Zettle Conveyancing is a solicitor-led online conveyancing practice for QLD, NSW and VIC, with offices in Maroochydore, Sydney and Melbourne.
If the article, template or advice you're relying on was written before mid-2025, check it against these changes.
At a glance
- NSW, 1 June 2026: every residential contract must contain the new statutory cooling-off notice (2026 edition contract released). Source: Law Society of NSW summary
- NSW, 1 April 2026: strata information certificate expanded (it arrives during settlement preparation, not before you sign). Source: NSW Government
- QLD, 1 August 2025: two REIQ residential contracts merged into one. Source: QLS Proctor
- QLD, 1 August 2025: body corporate disclosure statement abolished; certificate given with the Form 2. Source: Queensland Government
- VIC, September 2025: new contract edition; $5,000 minor-damage holdback removed. Source: LPLC
- VIC, 1 October 2026 and 16 October 2026: Property Price Statement from 1 October; reserve price published at least 7 days before auctions and fixed-date sales on or after 16 October. Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- All states, 1 July 2026: AML/CTF obligations for conveyancers. Source: