the purchase of a proposed lot under a contract for the sale of the lot (other than an amount paid at settlement);
an amount paid under another instrument (whether legally binding or not) relating to the sale of a proposed lot.
an option to purchase
an instrument providing for an expression of interest
s 16 prev s 16 om 1985 No. 105 s 14
pres s 16 ins 2014 No. 46 s 43
(a) an amount paid towards the purchase of a proposed lot under a contract for the sale of the lot (other than an amount paid at settlement);
(b) an amount paid under another instrument (whether legally binding or not) relating to the sale of a proposed lot. Examples of instruments for paragraph (b) — • an option to purchase • an instrument providing for an expression of interest
• an option to purchase
• an instrument providing for an expression of interest
• an option to purchase
• an instrument providing for an expression of interest
sec.17
Amounts paid under s 16 to be held in prescribed trust account
sec.17 Amounts paid under s 16 to be held in prescribed trust account
The person to whom the amount is paid must pay the amount directly to—
if the contract or instrument states the amount is to be paid to either of the following recognised entities, the recognised entity—
a law practice at its office in Queensland;
a real estate agent carrying on the business of a real estate agent; or
if paragraph (a) does not apply, the public trustee.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
An amount paid to a recognised entity mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) must be—
held by the entity in a prescribed trust account; and
dealt with by the entity in accordance with this division and the law governing the operation of the entity’s prescribed trust account.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
An amount paid to a law practice under this section is taken to be trust money under the Legal Profession Act 2007 , part 3.3 .
s 17 sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.17-ssec.1) The person to whom the amount is paid must pay the amount directly to— if the contract or instrument states the amount is to be paid to either of the following recognised entities, the recognised entity— a law practice at its office in Queensland; a real estate agent carrying on the business of a real estate agent; or if paragraph (a) does not apply, the public trustee. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.17-ssec.2) An amount paid to a recognised entity mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) must be— held by the entity in a prescribed trust account; and dealt with by the entity in accordance with this division and the law governing the operation of the entity’s prescribed trust account. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.17-ssec.3) An amount paid to a law practice under this section is taken to be trust money under the Legal Profession Act 2007 , part 3.3 .
(a) if the contract or instrument states the amount is to be paid to either of the following recognised entities, the recognised entity— (i) a law practice at its office in Queensland; (ii) a real estate agent carrying on the business of a real estate agent; or
(i) a law practice at its office in Queensland;
(ii) a real estate agent carrying on the business of a real estate agent; or
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply, the public trustee.
(i) a law practice at its office in Queensland;
(ii) a real estate agent carrying on the business of a real estate agent; or
(a) held by the entity in a prescribed trust account; and
(b) dealt with by the entity in accordance with this division and the law governing the operation of the entity’s prescribed trust account.
sec.18
Disposal of amount held in prescribed trust account
sec.18 Disposal of amount held in prescribed trust account
A recognised entity that is paid an amount under section 17 (1) must hold the amount in the entity’s prescribed trust account until a party to the contract or instrument becomes entitled, under this part or otherwise according to law, to a repayment or payment of the amount.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
On a party becoming entitled to a repayment or payment of the amount, the recognised entity must dispose of the amount in accordance with the law governing the operation of the entity’s prescribed trust account.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
Subsections (1) and (2) apply despite anything in the contract or instrument under which the amount was paid to the recognised entity.
See also section 22 , which prohibits contracting out of a provision of this Act.
s 18 sub 1985 No. 105 s 15
amd 1992 No. 40 s 127 ; 1994 No. 81 s 527 sch 5 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 1997 No. 40 s 17
sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
amd 2023 No. 29 s 49
(sec.18-ssec.1) A recognised entity that is paid an amount under section 17 (1) must hold the amount in the entity’s prescribed trust account until a party to the contract or instrument becomes entitled, under this part or otherwise according to law, to a repayment or payment of the amount. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.18-ssec.2) On a party becoming entitled to a repayment or payment of the amount, the recognised entity must dispose of the amount in accordance with the law governing the operation of the entity’s prescribed trust account. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.18-ssec.3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply despite anything in the contract or instrument under which the amount was paid to the recognised entity. See also section 22 , which prohibits contracting out of a provision of this Act.
sec.19
Investment of amount held in prescribed trust account
sec.19 Investment of amount held in prescribed trust account
A recognised entity that holds an amount paid under section 17 (1) in a prescribed trust account may invest the amount if—
either of the following applies—
the contract or instrument authorises the investment;
the parties to the contract or instrument give the entity their consent to the investment by signed written notice; and
the investment is carried out in accordance with the law governing the operation of the prescribed trust account.
An amount invested as mentioned in subsection (1) is taken to be an amount in the prescribed trust account.
Any proceeds of an investment of an amount as mentioned in subsection (1) must be paid into the prescribed trust account, unless the proceeds are further invested as mentioned in subsection (1) .
Maximum penalty for subsection (3) —200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
s 19 amd 1985 No. 43 s 13 ; 1985 No. 105 s 16 ; 1991 No. 42 s 3 sch ; 1992 No. 40 s 128 ; 1992 No. 68 s 3 sch 2 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 1996 No. 56 s 125 ; 1997 No. 40 s 18
sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.19-ssec.1) A recognised entity that holds an amount paid under section 17 (1) in a prescribed trust account may invest the amount if— either of the following applies— the contract or instrument authorises the investment; the parties to the contract or instrument give the entity their consent to the investment by signed written notice; and the investment is carried out in accordance with the law governing the operation of the prescribed trust account.
(sec.19-ssec.2) An amount invested as mentioned in subsection (1) is taken to be an amount in the prescribed trust account.
(sec.19-ssec.3) Any proceeds of an investment of an amount as mentioned in subsection (1) must be paid into the prescribed trust account, unless the proceeds are further invested as mentioned in subsection (1) . Maximum penalty for subsection (3) —200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(a) either of the following applies— (i) the contract or instrument authorises the investment; (ii) the parties to the contract or instrument give the entity their consent to the investment by signed written notice; and
(i) the contract or instrument authorises the investment;
(ii) the parties to the contract or instrument give the entity their consent to the investment by signed written notice; and
(b) the investment is carried out in accordance with the law governing the operation of the prescribed trust account.
(i) the contract or instrument authorises the investment;
(ii) the parties to the contract or instrument give the entity their consent to the investment by signed written notice; and
pt.2-div.4A
Off-the-plan contracts—sunset clauses
Off-the-plan contracts—sunset clauses
sec.19A
Application of division
sec.19A Application of division
This division applies if a buyer and seller enter into an off-the-plan contract and the contract includes a sunset clause.
s 19A ins 2023 No. 29 s 50
sec.19B
Definitions for division
sec.19B Definitions for division
In this division—
off-the-plan contract means—
a contract for the sale of a proposed lot; or
a contract that grants a person an option to purchase a proposed lot.
registrar means the registrar of titles under the Land Title Act 1994 , schedule 2 .
relevant event , for an off-the-plan contract, means—
the registration by the registrar of the plan of subdivision for the proposed lot the subject of the contract; or
the creation by the registrar of a separate indefeasible title for the proposed lot the subject of the contract; or
settlement of the contract; or
another event prescribed by regulation as a relevant event.
sunset clause , for an off-the-plan contract, means a term of the contract that provides for the contract to be terminated if a relevant event does not happen by the sunset date.
sunset date , for an off-the-plan contract, means—
for a relevant event other than settlement of the contract—
the day on or by which the relevant event for the contract must happen; or
if the contract provides for the parties to the contract to extend the day mentioned in paragraph (i) to a later day—the later day; or
for a relevant event that is settlement of the contract, the day that is—
the day the seller must settle the contract; or
if the buyer does not terminate the contract under section 14 (5) and the parties agree on another date (the later settlement day ) on which the seller must settle the contract—the later settlement day.
s 19B ins 2023 No. 29 s 50
(a) a contract for the sale of a proposed lot; or
(b) a contract that grants a person an option to purchase a proposed lot.
(a) the registration by the registrar of the plan of subdivision for the proposed lot the subject of the contract; or
(b) the creation by the registrar of a separate indefeasible title for the proposed lot the subject of the contract; or
(c) settlement of the contract; or
(d) another event prescribed by regulation as a relevant event.
(a) for a relevant event other than settlement of the contract— (i) the day on or by which the relevant event for the contract must happen; or (ii) if the contract provides for the parties to the contract to extend the day mentioned in paragraph (i) to a later day—the later day; or
(i) the day on or by which the relevant event for the contract must happen; or
(ii) if the contract provides for the parties to the contract to extend the day mentioned in paragraph (i) to a later day—the later day; or
(b) for a relevant event that is settlement of the contract, the day that is— (i) the day the seller must settle the contract; or (ii) if the buyer does not terminate the contract under section 14 (5) and the parties agree on another date (the later settlement day ) on which the seller must settle the contract—the later settlement day.
(i) the day the seller must settle the contract; or
(ii) if the buyer does not terminate the contract under section 14 (5) and the parties agree on another date (the later settlement day ) on which the seller must settle the contract—the later settlement day.
(i) the day on or by which the relevant event for the contract must happen; or
(ii) if the contract provides for the parties to the contract to extend the day mentioned in paragraph (i) to a later day—the later day; or
(i) the day the seller must settle the contract; or
(ii) if the buyer does not terminate the contract under section 14 (5) and the parties agree on another date (the later settlement day ) on which the seller must settle the contract—the later settlement day.
sec.19C
No automatic termination under sunset clause
sec.19C No automatic termination under sunset clause
A sunset clause cannot automatically terminate an off-the-plan contract.
However, if an off-the-plan contract contains a sunset clause that purports to automatically terminate the contract, the clause is taken to mean that the contract may be terminated on, or after, the sunset date under this division.
s 19C ins 2023 No. 29 s 50
(sec.19C-ssec.1) A sunset clause cannot automatically terminate an off-the-plan contract.
(sec.19C-ssec.2) However, if an off-the-plan contract contains a sunset clause that purports to automatically terminate the contract, the clause is taken to mean that the contract may be terminated on, or after, the sunset date under this division.
sec.19D
When seller may terminate under sunset clause
sec.19D When seller may terminate under sunset clause
A seller of a proposed lot may terminate an off-the-plan contract under a sunset clause only if—
the seller—
gives the buyer a sunset clause notice; and
receives the buyer’s consent, in writing, to the termination of the off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause; or
the Supreme Court has made an order under section 19F permitting the seller to terminate the contract under the sunset clause; or
subject to subsection (2) —a regulation prescribes another way (the prescribed way ) for the seller to terminate an off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause.
A regulation under subsection (1) (c) may only be made if the Minister is satisfied the prescribed way will provide adequate consumer protection for a buyer.
In this section—
sunset clause notice means a notice, in writing, given by the seller to the buyer at least 28 days before the sunset date, that states the following information—
that the seller proposes to terminate the contract on the sunset date;
that the seller may only terminate the contract under the sunset clause if the buyer consents in writing to the proposed termination;
the reasons the seller proposes to terminate the contract;
that the buyer must respond to the notice no later than the day immediately before the sunset date.
s 19D ins 2023 No. 29 s 50
(sec.19D-ssec.1) A seller of a proposed lot may terminate an off-the-plan contract under a sunset clause only if— the seller— gives the buyer a sunset clause notice; and receives the buyer’s consent, in writing, to the termination of the off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause; or the Supreme Court has made an order under section 19F permitting the seller to terminate the contract under the sunset clause; or subject to subsection (2) —a regulation prescribes another way (the prescribed way ) for the seller to terminate an off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause.
(sec.19D-ssec.2) A regulation under subsection (1) (c) may only be made if the Minister is satisfied the prescribed way will provide adequate consumer protection for a buyer.
(sec.19D-ssec.3) In this section— sunset clause notice means a notice, in writing, given by the seller to the buyer at least 28 days before the sunset date, that states the following information— that the seller proposes to terminate the contract on the sunset date; that the seller may only terminate the contract under the sunset clause if the buyer consents in writing to the proposed termination; the reasons the seller proposes to terminate the contract; that the buyer must respond to the notice no later than the day immediately before the sunset date.
(a) the seller— (i) gives the buyer a sunset clause notice; and (ii) receives the buyer’s consent, in writing, to the termination of the off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause; or
(i) gives the buyer a sunset clause notice; and
(ii) receives the buyer’s consent, in writing, to the termination of the off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause; or
(b) the Supreme Court has made an order under section 19F permitting the seller to terminate the contract under the sunset clause; or
(c) subject to subsection (2) —a regulation prescribes another way (the prescribed way ) for the seller to terminate an off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause.
(i) gives the buyer a sunset clause notice; and
(ii) receives the buyer’s consent, in writing, to the termination of the off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause; or
(a) that the seller proposes to terminate the contract on the sunset date;
(b) that the seller may only terminate the contract under the sunset clause if the buyer consents in writing to the proposed termination;
(c) the reasons the seller proposes to terminate the contract;
(d) that the buyer must respond to the notice no later than the day immediately before the sunset date.
sec.19E
Buyer’s obligation on receipt of sunset clause notice
sec.19E Buyer’s obligation on receipt of sunset clause notice
This section applies if a buyer of a proposed lot is given a sunset clause notice under section 19D .
The buyer must consider the information stated in the sunset clause notice and—
act reasonably in the circumstances; and
respond to the notice within the time stated in the notice.
If the buyer does not respond to the sunset clause notice, the failure to respond is not to be taken as evidence that the buyer consents to the termination of the contract under the sunset clause the subject of the notice.
s 19E ins 2023 No. 29 s 50
(sec.19E-ssec.1) This section applies if a buyer of a proposed lot is given a sunset clause notice under section 19D .
(sec.19E-ssec.2) The buyer must consider the information stated in the sunset clause notice and— act reasonably in the circumstances; and respond to the notice within the time stated in the notice.
(sec.19E-ssec.3) If the buyer does not respond to the sunset clause notice, the failure to respond is not to be taken as evidence that the buyer consents to the termination of the contract under the sunset clause the subject of the notice.
(a) act reasonably in the circumstances; and
(b) respond to the notice within the time stated in the notice.
sec.19F
Supreme Court order to terminate under sunset clause
sec.19F Supreme Court order to terminate under sunset clause
A seller of a proposed lot under an off-the-plan contract may apply to the Supreme Court for an order permitting the seller to terminate the contract under a sunset clause.
The Supreme Court may make an order permitting the seller to terminate the off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause if the seller satisfies the court it is just and equitable in the circumstances.
In deciding whether it is just and equitable to make the order the Supreme Court must consider the following matters—
the terms of the off-the-plan contract, including whether a term is intended to avoid the operation of this division;
Under section 22 a contractual provision intended to avoid operation of this division would, to the extent it did so, be void.
whether, in the performance of their obligations under the contract, the seller acted unreasonably or in bad faith;
whether matters beyond the seller’s reasonable control affected—
the seller’s ability to settle the contract; or
to the extent the seller’s business is related to the performance of the off-the-plan contract—the viability of the seller’s business;
whether, in the circumstances, there is a reasonable prospect of the seller settling the contract;
if the seller can not settle the contract, what actions the seller has taken to—
settle the contract; and
minimise the effect of any matter that affected the seller’s ability to settle the contract;
the effect of settling the contract on the seller;
the effect of terminating the contract on the buyer;
the extent of the buyer’s performance of their obligations under the contract;
whether the proposed land the subject of the contract has increased in value;
any other matter the court considers relevant;
any other matter prescribed by regulation.
The seller must pay the costs of the buyer in relation to a proceeding for the order unless the seller satisfies the Supreme Court that the buyer unreasonably withheld consent to the termination of the contract under the sunset clause.
s 19F ins 2023 No. 29 s 50
(sec.19F-ssec.1) A seller of a proposed lot under an off-the-plan contract may apply to the Supreme Court for an order permitting the seller to terminate the contract under a sunset clause.
(sec.19F-ssec.2) The Supreme Court may make an order permitting the seller to terminate the off-the-plan contract under the sunset clause if the seller satisfies the court it is just and equitable in the circumstances.
(sec.19F-ssec.3) In deciding whether it is just and equitable to make the order the Supreme Court must consider the following matters— the terms of the off-the-plan contract, including whether a term is intended to avoid the operation of this division; Under section 22 a contractual provision intended to avoid operation of this division would, to the extent it did so, be void. whether, in the performance of their obligations under the contract, the seller acted unreasonably or in bad faith; whether matters beyond the seller’s reasonable control affected— the seller’s ability to settle the contract; or to the extent the seller’s business is related to the performance of the off-the-plan contract—the viability of the seller’s business; whether, in the circumstances, there is a reasonable prospect of the seller settling the contract; if the seller can not settle the contract, what actions the seller has taken to— settle the contract; and minimise the effect of any matter that affected the seller’s ability to settle the contract; the effect of settling the contract on the seller; the effect of terminating the contract on the buyer; the extent of the buyer’s performance of their obligations under the contract; whether the proposed land the subject of the contract has increased in value; any other matter the court considers relevant; any other matter prescribed by regulation.
(sec.19F-ssec.4) The seller must pay the costs of the buyer in relation to a proceeding for the order unless the seller satisfies the Supreme Court that the buyer unreasonably withheld consent to the termination of the contract under the sunset clause.
(a) the terms of the off-the-plan contract, including whether a term is intended to avoid the operation of this division; Note— Under section 22 a contractual provision intended to avoid operation of this division would, to the extent it did so, be void.
(b) whether, in the performance of their obligations under the contract, the seller acted unreasonably or in bad faith;
(c) whether matters beyond the seller’s reasonable control affected— (i) the seller’s ability to settle the contract; or (ii) to the extent the seller’s business is related to the performance of the off-the-plan contract—the viability of the seller’s business;
(i) the seller’s ability to settle the contract; or
(ii) to the extent the seller’s business is related to the performance of the off-the-plan contract—the viability of the seller’s business;
(d) whether, in the circumstances, there is a reasonable prospect of the seller settling the contract;
(e) if the seller can not settle the contract, what actions the seller has taken to— (i) settle the contract; and (ii) minimise the effect of any matter that affected the seller’s ability to settle the contract;
(i) settle the contract; and
(ii) minimise the effect of any matter that affected the seller’s ability to settle the contract;
(f) the effect of settling the contract on the seller;
(g) the effect of terminating the contract on the buyer;
(h) the extent of the buyer’s performance of their obligations under the contract;
(i) whether the proposed land the subject of the contract has increased in value;
(j) any other matter the court considers relevant;
(k) any other matter prescribed by regulation.
(i) the seller’s ability to settle the contract; or
(ii) to the extent the seller’s business is related to the performance of the off-the-plan contract—the viability of the seller’s business;
(i) settle the contract; and
(ii) minimise the effect of any matter that affected the seller’s ability to settle the contract;
pt.2-div.5
Other provisions
Other provisions
sec.20
Termination under this part
sec.20 Termination under this part
This section applies if the buyer terminates a contract under this part.
The seller must, within 14 days after the termination, repay to the buyer—
any amount paid to the seller or the seller’s agent towards the purchase of the lot; and
any interest that accrued on the amount while it was held by the seller or the seller’s agent.
However, if the amount or interest is held by an entity in a trust account kept as required under an Act, the requirement under subsection (2) applies subject to compliance with the law governing the entity’s trust account.
An amount repayable under subsection (2) may be recovered as a debt.
s 20 prev s 20 sub 1985 No. 105 s 17
amd 1992 No. 40 s 129 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3
om 2014 No. 46 s 44
pres s 20 ins 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.20-ssec.1) This section applies if the buyer terminates a contract under this part.
(sec.20-ssec.2) The seller must, within 14 days after the termination, repay to the buyer— any amount paid to the seller or the seller’s agent towards the purchase of the lot; and any interest that accrued on the amount while it was held by the seller or the seller’s agent.
(sec.20-ssec.3) However, if the amount or interest is held by an entity in a trust account kept as required under an Act, the requirement under subsection (2) applies subject to compliance with the law governing the entity’s trust account.
(sec.20-ssec.4) An amount repayable under subsection (2) may be recovered as a debt.
(a) any amount paid to the seller or the seller’s agent towards the purchase of the lot; and
(b) any interest that accrued on the amount while it was held by the seller or the seller’s agent.
sec.21
Security instruments
sec.21 Security instruments
This section applies if an instrument is received from the buyer of a proposed lot as security for the payment of an amount under the contract for the sale of the lot—
by a recognised entity on behalf of the seller; or
by any other person on behalf of the seller; or
by the seller.
bank guarantee
For subsection (1) (a) , the recognised entity must keep the instrument at the prescribed place until—
the instrument is returnable to the buyer according to law; or
the instrument is given to the issuer of the security in exchange for the amount it secures.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
The amount given in exchange for the instrument under subsection (2) (b) is trust money.
The amount given must be—
held by the recognised entity who held the instrument in the entity’s prescribed trust account; and
dealt with by the recognised entity in accordance with this part and the law governing the operation of the entity’s prescribed trust account.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
For subsection (1) (b) , the person must give the instrument directly to a recognised entity.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
For subsection (1) (c) , the seller must give the instrument directly to a recognised entity.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
If the instrument is given to a recognised entity under subsection (5) or (6) , subsections (2) , (3) and (4) apply as if the instrument were received from the buyer by the recognised entity on behalf of the seller as provided in subsection (1) (a) .
In this section—
prescribed place means—
for a recognised entity that is a law practice—an office of the practice in Queensland; or
for a recognised entity that is the public trustee—an office of the public trustee in Queensland; or
for a recognised entity that is a real estate agent—the office of the real estate agency in which the agent carries on the business of a real estate agent.
s 21 prev s 21 amd 1985 No. 43 s 14 ; 1997 No. 28 s 295 sch 3 ; 1997 No. 40 s 19 ; 2005 No. 14 s 2 sch
om 2014 No. 46 s 44
pres s 21 ins 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.21-ssec.1) This section applies if an instrument is received from the buyer of a proposed lot as security for the payment of an amount under the contract for the sale of the lot— by a recognised entity on behalf of the seller; or by any other person on behalf of the seller; or by the seller. bank guarantee
(sec.21-ssec.2) For subsection (1) (a) , the recognised entity must keep the instrument at the prescribed place until— the instrument is returnable to the buyer according to law; or the instrument is given to the issuer of the security in exchange for the amount it secures. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.21-ssec.3) The amount given in exchange for the instrument under subsection (2) (b) is trust money.
(sec.21-ssec.4) The amount given must be— held by the recognised entity who held the instrument in the entity’s prescribed trust account; and dealt with by the recognised entity in accordance with this part and the law governing the operation of the entity’s prescribed trust account. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.21-ssec.5) For subsection (1) (b) , the person must give the instrument directly to a recognised entity. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.21-ssec.6) For subsection (1) (c) , the seller must give the instrument directly to a recognised entity. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.21-ssec.7) If the instrument is given to a recognised entity under subsection (5) or (6) , subsections (2) , (3) and (4) apply as if the instrument were received from the buyer by the recognised entity on behalf of the seller as provided in subsection (1) (a) .
(sec.21-ssec.8) In this section— prescribed place means— for a recognised entity that is a law practice—an office of the practice in Queensland; or for a recognised entity that is the public trustee—an office of the public trustee in Queensland; or for a recognised entity that is a real estate agent—the office of the real estate agency in which the agent carries on the business of a real estate agent.
(a) by a recognised entity on behalf of the seller; or
(b) by any other person on behalf of the seller; or
(c) by the seller.
(a) the instrument is returnable to the buyer according to law; or
(b) the instrument is given to the issuer of the security in exchange for the amount it secures.
(a) held by the recognised entity who held the instrument in the entity’s prescribed trust account; and
(b) dealt with by the recognised entity in accordance with this part and the law governing the operation of the entity’s prescribed trust account.
(a) for a recognised entity that is a law practice—an office of the practice in Queensland; or
(b) for a recognised entity that is the public trustee—an office of the public trustee in Queensland; or
(c) for a recognised entity that is a real estate agent—the office of the real estate agency in which the agent carries on the business of a real estate agent.
pt.3
Miscellaneous provisions
Miscellaneous provisions
sec.22
Contracting out prohibited
sec.22 Contracting out prohibited
A contract for the sale of a proposed lot is void to the extent to which it purports to exclude, restrict or otherwise change the effect of a provision of this Act.
s 22 prev s 22 amd 1985 No. 43 s 15 ; 1985 No. 105 s 18 ; 2002 No. 13 s 124 sch
om 2014 No. 46 s 44
pres s 22 (prev s 31) sub 1993 No. 82 s 36
amd 1997 No. 40 s 24
sub 2014 No. 46 s 46
renum 2014 No. 46 s 51
sec.23
Responsibility for acts or omissions of representatives
sec.23 Responsibility for acts or omissions of representatives
In this section—
representative means—
of a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the corporation; or
of an individual—an employee or agent of the individual.
state of mind of a person includes—
the person’s knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose; and
the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.
Subsections (3) and (4) apply in a proceeding for an offence against this Act.
If it is relevant to prove a person’s state of mind about a particular act or omission, it is enough to show—
the act was done or omitted to be done by a representative of the person within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and
the representative had the state of mind.
An act done or omitted to be done for a person by a representative of the person within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority is taken to have been done or omitted to be done also by the person, unless the person proves the person could not, by the exercise of reasonable diligence, have prevented the act or omission.
s 23 prev s 23 amd 1985 No. 43 s 16 ; 1985 No. 105 s 19 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 1997 No. 40 s 20 ; 1997 No. 82 s 3 sch ; 2000 No. 62 s 601 sch 2 ; 2004 No. 11 s 596 sch 1 ; 2007 No. 24 s 770 sch 1 ; 2014 No. 22 s 287 sch 2 pt 2
om 2014 No. 46 s 44
pres s 23 (prev s 32A) ins 1997 No. 40 s 27
renum 2014 No. 46 s 51
(sec.23-ssec.1) In this section— representative means— of a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the corporation; or of an individual—an employee or agent of the individual. state of mind of a person includes— the person’s knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose; and the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.
(sec.23-ssec.2) Subsections (3) and (4) apply in a proceeding for an offence against this Act.
(sec.23-ssec.3) If it is relevant to prove a person’s state of mind about a particular act or omission, it is enough to show— the act was done or omitted to be done by a representative of the person within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and the representative had the state of mind.
(sec.23-ssec.4) An act done or omitted to be done for a person by a representative of the person within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority is taken to have been done or omitted to be done also by the person, unless the person proves the person could not, by the exercise of reasonable diligence, have prevented the act or omission.
(a) of a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the corporation; or
(b) of an individual—an employee or agent of the individual.
(a) the person’s knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose; and
(b) the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.
(a) the act was done or omitted to be done by a representative of the person within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and
(b) the representative had the state of mind.
sec.24
Evidentiary provision
sec.24 Evidentiary provision
In a proceeding for an offence against this Act, a copy of a contract or other instrument purporting to relate to the sale or purchase of a proposed lot and produced on behalf of the complainant is admissible in evidence as if it were the original contract or instrument.
s 24 prev s 24 amd 1985 No. 43 s 16A
sub 1985 No. 105 s 20
amd 1997 No. 40 s 21 ; 2007 No. 24 s 770 sch 1
om 2014 No. 46 s 44
pres s 24 (prev s 34) amd 1985 No. 105 s 28 ; 1997 No. 40 s 28
sub 2014 No. 46 s 48
renum 2014 No. 46 s 51
sec.25
Delegations
sec.25 Delegations
The chief executive of the department may delegate the chief executive’s powers under this Act to an appropriately qualified public service employee.
In this section—
appropriately qualified includes having the qualifications, experience or standing appropriate to the exercise of the power.
a person’s classification level in the public service
s 25 prev s 25 amd 1985 No. 43 s 17 ; 1985 No. 105 s 21 ; 2002 No. 13 s 124 sch
om 2014 No. 46 s 44
pres s 25 (prev s 35) amd 1985 No. 105 s 29
sub 1992 No. 40 s 131
amd 1993 No. 82 s 3 sch 1 ; 2006 No. 10 s 89 sch 2
renum 2014 No. 46 s 51
(sec.25-ssec.1) The chief executive of the department may delegate the chief executive’s powers under this Act to an appropriately qualified public service employee.
(sec.25-ssec.2) In this section— appropriately qualified includes having the qualifications, experience or standing appropriate to the exercise of the power. a person’s classification level in the public service
sec.26
Regulation-making power
sec.26 Regulation-making power
The Governor in Council may make regulations under this Act.
A regulation may impose a penalty of no more than 20 penalty units for contravention of a regulation.
s 26 prev s 26 sub 1985 No. 43 s 18
amd 1985 No. 105 s 22
om 1997 No. 40 s 22
amd 1997 No. 82 s 3 sch (amdt inoperative as prov previously om)
pres s 26 (prev s 36) ins 1992 No. 40 s 131
amd 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1
sub 2014 No. 46 s 50
renum 2014 No. 46 s 51
(sec.26-ssec.1) The Governor in Council may make regulations under this Act.
(sec.26-ssec.2) A regulation may impose a penalty of no more than 20 penalty units for contravention of a regulation.
pt.3A
pt.4
Transitional provisions
Transitional provisions
pt.4-div.1
Transitional provision for Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012
Transitional provision for Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012
sec.27
Application of s 27 as amended by Act No. 3 of 2012
sec.27 Application of s 27 as amended by Act No. 3 of 2012
Section 27 as amended by the Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 , section 22B applies to an instrument relating to the sale of a proposed lot if—
the instrument is in force, and settlement has not been effected, immediately before commencement; or
the instrument is made on or after commencement.
Subsection (1)(a) applies—
regardless of whether the sunset period ended or ends before, on or after commencement; and
even if an action for specific performance of the purchaser’s obligations under the instrument has been started by the vendor, but not completed, before commencement.
Subsections (1)(a) and (2) apply despite the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 20.
In this section—
commencement means the commencement of the Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 , section 22B .
sunset period means the 3 1 / 2 year period mentioned in section 27(1)(b) or, if that period is extended by a regulation made under section 28, the extended period.
s 27 orig s 27 amd 1985 No. 43 s 19 ; 1985 No. 105 s 23
sub 1997 No. 40 s 23
amd 2012 No. 3 s 22B (retro)
om 2014 No. 46 s 44
prev s 27 (orig s 37) ins 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1
exp 28 May 1996 (see orig s 37(3))
pres s 27 (prev s 37) ins 2012 No. 3 s 22C (retro)
amd 2014 No. 46 s 53
renum 2014 No. 46 s 53
(sec.27-ssec.1) Section 27 as amended by the Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 , section 22B applies to an instrument relating to the sale of a proposed lot if— the instrument is in force, and settlement has not been effected, immediately before commencement; or the instrument is made on or after commencement.
(sec.27-ssec.2) Subsection (1)(a) applies— regardless of whether the sunset period ended or ends before, on or after commencement; and even if an action for specific performance of the purchaser’s obligations under the instrument has been started by the vendor, but not completed, before commencement.
(sec.27-ssec.3) Subsections (1)(a) and (2) apply despite the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 20.
(sec.27-ssec.4) In this section— commencement means the commencement of the Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 , section 22B . sunset period means the 3 1 / 2 year period mentioned in section 27(1)(b) or, if that period is extended by a regulation made under section 28, the extended period.
(a) the instrument is in force, and settlement has not been effected, immediately before commencement; or
(b) the instrument is made on or after commencement.
(a) regardless of whether the sunset period ended or ends before, on or after commencement; and
(b) even if an action for specific performance of the purchaser’s obligations under the instrument has been started by the vendor, but not completed, before commencement.
pt.4-div.2
Transitional provisions for Land Sales and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014
Transitional provisions for Land Sales and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014
sec.28
Definitions for div 2
sec.28 Definitions for div 2
In this division—
amendment Act means the Land Sales and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014 .
commencement means the commencement of this division.
contract includes agreement as defined under old section 6.
e-conveyancing see the Property Law Act 1974 , section 58A.
lot includes allotment as defined under old section 6.
new , in relation to a provision, means the provision as in force immediately after the commencement.
old , in relation to a provision, means the provision as in force at any relevant time before the commencement.
s 28 orig s 28 om 1985 No. 105 s 24
prev s 28 ins 2001 No. 99 s 3
amd 2005 No. 24 s 41
om 2014 No. 46 s 44
pres s 28 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
sec.29
Continuation of particular rights of prosecution
sec.29 Continuation of particular rights of prosecution
This section applies if a person is alleged to have committed, before the commencement, an offence against a provision of old part 2.
Proceedings for the offence may be continued or started and the court may hear and decide the proceedings, as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
This section applies despite the Criminal Code, section 11.
s 29 prev s 29 om 2014 No. 46 s 44
pres s 29 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
(sec.29-ssec.1) This section applies if a person is alleged to have committed, before the commencement, an offence against a provision of old part 2.
(sec.29-ssec.2) Proceedings for the offence may be continued or started and the court may hear and decide the proceedings, as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
(sec.29-ssec.3) This section applies despite the Criminal Code, section 11.
sec.30
Application of old s 8(2)
sec.30 Application of old s 8(2)
Old section 8(2) continues to apply in relation to an agreement made in contravention of old section 8(1) or (1A) before the commencement.
s 30 orig s 30 om 1985 No. 105 s 25
prev s 30 ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
pres s 30 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
sec.30A
Section sec.30A
s 30A ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.30B
Section sec.30B
s 30B ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.30C
Section sec.30C
s 30C ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.30D
Section sec.30D
s 30D ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.30E
Section sec.30E
s 30E ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
amd 1997 No. 82 s 3 sch
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.30F
Section sec.30F
s 30F ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
amd 1997 No. 82 s 3 sch
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.30G
Section sec.30G
s 30G ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.30H
Section sec.30H
s 30H ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.30I
Section sec.30I
s 30I ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.30J
Section sec.30J
s 30J ins 1996 No. 56 s 126
om 2014 No. 8 s 130
sec.31
Disclosure requirements
sec.31 Disclosure requirements
New part 2, division 2 applies only in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into after the commencement.
See also section 38.
Old sections 9 and 10 continue to apply in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into before the commencement as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
However, if, at any time before the settlement of the contract for the sale of the proposed lot, the parties to the contract agree to settle the sale using e-conveyancing, old sections 9 and 10 are to be read with the following changes—
old section 9(5) is omitted and the following provision inserted—
‘(5) If the vendor or the vendor’s agent contravenes this section, other than subsection (3)(a), (b) or (h), the purchaser may avoid the instrument relating to the sale by written notice given to the vendor or vendor’s agent before the settlement of the sale of the allotment.’;
old section 10(1)(a) is omitted and the following provision is inserted—
‘(a) the sale of the proposed allotment has not been settled;’;
old section 10(3)(b)(ii) is omitted and the following provision inserted—
‘(ii) settle the sale of the allotment.’;
old section 10(4)(a) is omitted and the following provision inserted—
for a contravention of subsection (2)—before the settlement of the sale of the allotment; or’
s 31 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
(sec.31-ssec.1) New part 2, division 2 applies only in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into after the commencement. See also section 38.
(sec.31-ssec.2) Old sections 9 and 10 continue to apply in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into before the commencement as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
(sec.31-ssec.3) However, if, at any time before the settlement of the contract for the sale of the proposed lot, the parties to the contract agree to settle the sale using e-conveyancing, old sections 9 and 10 are to be read with the following changes— old section 9(5) is omitted and the following provision inserted— ‘(5) If the vendor or the vendor’s agent contravenes this section, other than subsection (3)(a), (b) or (h), the purchaser may avoid the instrument relating to the sale by written notice given to the vendor or vendor’s agent before the settlement of the sale of the allotment.’; old section 10(1)(a) is omitted and the following provision is inserted— ‘(a) the sale of the proposed allotment has not been settled;’; old section 10(3)(b)(ii) is omitted and the following provision inserted— ‘(ii) settle the sale of the allotment.’; old section 10(4)(a) is omitted and the following provision inserted— for a contravention of subsection (2)—before the settlement of the sale of the allotment; or’
(a) old section 9(5) is omitted and the following provision inserted—
‘(5) If the vendor or the vendor’s agent contravenes this section, other than subsection (3)(a), (b) or (h), the purchaser may avoid the instrument relating to the sale by written notice given to the vendor or vendor’s agent before the settlement of the sale of the allotment.’;
(b) old section 10(1)(a) is omitted and the following provision is inserted—
‘(a) the sale of the proposed allotment has not been settled;’;
(c) old section 10(3)(b)(ii) is omitted and the following provision inserted—
‘(ii) settle the sale of the allotment.’;
(d) old section 10(4)(a) is omitted and the following provision inserted— ‘(a) for a contravention of subsection (2)—before the settlement of the sale of the allotment; or’
‘(a) for a contravention of subsection (2)—before the settlement of the sale of the allotment; or’
‘(a) for a contravention of subsection (2)—before the settlement of the sale of the allotment; or’
sec.31A
Section sec.31A
s 31A ins 1985 No. 43 s 20
sub 1985 No. 105 s 26
om 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1
sec.31B
Section sec.31B
s 31B ins 1985 No. 43 s 20
sub 1985 No. 105 s 26
amd 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1
om 1997 No. 40 s 25
sec.32
Application of new s 14 and old s 10A to contracts
sec.32 Application of new s 14 and old s 10A to contracts
New section 14 applies only in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into after the commencement.
Old section 10A continues to apply after the commencement in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into before the commencement as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
However, if, at any time before the settlement of the contract, the parties to the contract agree to settle the sale using e-conveyancing, old section 10A is to be read with the following changes—
old section 10A(1) is omitted and the following provision inserted—
‘(1) The vendor of a proposed allotment must settle the sale of the allotment not later than 18 months after the purchaser enters upon the purchase of the allotment.’;
old section 10A(4) is omitted and the following provision inserted—
‘(4) If the vendor contravenes this section, the purchaser may avoid the instrument relating to the sale by written notice given to the vendor before the sale is settled.’
The purchaser may avoid the contract under old section 10A(4) for a contravention of the section by the vendor (including as it is applied under subsection (3)) only if the contravention arose other than because of the purchaser’s default.
s 32 prev s 32 amd 1985 No. 105 s 27
sub 1992 No. 40 s 130
amd 1997 No. 40 s 26
om 2014 No. 46 s 47
pres s 32 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
(sec.32-ssec.1) New section 14 applies only in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into after the commencement.
(sec.32-ssec.2) Old section 10A continues to apply after the commencement in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into before the commencement as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
(sec.32-ssec.3) However, if, at any time before the settlement of the contract, the parties to the contract agree to settle the sale using e-conveyancing, old section 10A is to be read with the following changes— old section 10A(1) is omitted and the following provision inserted— ‘(1) The vendor of a proposed allotment must settle the sale of the allotment not later than 18 months after the purchaser enters upon the purchase of the allotment.’; old section 10A(4) is omitted and the following provision inserted— ‘(4) If the vendor contravenes this section, the purchaser may avoid the instrument relating to the sale by written notice given to the vendor before the sale is settled.’
(sec.32-ssec.4) The purchaser may avoid the contract under old section 10A(4) for a contravention of the section by the vendor (including as it is applied under subsection (3)) only if the contravention arose other than because of the purchaser’s default.
(a) old section 10A(1) is omitted and the following provision inserted—
‘(1) The vendor of a proposed allotment must settle the sale of the allotment not later than 18 months after the purchaser enters upon the purchase of the allotment.’;
(b) old section 10A(4) is omitted and the following provision inserted—
‘(4) If the vendor contravenes this section, the purchaser may avoid the instrument relating to the sale by written notice given to the vendor before the sale is settled.’
sec.32B
Section sec.32B
s 32B ins 1997 No. 40 s 27
om 2013 No. 51 s 90
sec.33
Application of new pt 2, div 4
sec.33 Application of new pt 2, div 4
New part 2, division 4 applies only in relation to amounts paid under a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into after the commencement.
s 33 prev s 32 om 2014 No. 46 s 47
pres s 32 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
sec.34
Application of old ss 11 and 12 to existing contracts
sec.34 Application of old ss 11 and 12 to existing contracts
Old sections 11 and 12 continue to apply in relation to amounts paid under a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into before the commencement as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
However, if, at any time before the settlement of the contract, the parties to the contract agree to settle the sale using e-conveyancing—
old section 11(1) is to be read by omitting ‘, without becoming entitled in terms of the instrument to receive a registrable instrument of transfer in exchange therefor’ and inserting ‘(but excluding an amount payable at settlement)’; and
old section 11 is to be read by omitting section 11(3).
s 34 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
(sec.34-ssec.1) Old sections 11 and 12 continue to apply in relation to amounts paid under a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into before the commencement as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
(sec.34-ssec.2) However, if, at any time before the settlement of the contract, the parties to the contract agree to settle the sale using e-conveyancing— old section 11(1) is to be read by omitting ‘, without becoming entitled in terms of the instrument to receive a registrable instrument of transfer in exchange therefor’ and inserting ‘(but excluding an amount payable at settlement)’; and old section 11 is to be read by omitting section 11(3).
(a) old section 11(1) is to be read by omitting ‘, without becoming entitled in terms of the instrument to receive a registrable instrument of transfer in exchange therefor’ and inserting ‘(but excluding an amount payable at settlement)’; and
(b) old section 11 is to be read by omitting section 11(3).
sec.35
Application of old s 11A to existing contracts
sec.35 Application of old s 11A to existing contracts
Old section 11A continues to apply in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into before the commencement as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
However, if, at any time before the settlement of the contract, the parties to the contract agree to settle the sale using e-conveyancing, old section 11A(2) is to be read by omitting ‘before the registrable instrument of transfer for the allotment is given to the purchaser’ and inserting ‘before the sale of the allotment is settled’.
s 35 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
(sec.35-ssec.1) Old section 11A continues to apply in relation to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into before the commencement as if the amendment Act had not been enacted.
(sec.35-ssec.2) However, if, at any time before the settlement of the contract, the parties to the contract agree to settle the sale using e-conveyancing, old section 11A(2) is to be read by omitting ‘before the registrable instrument of transfer for the allotment is given to the purchaser’ and inserting ‘before the sale of the allotment is settled’.
sec.35A
Section sec.35A
s 35A ins 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1
om 2014 No. 46 s 49
sec.36
Existing declarations under old s 18
sec.36 Existing declarations under old s 18
A declaration in effect under old section 18 immediately before the commencement is, from the commencement, taken to be a declaration under new section 4.
s 36 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
sec.37
Undecided applications under old s 19
sec.37 Undecided applications under old s 19
Except to the extent provided under subsection (3), an application under old section 19 that has not been decided at the commencement lapses at the commencement.
Subsection (3) applies if, at the commencement—
a contract is conditional on an application being granted under old section 19(2); and
the application has not been decided.
The application is taken to be granted without any condition being imposed under old section 19(2A).
s 37 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
(sec.37-ssec.1) Except to the extent provided under subsection (3), an application under old section 19 that has not been decided at the commencement lapses at the commencement.
(sec.37-ssec.2) Subsection (3) applies if, at the commencement— a contract is conditional on an application being granted under old section 19(2); and the application has not been decided.
(sec.37-ssec.3) The application is taken to be granted without any condition being imposed under old section 19(2A).
(a) a contract is conditional on an application being granted under old section 19(2); and
(b) the application has not been decided.
sec.38
Application of new pt 2 if existing decision about exemption
sec.38 Application of new pt 2 if existing decision about exemption
New part 2 does not apply to the sale of a proposed lot forming part of the reconfiguration of land into not more than 5 lots even if the chief executive—
refused to grant an exemption for the reconfiguration under old section 19; or
granted an exemption under old section 19 for the reconfiguration subject to conditions.
In this section—
reconfiguration , in relation to land, means reconfiguration by subdivision or amalgamation.
s 38 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54
(sec.38-ssec.1) New part 2 does not apply to the sale of a proposed lot forming part of the reconfiguration of land into not more than 5 lots even if the chief executive— refused to grant an exemption for the reconfiguration under old section 19; or granted an exemption under old section 19 for the reconfiguration subject to conditions.
(sec.38-ssec.2) In this section— reconfiguration , in relation to land, means reconfiguration by subdivision or amalgamation.
(a) refused to grant an exemption for the reconfiguration under old section 19; or
(b) granted an exemption under old section 19 for the reconfiguration subject to conditions.
pt.4-div.3
Transitional provision for Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023
Transitional provision for Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023
sec.39
Application of pt 2, div 4A to existing off-the-plan contracts
sec.39 Application of pt 2, div 4A to existing off-the-plan contracts
This section applies to an off-the-plan contract that—
is entered into before the commencement; and
immediately before the commencement—is not settled.
Part 2, division 4A applies to the off-the-plan contract.
s 39 ins 2023 No. 29 s 51
(sec.39-ssec.1) This section applies to an off-the-plan contract that— is entered into before the commencement; and immediately before the commencement—is not settled.
(sec.39-ssec.2) Part 2, division 4A applies to the off-the-plan contract.
(a) is entered into before the commencement; and
(b) immediately before the commencement—is not settled.
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Land Sales Act 1984 .
sec.2 Objects of Act
sec.2 Objects of Act
The objects of this Act are—
to facilitate property development in Queensland; and
to protect the interests of consumers in relation to property development; and
to ensure that proposed lots are clearly identified; and
to achieve the objects mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) without imposing procedural obligations on local governments or MEDQ in addition to their or its obligations under the Planning Act or the Economic Development Act .
s 2 ins 1997 No. 40 s 4
amd 1999 No. 63 s 70 ; 2009 No. 36 s 872 sch 2 ; 2011 No. 44 s 10 ; 2012 No. 43 s 221 sch 1 ; 2014 No. 46 s 38
(a) to facilitate property development in Queensland; and
(b) to protect the interests of consumers in relation to property development; and
(c) to ensure that proposed lots are clearly identified; and
(d) to achieve the objects mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) without imposing procedural obligations on local governments or MEDQ in addition to their or its obligations under the Planning Act or the Economic Development Act .
sec.3 Application of Act generally
sec.3 Application of Act generally
This Act applies to the sale of a proposed lot if, when the proposed lot becomes a lot, it will be situated in Queensland.
For subsection (1) , it does not matter where the contract for the sale was entered into.
This Act does not apply to the sale of a proposed lot if—
the sale is part of a large transaction; or
the sale arises from the reconfiguration of land into not more than 5 lots.
In this section—
large transaction means the sale of 6 or more proposed lots if—
the seller of each proposed lot is the same person; and
the buyer of each proposed lot is the same person; and
the sale is the subject of—
a single contract; or
2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours.
reconfiguration , in relation to land, means reconfiguration by subdivision or amalgamation.
s 3 prev s 3 amd 1989 No. 103 s 3 sch
om R1 (see RA s 36)
pres s 3 ins 2014 No. 46 s 39
(sec.3-ssec.1) This Act applies to the sale of a proposed lot if, when the proposed lot becomes a lot, it will be situated in Queensland.
(sec.3-ssec.2) For subsection (1) , it does not matter where the contract for the sale was entered into.
(sec.3-ssec.3) This Act does not apply to the sale of a proposed lot if— the sale is part of a large transaction; or the sale arises from the reconfiguration of land into not more than 5 lots.
(sec.3-ssec.4) In this section— large transaction means the sale of 6 or more proposed lots if— the seller of each proposed lot is the same person; and the buyer of each proposed lot is the same person; and the sale is the subject of— a single contract; or 2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours. reconfiguration , in relation to land, means reconfiguration by subdivision or amalgamation.
The Act limits contracting out: any contract term that excludes, restricts or changes the effect of the Act is void to that extent (s 22). It also attributes representatives’ acts and mental states to corporations and individuals for offences under the Act (s 23). Inspectors appointed under the Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 have powers additional to, and not limiting, any powers under this Act (s 5). The Governor in Council may make regulations, with regulation-making power and small statutory penalties authorised (s 26).
The instrument therefore creates a disclosure regime (content and timing), buyer termination remedies, trust-account obligations for pre-settlement monies, and an emergent judicial safety valve for off-the-plan sunset clauses. The Act cross-references multiple other Acts that determine technical detail and enforcement frameworks, for example the Land Act 1994 (s 4, s 8), the Planning Act and Economic Development Act for approved survey plans (s 10, s 11), and trust-account law such as the Legal Profession Act 2007 and Agents Financial Administration Act 2014 (s 15, s 17). These cross-references allocate regulatory responsibilities and supply technical standards the Act relies on.
Main concepts
The Act builds on a set of central concepts that determine its operation and the duties it creates.
Proposed lot and sale applicability: The Act applies to the sale of a proposed lot that, on becoming a lot, will be situated in Queensland (s 3(1)). Location of contract formation is irrelevant (s 3(2)). The Act expressly excludes certain transactions: large transactions (sales of 6 or more proposed lots to the same buyer from the same seller by one or closely timed contracts) and sales arising from reconfiguration into not more than 5 lots (s 3(3)-(4)). Those definitions change who must comply.
Disclosure plan and disclosure statement: The disclosure plan must be prepared by a cadastral surveyor, be substantially complete, and include different particulars depending on whether the proposed lot is standard format or volumetric format (s 11). For standard format lots the plan must show proposed lot number, total area, bearings and distances, orientation to north, and, where operational work is involved, contour maps and retaining-wall and fill particulars including compaction standards or departures from AS 3798-2007 (s 11). For volumetric lots, required particulars include isometric representation, projected footprint area, approximate ground-level, orientation, and floor level where relevant (s 11). The disclosure statement must be signed by the seller and confirm the giving of the plan, state whether development approvals exist, and promise settlement within 18 months and provision of certain documents at least 14 days before settlement (s 12).
Trust-account regime and recognised entities: Amounts paid before settlement (other than settlement monies) must be paid to a recognised entity (law practice, public trustee, real estate agent) and held in a prescribed trust account (ss 15-17). The recognised entity must hold monies until a party becomes entitled to repayment or payment (s 18). Investment rules allow investment only where the contract authorises it or parties give signed written consent, and then investment must be in accordance with the law governing the trust account (s 19).
Off-the-plan contracts and sunset clauses: Division 4A defines off-the-plan contracts, registrars, relevant events, sunset clause and sunset date (s 19B). A sunset clause cannot automatically terminate a contract; a clause that purports to is taken instead to permit termination under the division (s 19C). A seller may only terminate under a sunset clause if they give a prescribed sunset clause notice and receive buyer’s written consent, or obtain a Supreme Court order under s 19F, or follow a prescribed regulatory pathway (s 19D). The Supreme Court may permit termination if it is just and equitable and must take into account an enumerated set of factors (s 19F).
Remedies and procedural mechanics: Buyers receive specific termination rights for non-compliance with disclosure and settlement obligations (s 10(3), s 13(4), s 14(5)). If the buyer terminates under the part, the seller must repay amounts and interest within 14 days (s 20). Contracts attempting to contract out of the Act are void to the extent of inconsistency (s 22).
Attribution and evidentiary provisions: The Act treats acts and states of mind of representatives as attributable in offence proceedings (s 23). It permits certified copies of contracts to be admissible as if originals in prosecutions under the Act (s 24).
Delegation, regulation and enforcement interface: The chief executive can delegate powers to appropriately qualified staff (s 25). Inspectors under the Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 hold powers in addition to powers under this Act (s 5). The Governor in Council can make regulations and prescribe small penalties for regulations (s 26).
Taken together, these concepts allocate duties on sellers, set technical content standards for disclosure, create custody and investment conditions for pre-settlement funds, constrain contractual freedom where it would undermine protections, and provide judicial and administrative enforcement routes.
Who it affects
The Act allocates burdens and rights across identifiable categories of persons and entities.
Sellers and developers: Primary obligations fall on sellers of proposed lots. Sellers must supply pre-contract disclosure (s 10), keep disclosure plans substantially complete (s 11), provide disclosure statements (s 12), issue further statements if disclosure changes (s 13), complete settlement within 18 months (s 14), and comply with trust and security instrument rules if they accept pre-settlement payments or instruments (ss 16-21). For State leasehold land, special preconditions apply: sales of State leasehold land (other than development leases) are only lawful where a subdivision offer has been made and accepted under the Land Act 1994, and for development leases the Minister must have consented to the plan of subdivision (s 8). Contracts entered in contravention are void and amounts paid can be recovered as a debt (s 8(3)-(4)). Sellers who purport to use sunset clauses to terminate off-the-plan contracts face added procedural hurdles (ss 19A-19F).
Buyers and prospective purchasers: Buyers are protected by pre-contract information (s 10), by rights to terminate where disclosure is missing or materially inaccurate (ss 10(3), 13(4), 14(5)), and by trust-account safeguards for monies paid before settlement (ss 17-18). For off-the-plan contracts, buyers receive notice and response rights when sellers propose termination under sunset clauses, and courts must consider buyer interests when adjudicating seller applications to terminate (ss 19D-19F). Buyers may recover amounts or interest as a debt (s 20(4)). Buyer's rights include the ability to terminate where the seller fails to comply with required documents (s 10(3), s 14(5)).
Recognised entities and their officers: The Act prescribes how recognised entities must treat pre-settlement funds. Recognised entities are law practices, the public trustee, or real estate agents (s 15). They must hold amounts in prescribed trust accounts (s 17) and deal with funds according to their governing trust-account law (s 17(2), s 18). They may invest trust monies only under contract authorisation or signed consent and in accordance with trust-account law (s 19). Security instruments received from buyers must be kept at prescribed places by recognised entities (s 21).
Cadastral surveyors and other technical professionals: Disclosure plans must be prepared by a cadastral surveyor (s 11). Further statements rectifying plans must be prepared by a cadastral surveyor and signed by the seller (s 13(3)). The Act relies on cadastral surveyors for technical accuracy and certification, and on survey approval processes under the Planning Act or Economic Development Act for the alternative route in s 10(1)(b).
Courts and regulators: The Supreme Court has powers to enforce statutory conditions where a regulation exempts State leasehold land subject to conditions (s 4(2)), to admit evidence (s 24), and to make orders permitting termination of off-the-plan contracts on just and equitable grounds (s 19F). The Governor in Council can make regulations (s 26) including prescriptive procedures for off-the-plan terminations (s 19D(1)(c)). Inspectors under the Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 have concurrent powers (s 5).
Local government, MEDQ and other administrative agencies: The Act depends on plan approvals under the Planning Act and Economic Development Act to satisfy the alternative in s 10(1)(b) and to integrate with planning decision-making (s 10, s 11). Section 2(d) expresses the object of achieving the Act’s consumer-protection and development facilitation aims without imposing procedural obligations on local governments or MEDQ beyond their Planning Act or Economic Development Act duties (s 2(d)). Section 4 allows regulations to exempt State leasehold land classes under the Land Act 1994; the Supreme Court can enforce conditions attached to such exemptions (s 4).
Agents, banks and issuers of security instruments: Security instruments such as bank guarantees are treated under s 21. If given to recognized entities, they must be kept at prescribed places and the proceeds taken to be trust money and handled per trust-account laws (s 21).
Who pays, who decides and who changes behaviour: sellers pay the compliance cost of preparing cadastral surveyor plans, giving disclosure statements and meeting settlement timelines (s 10-14). Recognised entities bear the operational cost and compliance risk of holding and investing pre-settlement monies (ss 15-19). Courts and regulators decide on disputes and exemptions (ss 4, 19F). Buyers gain mechanisms to terminate and recover funds (ss 10(3), 13(4), 14(5), 20). The regulatory architecture channels a mix of private (seller, recognised entity, cadastral surveyor) and public (courts, chief executive, Governor in Council, inspectors) actors to change pre-contract and interregnum behaviour.
Key duties and rights
This section summarises the Act’s core operational duties and the principal rights it creates, with section references.
Duties on the seller
Give documents before contract entry: A seller must give the prospective buyer either a disclosure plan and disclosure statement or a copy of the plan of survey approved by the relevant local government or MEDQ before the buyer enters the contract (s 10(1)). If the alternative approved plan is provided under s 10(1)(b), the disclosure path in s 11-12 is not necessary.
Prepare and maintain disclosure plan accuracy: The disclosure plan must be prepared by a cadastral surveyor and be substantially complete, including specific technical particulars depending on lot format (s 11). If material inaccuracies arise before settlement or the plan would no longer be accurate, the seller must give a further statement rectifying the information and explaining differences in plain English at least 21 days before settlement (s 13(2), (3)).
Provide disclosure statement: The seller must sign a disclosure statement containing the items listed in s 12, including a commitment to settle within 18 months and to provide documents required under s 14(3) at least 14 days before settlement.
Settlement timing: The seller must settle the contract not later than 18 months after the buyer enters into the contract (s 14(1)).
Documents before settlement: If the seller did not give an approved plan before contract, the seller must provide the registered plan and a cadastral surveyor’s statement confirming no differences between registered plan and disclosure plan at least 14 days before settlement (s 14(3)).
Trust and security instruments: If accepting pre-settlement payments, the seller must ensure amounts are paid to and held by recognised entities in prescribed trust accounts (ss 17-19). If receiving security instruments (e.g., bank guarantees), the instrument must be given to a recognised entity and kept at the prescribed place until returnable or exchanged (s 21).
State leasehold formalities: For State leasehold land (other than development leases), a subdivision offer under the Land Act 1994 must be made and accepted before sale (s 8(1)); for development leases, ministerial consent under the Land Act is required (s 8(2)).
Buyers’ rights and obligations
Right to pre-contract information: Buyers have the right to receive the disclosure plan and disclosure statement, or an approved plan, before contract entry (s 10(1)).
Termination rights: If the seller fails to comply with the pre-contract disclosure requirement, the buyer may terminate the contract by written notice before settlement (s 10(3)). If the seller issues a further statement and the buyer would be materially prejudiced, the buyer may terminate by written notice within 21 days (s 13(4)). If the seller fails to comply with s 14(1) or (3), the buyer may terminate before settlement (s 14(5)).
Off-the-plan notices: When given a sunset clause notice, the buyer must consider the information, act reasonably and respond within the notice time (s 19E). Failure to respond is not evidence of consent (s 19E(3)).
Duties on recognised entities and professionals
Recognised entities must hold pre-settlement amounts in prescribed trust accounts and deal with them according to trust-account law (s 17(2), s 18(2)). They may invest only where authorised or consented and under trust-account law (s 19).
Cadastral surveyors must prepare disclosure plans and further statements where required (ss 11, 13). A surveyor also must prepare the confirmation statement under s 14(3)(b).
Procedural and judicial powers
Supreme Court enforcement: The Supreme Court can order compliance with conditions attached to regulatory exemptions for State leasehold land (s 4(2)), and can be applied to under s 19F to permit termination of off-the-plan contracts in just and equitable circumstances (s 19F).
Delegation: The chief executive may delegate powers to appropriately qualified public servants (s 25).
Inspectors: The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 confers common inspector powers and the inspectors’ powers under that Act are additional to powers under this Act (s 5).
Rights against non-compliant sellers and remedies
Repayment and debt recovery: On buyer termination under the part, the seller must repay amounts and interest within 14 days; amounts recoverable as a debt (s 20(2), (4)). If a contract of State leasehold land is void under s 8, amounts paid may be recovered as a debt (s 8(4)).
Contractual nullity of contracting out: Contract terms purporting to exclude or vary the Act are void to that extent (s 22).
Penalties and liability
The Act prescribes maximum penalties for specific breaches (see next section). It attributes acts and states of mind of representatives to principals for offence proceedings (s 23).
These duties and rights create a flow of compliance obligations on sellers and recognised entities, and concrete rights for buyers to terminate, recover monies, and resist automatic contract terminations in off-the-plan contexts.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act includes criminal-style maximum penalties, civil remedies, and administrative enforcement interfaces. Enforcement mechanisms are a mixture of statutory penalties, civil recovery, buyer termination rights and court powers.
Statutory maximum penalties
Selling State leasehold land unlawfully: Contravention of s 8(1) or (2) carries a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units or one year’s imprisonment (s 8(1)-(2)).
Trust-account and handling offences: The person who receives pre-settlement amounts must pay them to a recognised entity (s 17(1)); failure carries a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units or one year’s imprisonment (s 17(1)). Recognised entities failing to hold and deal with amounts as required under s 17(2) also face the same maximum penalty (s 17(2)). Section 18 imposes the same maximum penalty for failing to hold or dispose of amounts correctly (s 18(1)-(2)). Section 19(3) prescribes a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units or one year’s imprisonment for contravening the requirement that proceeds of investment be paid into the prescribed trust account unless further invested in accordance with s 19(1) (s 19(3)).
Security instrument offences: Under s 21, failing to give security instruments to recognised entities, or failing to keep them at the prescribed place, is designated a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units or one year’s imprisonment (ss 21(2), (5), (6)). The handling of proceeds is treated as trust money and the same trust-account laws apply (ss 21(3)-(4)).
Regulatory penalties
Regulations under the Act may impose penalties of no more than 20 penalty units for contravention of regulations (s 26(2)).
Civil remedies and buyer rights
Void contracts and debt recovery: A contract entered in contravention of s 8(1) or (2) (State leasehold sale rules) is void (s 8(3)). Amounts paid under such a contract may be recovered, with interest, as a debt from the recipient (s 8(4)). More generally, amounts repayable under s 20(2) following buyer termination may be recovered as a debt (s 20(4)).
Buyer termination rights: The statutory right to terminate (s 10(3), s 13(4), s 14(5)) operates as a practical enforcement mechanism for non-compliance with disclosure, further-statement and settlement-document obligations.
Supreme Court orders: The Supreme Court can make compliance orders where conditions attached to regulatory exemptions are breached (s 4(2)) and can authorise sellers to terminate off-the-plan contracts under s 19F where circumstances make termination just and equitable (s 19F(1)-(2)). The court must consider enumerated factors (s 19F(3)). Costs rules apply: the seller must pay buyer’s costs for the s 19F proceeding unless the seller satisfies the court that the buyer unreasonably withheld consent to termination (s 19F(4)).
Administrative and investigative enforcement
Inspectors appointed under the Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 hold powers in relation to this Act; those powers are in addition to, and do not limit, any powers the inspector may have under this Act (s 5). The source does not detail each inspector power, but establishes that inspector powers under the FTI Act apply.
Attribution and evidentiary rules relevant to enforcement
Representative liability: For offences under the Act, acts and omissions of a representative within actual or apparent authority and the representative’s state of mind are attributed to a corporation or individual (s 23(3)-(4)). This affects enforcement and culpability assessments.
Evidentiary provision: Copies of contracts or instruments produced on behalf of complainants are admissible as if originals in proceedings for an offence under the Act (s 24), easing evidentiary burdens in prosecutions.
Interaction of penalties and buyer remedies
The Act mixes criminal penalties to deter certain conduct (notably mishandling of pre-settlement funds and unlawful sales of State leasehold land) with civil rights for buyers to terminate and recover funds. Buyers may enforce repayment as a debt (ss 8(4), 20(4)), and the Supreme Court can order compliance or allow statutory exceptions to termination restrictions (s 19F), which builds a judicial balancing mechanism into enforcement paths.
Regulatory discretion and delegation
The Governor in Council may make regulations (s 26). The chief executive may delegate powers to appropriately qualified public servants (s 25). The Act therefore contemplates delegated administrative enforcement alongside judicial remedies.
The Act, therefore, combines criminal deterrence for specified trust and State-lease violations, civil debt remedies for buyers, and court supervision for contested or exceptional cases, with inspector and regulatory enforcement interfaces.
How it interacts with other laws
The Act is explicitly cross-referential and designed to operate alongside several other Queensland Acts and national standards. These interactions allocate technical standards, approvals and enforcement channels outside the Act’s text.
Planning and survey approvals
Planning Act and Economic Development Act approvals: Section 10 offers an alternative to seller disclosure by allowing the seller to give a copy of the plan of survey approved by the relevant local government under the Planning Act or by the MEDQ under the Economic Development Act. The Act therefore defers substantive plan-approval technicality and timing to the planning and development approval regime, making compliance partly contingent on external administrative processes (s 10(1)(b), s 14(2)-(3)).
Integration with Land Title Act formats: Section 11 refers to standard format lots and volumetric format lots as defined in the Land Title Act 1994, schedule 2. The form and content of disclosure differ by the format and so the Land Title Act definitions are operative for disclosure content.
Land Act and State leasehold land
Land Act 1994: Section 4 allows regulations to exempt State leasehold land by reference to miners’ homesteads or leases under the Land Act 1994, and s 4(2) authorises the Supreme Court to order compliance with conditions attached to such exemptions. Section 8 integrates explicitly with the Land Act 1994 by requiring a subdivision offer under s 176A and acceptance under the Land Act for sale of certain State leasehold lots; for development leases ministerial consent under the Land Act s 290J is required. Section 8(4) cross-references Land Act acceptance procedures (s 403T) by note.
Trust-account and professional regulation
Legal Profession Act 2007: Section 15 defines a prescribed trust account for a law practice as a trust account kept under the Legal Profession Act 2007. Section 17(3) also treats amounts paid to law practices as trust money under that Act, bringing legal-practice trust-account regulation directly into the Act’s operational regime.
Agents Financial Administration Act 2014 and Public Trustee Act 1978: Section 15 also defines prescribed trust accounts for real estate agents and the public trustee according to these Acts. Recognised entities must observe those Acts’ trust-account law when dealing with pre-settlement funds (s 17(2), s 18(2)).
Australian Standard AS 3798-2007: Section 11 mandates disclosure regarding fill compaction in operational works, specifically whether compaction will be done in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3798-2007 and the level of inspection and testing services, or requiring disclosure of the nature of any departure from the standard (s 11(4)(e)(iv)). The Act thereby imports a technical construction standard into the disclosure regime.
Property Law Act and e-conveyancing
Property Law Act 1974: Transitional provisions reference e-conveyancing and the Property Law Act s 58A (sec. 28). Sections 31-35 detail how old provisions apply where parties agree to settle using e-conveyancing, indicating an intention that the Act adapt to electronic conveyancing processes through reading older sections with modifications where necessary.
Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
Inspectors: Section 5 establishes that inspectors appointed under the Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 hold powers in relation to this Act and that those powers are additional to any powers the inspector has under this Act. The FTI Act therefore supplies a common inspection/enforcement mechanism.
Criminal and procedural statutes
Criminal Code and Acts Interpretation Act: Transitional provisions (e.g., s 27) state that certain transitional applications apply despite the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 s 20, and s 29 states continuation of prosecutions despite Criminal Code s 11, indicating an explicit effort to preserve certain prosecutorial or temporal effects across amendments.
Delegation and administrative law
Delegations: Section 25 allows the chief executive to delegate powers to appropriately qualified public service employees. This interacts with public service classification and administrative delegation practice.
Evidentiary and attribution rules
Evidentiary provision s 24 facilitates admissibility of contract copies in offence proceedings. Section 23 attributes representatives’ acts and states of mind to principals for offence proceedings, aligning with general principles of corporate attribution in criminal and regulatory law.
In practice the Act is not a self-contained code. It prescribes duties but allocates technical standards, plan approvals, trust-account rules, and enforcement machinery to other instruments. Compliance therefore depends on navigating approvals and regulatory regimes under the Planning Act, Economic Development Act, Land Act 1994, Land Title Act 1994, Legal Profession Act 2007, Agents Financial Administration Act 2014 and the Public Trustee Act 1978, as well as AS 3798-2007 where fill compaction is involved.
Amendment history
The source text contains inline amendment and insertion notes for many sections. Those notes identify enactments and years that altered the Act’s provisions. The following is a source-grounded summary of the amendment marks present in the reproduced text.
Part I and objects: Section 2’s objects show multiple amendments and insertions. The text notes s 2 was inserted in 1997 (1997 No. 40 s 4) and amended in 1999 (1999 No. 63 s 70), 2009 (2009 No. 36 s 872 sch 2), 2011 (2011 No. 44 s 10), 2012 (2012 No. 43 s 221 sch 1), and 2014 (2014 No. 46 s 38). The current s 2 includes paragraph (d) requiring that objects be achieved without imposing procedural obligations on local governments or MEDQ beyond their Planning Act or Economic Development Act duties.
Application and exemptions: Section 3 shows earlier versions (prev s 3) and was presented as 'pres s 3 ins 2014 No. 46 s 39', indicating renumbering or re-insertion at the 2014 amendments. Section 4 (exemptions for State leasehold land) also bears historical amendment marks including 2014 insertion notes.
Relationship with FTI Act: Section 5 reflects insertion in 2014 (pres s 5 (prev s 5A) ins 2014 No. 8 s 129; renum 2014 No. 46 s 40), marking how inspection powers were harmonised under the FTI Act.
Disclosure regime and technical standards: Sections 10-14 show amendment notes across 1985, 1992, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014. Section 11 references changes through 2000-2014 and the inclusion of AS 3798-2007 particulars suggests later technical updates (s 11 text shows a 2014 No. 22 note and other insertions).
Trust-account provisions: Sections 15-21 contain amendment and renumbering annotations, with s 15 'pres s 15 ins 2014 No. 46 s 43', s 17 sub 2014 No. 46 s 43, and s 18 sub 2014 No. 46 s 43. Section 19 and subsequent trust provisions include multiple historical amendments (1991-1997 and later), reflecting updates to accommodate changes in professional trust-account legislation.
Off-the-plan and sunset clauses: Division 4A (ss 19A-19F) is marked as inserted in 2023 No. 29 s 50. Section 39 confirms application of that division to existing off-the-plan contracts entered into before the commencement of the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (s 39 ins 2023 No. 29 s 51).
Transitional provisions: Part 4 contains a series of transitional sections (ss 27-39) linked to the Sustainable Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012, and the Land Sales and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014, with multiple pres/om entries, indicating re-enactment, renumbering and transitional savings. Sections 28-38 detail how old and new provisions operate in relation to e-conveyancing and other modernisation measures, with insertion notes for 2014 (s 28 pres s 28 ins 2014 No. 46 s 54) and cross-references to earlier 1996-2013 amendments.
Delegation and regulation powers: Section 25’s annotation records a history of amendments from 1985 onwards and renumbering in 2014. Section 26 similarly contains amendment history and powers preserved under 2014 renumbering.
The source shows sustained amendment activity across multiple decades, with notable modernisation points in 2012, 2014 and 2023. The 2014 amendments appear to have involved renumbering and transitional arrangements to accommodate e-conveyancing and other reforms. The 2023 insertion of Division 4A is explicitly recorded (2023 No. 29 s 50) and applies retrospectively to certain pre-existing off-the-plan contracts via s 39. The source preserves prior provisions in transitional provisions where parties elect e-conveyancing (see ss 31-35). Each amendment note within the text is the sole authority for this summary; no external amendment history is introduced.
Litigation history
The source text supplied does not name or describe any judicial decisions, reported cases, or litigation outcomes. It does, however, build in litigation pathways and evidentiary rules relevant to disputes.
Textual pointers to litigation and court processes in the Act:
Supreme Court powers: The Supreme Court can order compliance with conditions attached to regulatory exemptions for State leasehold land (s 4(2)). The Supreme Court is also the forum for seller applications to terminate off-the-plan contracts when they seek permission under s 19F. Section 19F sets out the standard , just and equitable , and prescribes factors the court must consider (s 19F(2)-(3)). The court’s costs allocation on such applications is addressed in s 19F(4).
Contract nullity and civil recovery: Contracts entered in contravention of s 8 are void and amounts paid can be recovered as a debt (s 8(3)-(4)), which implies civil suits for debt recovery are an available remedy.
Evidentiary facilitation: Section 24 declares that in proceedings for an offence against the Act a copy of a contract or instrument produced on behalf of the complainant is admissible as if it were the original, facilitating prosecutorial evidence.
Attribution of representatives’ conduct: Section 23 allows a court or prosecuting authority to attribute a representative’s state of mind and acts to the principal for offences, affecting proof strategies in prosecutions.
What the source does not supply
No named cases, no reported judicial interpretations, and no specific litigation examples are included in the supplied text. The Act’s text therefore sets procedural and remedial hooks for litigation (judicial orders, debt recovery, criminal penalties) but contains no case law or litigation history to analyse.
Practical litigation implications based on the Act’s text
The Supreme Court’s role under s 19F is pivotal for contested seller terminations under sunset clauses. Section 19F’s list of matters (seller conduct, matters beyond control, prospects of settlement, buyer performance, effect on both parties, value changes) shapes the factual matrix a court will be asked to assess; parties bringing or defending s 19F applications will need to marshal evidence on these points.
The evidentiary provision s 24 and the attribution rules s 23 lower certain procedural barriers in prosecutions and civil disputes by easing admissibility and permitting organisational actors to be held to account for representatives’ conduct respectively.
Because the source provides no reported litigation, professionals must rely on the statutory text, the evidentiary rules and the Supreme Court pathways laid out in ss 4, 19F and related provisions to plan enforcement and defence strategies. Any interpretative or precedent-based guidance would require consulting reported decisions not supplied in the source.
Gotchas
This section identifies practical traps and drafting or operational features in the Act that commonly cause compliance risk, based strictly on the statutory text.
Mandatory timing for disclosure before contract entry: Section 10 requires the seller to give either the disclosure plan and disclosure statement or an approved plan of survey before the buyer enters into the contract. If the seller fails to do so the buyer may terminate by written notice before settlement (s 10(3)). Sellers who deliver disclosure late risk losing the sale; buyers who omit to exercise termination rights risk being left exposed if disclosure later proves materially inaccurate.
“Substantially complete” standard but no safe-harbour for minor inaccuracies: The disclosure plan and disclosure statement need only be substantially complete (ss 11, 12). The Act says a disclosure plan or statement is not failed merely because it contains inaccuracies if it is substantially complete as at contract entry (s 10(2)). However, the seller must provide a further statement for inaccuracies material enough to prejudice the buyer and allow 21 days for buyer response before settlement (s 13). Sellers must therefore track the evolving accuracy of technical information and have cadastral surveyor inputs ready. Failure to issue appropriate further statements enables buyer termination (s 13(6)).
Settlement deadline is firm and seller-focused: The seller must settle not later than 18 months after the buyer enters the contract (s 14(1)). If the seller fails, the buyer may terminate (s 14(5)). Being mindful of this non-extendable default period (absent regulation or agreement) is essential. For off-the-plan contracts, s 19B defines sunset dates and relevant events but s 14(1) remains the statutory settlement timing duty.
Off-the-plan sunset clauses cannot auto-terminate: Division 4A (ss 19A-19F) removes a seller’s capacity to rely on an automatic sunset clause. Clauses purporting to automatically terminate are instead construed as allowing termination under the division (s 19C). Sellers who relied on automatic contractual terminations must follow the statutory process (s 19D), including giving a sunset clause notice at least 28 days before the sunset date and obtaining buyer’s written consent, or seeking a Supreme Court order (s 19D(1), s 19F). The seller’s failure to obtain consent or a court order prevents termination under the sunset clause.
Buyer consent requirement and evidential burden: Under s 19D(1)(a) a seller seeking termination under a sunset clause typically needs buyer written consent to terminate. The seller bears the risk of not securing consent and, if a court application is needed, must satisfy a just and equitable standard and likely pay buyer costs unless the buyer unreasonably withheld consent (s 19F(4)). Sellers must document steps taken to obtain consent and to mitigate delays; such evidence will factor into s 19F assessments (s 19F(3)(e)).
Trust-account and investment traps: Pre-settlement monies must be paid to a recognised entity and held in a prescribed trust account (s 17). If a contract states payment to a recognised entity, that entity must hold the money in a prescribed trust account and deal with it in accord with trust-account laws (s 17(1)-(2)). Investment of such amounts is allowed only where the contract authorises it or the parties give signed written consent, and per trust-account law (s 19(1)). Missteps in the treatment of trust monies expose parties to high penalties (200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment for several breaches per ss 17-19) and civil claims for recovery (s 20, s 8). Recognised entities must therefore ensure their processes align with the Legal Profession Act 2007, Agents Financial Administration Act 2014 or Public Trustee Act 1978 as applicable (s 15).
Security instruments must be handled to strict rules: Security instruments received from buyers must be kept at prescribed places by recognised entities until returnable or exchanged (s 21(2)). If instruments are given by the buyer to other persons on the seller’s behalf, those instruments must be given directly to a recognised entity (s 21(5)). Failure to do so carries maximum penalties (s 21). Sellers and intermediaries must therefore ensure bank guarantees and similar instruments end up with an appropriate recognised entity at the correct office.
Contracting out prohibited but drafting complexity persists: Section 22 voids contractual terms that purport to exclude, restrict or otherwise change the effect of a provision of the Act. Nonetheless, the Act acknowledges parties agreeing to e-conveyancing may require reading older sections with variations (see transitional provisions ss 31-35). Careful drafting is necessary to avoid attempting to contract out of the Act accidentally, or relying on terms that the Act will strike down to the buyer’s benefit.
State leasehold sale formalities: Sellers of State leasehold land must ensure the Land Act 1994 subdivision-offer and acceptance processes have been complied with (s 8(1)) or obtain required Ministerial consent for development leases (s 8(2)). If not, the contract is void (s 8(3)) and amounts recoverable as debt (s 8(4)). Sellers dealing in leasehold land without full Land Act compliance risk contract nullity and restitution obligations.
Representative attribution: Section 23 allows courts to attribute acts and states of mind of representatives to principals and to hold a principal responsible unless it proves it could not, by reasonable diligence, have prevented the act or omission. Corporations must therefore police their agents and staff; documentation of compliance systems will be material in any enforcement action.
Transitional and e-conveyancing complexity: Transitional provisions (e.g., ss 31-37) change how old and new provisions apply depending on contract dates and whether the parties adopt e-conveyancing. Practitioners must check whether the contract was entered into before or after the relevant amendment commencement and whether parties agreed to e-conveyancing, as that alters applicable disclosure and settlement rules.
Each of these features represents an operational point where mistaken assumptions, late procedural steps, or failure to use the statutory processes can result in termination rights for buyers, civil recovery, criminal penalties for trust breaches or loss of intended contractual protections.
How to comply
This section offers concrete, source-grounded steps for sellers, recognised entities, cadastral surveyors, agents and buyers seeking to obey the Act’s requirements and manage the identified risks.
For sellers and developers
Pre-contract disclosure:
Before a prospective buyer enters into the contract, give either:
a) a disclosure plan and disclosure statement complying with s 11 and s 12; or
b) a copy of the plan of survey for the proposed lot approved by the relevant local government under the Planning Act or by MEDQ under the Economic Development Act (s 10(1)).
If relying on the approved plan alternative, ensure the approval is current and the copy provided is the approved plan (s 10(1)(b)).
Prepare disclosure plan correctly:
Engage a cadastral surveyor to prepare the disclosure plan (s 11(2)).
For standard format lots, include proposed lot number, total area, bearings and distances, orientation to north, and contour maps or details about retaining walls and fill where operational work is involved (s 11(4)). For fill compaction, declare compliance with AS 3798-2007 or the nature of any departure (s 11(4)(e)(iv)).
For volumetric format lots, include isometric representation, projected footprint area, ground-surface level approximations, orientation and any proposed floor level (s 11).
Draft and sign disclosure statement:
Sign the disclosure statement and include the items in s 12: that the buyer was given the disclosure plan, whether development approval was granted for reconfiguration or operational work, and the seller’s settlement timeline and document-delivery promise (s 12).
Monitor and update:
If information in the disclosure plan becomes inaccurate before settlement or would be inaccurate if given now, prepare a further statement signed by the seller and prepared by a cadastral surveyor, and give it at least 21 days before settlement (s 13(2)-(3)).
The further statement must explain differences in plain English and, where fill depth has changed, indicate the new depth (s 13(2)-(3)). Allow buyers 21 days to terminate after receiving the further statement if materially prejudiced (s 13(4)).
Settlement timing and documents:
Plan to settle not later than 18 months after the buyer enters the contract (s 14(1)). If the seller did not give an approved plan before contract, ensure a registered plan and a cadastral surveyor’s confirmation about differences are available at least 14 days before settlement (s 14(3)).
Off-the-plan sunset clauses:
Do not rely on an automatic sunset clause to terminate the contract; instead, follow s 19D: give a sunset clause notice at least 28 days before the sunset date setting out required information, and obtain buyer’s written consent or apply to the Supreme Court under s 19F (s 19C-19D). Preserve records of attempts to obtain consent and evidence of reasons for termination (s 19F(3)(e)).
For recognised entities (law practices, public trustee, real estate agents)
Receipt and holding of funds:
When receiving pre-settlement amounts specified by the contract or instrument, ensure funds are paid into the prescribed trust account described in s 15 and held there until entitlement to payment or repayment arises (ss 15-18). If the contract names a recognised entity, that entity must take the funds (s 17(1)).
Trust-account compliance:
Deal with the funds in accordance with the law governing the trust account (Legal Profession Act 2007 for law practices; Agents Financial Administration Act 2014 for agents; Public Trustee Act 1978 for the public trustee) (s 17(2), s 18(2)). Ensure internal trust-account systems match statutory requirements to avoid s 17 and s 18 penalties.
Investments:
Do not invest funds held in the prescribed trust account unless the contract or instrument authorises the investment or the parties give signed written consent, and ensure investments respect trust-account law (s 19(1)). Pay proceeds back into the trust account unless further invested as authorised (s 19(3)).
Security instruments and prescribed places:
If receiving security instruments (e.g., bank guarantees) from buyers on behalf of the seller, keep the instrument at the prescribed place (an office in Queensland) until returnable or exchanged (s 21(2)). If any party hands the instrument to a non-recognised person, ensure it is transferred immediately to a recognised entity (s 21(5)-(6)).
For cadastral surveyors and technical advisers
Prepare disclosure plans and further statements and verify registration conformity when required (ss 11, 13, 14(3)(b)). Ensure professional documentation states whether fill compaction complies with AS 3798-2007 or details the departure (s 11(4)(e)(iv)).
When asked to prepare the cadastral surveyor’s statement under s 14(3)(b), confirm there are no differences between the registered plan and the disclosure plan (s 14(3)(b)).
For buyers and their advisers
Insist on receipt of the requisite documents before entering the contract (s 10(1)).
If a seller has not complied, consider exercising termination rights before settlement (s 10(3), s 14(5)). After receiving a further statement, if materially prejudiced, consider termination within 21 days (s 13(4)).
Where given a sunset clause notice, respond within the time stated and act reasonably (s 19E). Failure to respond is not taken as consent (s 19E(3)).
For recovery of monies following termination, be aware amounts may be recoverable as a debt and sellers must repay amounts and interest within 14 days of termination under the part (ss 8(4), 20(2), 20(4)).
For counsel and in-house legal teams
Draft contract clauses to avoid purporting to vary or negate the Act; s 22 renders such clauses void to the extent they are inconsistent with the Act.
If drafting off-the-plan contracts, frame sunset clauses in light of s 19C: do not rely on automatic termination and build procedural steps into the contract that align with statutory notice and consent requirements (s 19D).
Maintain records demonstrating seller attempts to procure buyer consent or to comply with the requirements that courts will consider under s 19F in any later application.
Regulatory and court interactions
Where seeking an exemption for State leasehold land under regulation, expect conditions: breaches of those conditions enable Supreme Court enforcement (s 4(2)).
If a seller applies to the Supreme Court under s 19F, prepare evidence on the s 19F(3) matters, including seller conduct, matters beyond control, prospects of settlement, mitigation steps, buyer performance and the effect on both parties.
Operational checklist summary
Engage a cadastral surveyor early to prepare a substantially complete disclosure plan (s 11).
Provide the disclosure plan and signed disclosure statement, or the approved plan, before contract entry (s 10).
Keep documentary evidence of approvals and survey registrations (s 14(3)).
Route any pre-settlement monies to a recognised entity and ensure trust-account handling and potential investments comply with s 17-19.
For off-the-plan contracts, adhere to the sunset clause notice process and be prepared to seek a court order under s 19F if necessary.
Avoid contractual language that attempts to exclude or vary statutory protections (s 22).
Following this source-grounded sequence of steps aligns operational practice with the Act’s documentary, timing, trust-account and procedural requirements and reduces exposure to statutory termination rights, civil recovery and criminal penalties detailed in the Act.
Section sec.5Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
(b) the sale arises from the reconfiguration of land into not more than 5 lots.
(a) the seller of each proposed lot is the same person; and
(b) the buyer of each proposed lot is the same person; and
(c) the sale is the subject of— (i) a single contract; or (ii) 2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours.
(i) a single contract; or
(ii) 2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours.
(i) a single contract; or
(ii) 2 or more contracts entered into within 24 hours.
sec.4 Act does not apply to particular State leasehold land
sec.4 Act does not apply to particular State leasehold land
A regulation may declare that, subject to any stated conditions, this Act does not apply to the whole or part of land the subject of—
a stated miners homestead under the Land Act 1994 , chapter 8 , part 7 , division 2 ; or
a stated lease or a stated class of lease under the Land Act 1994 .
If a person contravenes a condition to which a declaration under subsection (1) is subject, the Supreme Court may, on the application of a buyer under a contract for the sale of a proposed lot to which the declaration relates, order the person to comply with the condition.
s 4 prev s 4 amd 1985 No. 43 s 4 ; 1989 No. 103 s 3 sch
om 1992 No. 40 s 122
pres s 4 ins 2014 No. 46 s 39
(sec.4-ssec.1) A regulation may declare that, subject to any stated conditions, this Act does not apply to the whole or part of land the subject of— a stated miners homestead under the Land Act 1994 , chapter 8 , part 7 , division 2 ; or a stated lease or a stated class of lease under the Land Act 1994 .
(sec.4-ssec.2) If a person contravenes a condition to which a declaration under subsection (1) is subject, the Supreme Court may, on the application of a buyer under a contract for the sale of a proposed lot to which the declaration relates, order the person to comply with the condition.
(a) a stated miners homestead under the Land Act 1994 , chapter 8 , part 7 , division 2 ; or
(b) a stated lease or a stated class of lease under the Land Act 1994 .
sec.5 Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
sec.5 Relationship with Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014
The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
In this section—
inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
s 5 prev s 5 amd 1993 No. 82 s 3 sch 1 ; 1997 No. 40 s 5
om 2014 No. 46 s 39
pres s 5 (prev s 5A) ins 2014 No. 8 s 129
renum 2014 No. 46 s 40
(sec.5-ssec.1) The Fair Trading Inspectors Act 2014 (the FTI Act ) enacts common provisions for this Act and particular other Acts about fair trading.
(sec.5-ssec.2) Unless this Act otherwise provides in relation to the FTI Act , the powers that an inspector has under that Act are in addition to and do not limit any powers the inspector may have under this Act.
(sec.5-ssec.3) In this section— inspector means a person who holds office under the FTI Act as an inspector for this Act.
sec.6 Definitions
sec.6 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular terms used in this Act.
s 6 amd 1997 No. 40 s 6 (7) – (13) ; 1999 No. 63 s 71 (1) ; 2014 No. 46 s 41 (3) – (4)
Note—prev s 6 contained definitions for this Act. Definitions are now located in schedule 1 (Dictionary). Annotations for definitions contained in prev s 6 are located in annotations for sch 1.
Section sec.6A
s 6A (prev) s 6(2)–(3) renum 1999 No. 63 s 71 (6), (9)
amd 1999 No. 63 s 71 (7) – (8)
om 2014 No. 46 s 42
pt.2 Sale of proposed lots
Sale of proposed lots
pt.2-div.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.7 References to things done by or in relation to buyer or seller
sec.7 References to things done by or in relation to buyer or seller
This section applies in relation to a provision of this part that refers to—
a thing required or permitted to be done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot; or
a thing having been done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot.
The thing may be done, or the thing may have been done, by or in relation to the buyer or seller either—
personally; or
through an agent who is authorised to act for the buyer or seller in relation to the thing.
s 7 prev s 7 amd 1985 No. 105 s 5 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1
om 1997 No. 40 s 8
pres s 7 ins 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.7-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to a provision of this part that refers to— a thing required or permitted to be done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot; or a thing having been done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot.
(sec.7-ssec.2) The thing may be done, or the thing may have been done, by or in relation to the buyer or seller either— personally; or through an agent who is authorised to act for the buyer or seller in relation to the thing.
(a) a thing required or permitted to be done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot; or
(b) a thing having been done by or in relation to a buyer or seller of a lot or proposed lot.
(a) personally; or
(b) through an agent who is authorised to act for the buyer or seller in relation to the thing.
Section sec.7A
s 7A ins 1992 No. 40 s 124
sub 1993 No. 82 s 35
amd 1997 No. 40 s 9
om 2014 No. 46 s 43
sec.8 Restriction on selling State leasehold land
sec.8 Restriction on selling State leasehold land
A person may sell a proposed lot that is State leasehold land, other than a development lease, only if—
the chief executive under the Land Act 1994 has made a subdivision offer for the proposed subdivision of the lot under section 176A of that Act; and
the lessee of the land has accepted the subdivision offer under the Land Act 1994 .
See the Land Act 1994 , section 403T for requirements for acceptance of offers under that Act.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
A person may sell a proposed lot that is a development lease only if the Minister has consented, under the Land Act 1994 , section 290J , to a plan of subdivision for the development lease dividing the development lease into proposed lots.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
A contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into in contravention of subsection (1) or (2) is void.
Any person who paid an amount under a contract mentioned in subsection (3) may recover the amount, together with any interest accrued on the amount since it was paid, as a debt from the person to whom the amount was paid.
In this section—
development lease means an existing development lease issued under the Land Act 1962 , part 9 , division 1 that is taken to be a term lease under the Land Act 1994 , section 476 .
s 8 amd 1985 No. 43 s 6 ; 1985 No. 105 s 6 ; 1992 No. 40 s 125 ; 1993 No. 82 s 3 sch 1 ; 1997 No. 40 s 10 ; 2003 No. 64 s 123 ; 2009 No. 36 s 872 sch 2 ; 2011 No. 44 s 12 ; 2012 No. 43 s 221 sch 1
sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
amd 2023 No. 2 s 108 sch 1
(sec.8-ssec.1) A person may sell a proposed lot that is State leasehold land, other than a development lease, only if— the chief executive under the Land Act 1994 has made a subdivision offer for the proposed subdivision of the lot under section 176A of that Act; and the lessee of the land has accepted the subdivision offer under the Land Act 1994 . See the Land Act 1994 , section 403T for requirements for acceptance of offers under that Act. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.8-ssec.2) A person may sell a proposed lot that is a development lease only if the Minister has consented, under the Land Act 1994 , section 290J , to a plan of subdivision for the development lease dividing the development lease into proposed lots. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment.
(sec.8-ssec.3) A contract for the sale of a proposed lot entered into in contravention of subsection (1) or (2) is void.
(sec.8-ssec.4) Any person who paid an amount under a contract mentioned in subsection (3) may recover the amount, together with any interest accrued on the amount since it was paid, as a debt from the person to whom the amount was paid.
(sec.8-ssec.5) In this section— development lease means an existing development lease issued under the Land Act 1962 , part 9 , division 1 that is taken to be a term lease under the Land Act 1994 , section 476 .
(a) the chief executive under the Land Act 1994 has made a subdivision offer for the proposed subdivision of the lot under section 176A of that Act; and
(b) the lessee of the land has accepted the subdivision offer under the Land Act 1994 . Note— See the Land Act 1994 , section 403T for requirements for acceptance of offers under that Act.
pt.2-div.2 Disclosure requirements
Disclosure requirements
sec.9 Application of div 2 if option granted
sec.9 Application of div 2 if option granted
Section 10 , as modified by this section, applies if a person grants an option (the option ) to another person—
to purchase a proposed lot; or
to sell a proposed lot.
For subsection (1) —
section 10 (1) requires the seller to give the documents mentioned in section 10 (1) (a) or (b) to the buyer in relation to the option as if a reference to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot being entered into were a reference to an option to purchase or sell the proposed lot being granted; and
any right of termination under section 10 relating to the giving of the documents applies in relation to—
the option; and
a contract entered into by the seller and buyer for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option.
If the seller and buyer enter into a contract for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option, section 10 (1) does not require the seller to give the documents to the buyer.
If the buyer is not a party to the contract for the sale of the proposed lot arising from the option, the seller must comply with section 10 before entering into the contract for the sale.
In this section—
buyer means the person who is granted an option to purchase, or grants an option to sell, the proposed lot.
seller means the person who grants an option to purchase, or is granted an option to sell, the proposed lot.
s 9 amd 1985 No. 105 s 7 ; 1997 No. 40 s 11 ; 1999 No. 63 s 72 ; 2003 No. 64 s 124 ; 2003 No. 70 s 206 sch 2 ; 2005 No. 14 s 2 sch ; 2009 No. 36 s 872 sch 2 ; 2011 No. 44 s 13 ; 2012 No. 43 s 221 sch 1
sub 2014 No. 46 s 43
(sec.9-ssec.1) Section 10 , as modified by this section, applies if a person grants an option (the option ) to another person— to purchase a proposed lot; or to sell a proposed lot.
(sec.9-ssec.2) For subsection (1) — section 10 (1) requires the seller to give the documents mentioned in section 10 (1) (a) or (b) to the buyer in relation to the option as if a reference to a contract for the sale of a proposed lot being entered into were a reference to an option to purchase or sell the proposed lot being granted; and any right of termination under section 10 relating to the giving of the documents applies in relation to— the option; and a contract entered into by the seller and buyer for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option.
(sec.9-ssec.3) If the seller and buyer enter into a contract for the sale to the buyer of the proposed lot arising from the option, section 10 (1) does not require the seller to give the documents to the buyer.
(sec.9-ssec.4) If the buyer is not a party to the contract for the sale of the proposed lot arising from the option, the seller must comply with section 10 before entering into the contract for the sale.
(sec.9-ssec.5) In this section— buyer means the person who is granted an option to purchase, or grants an option to se
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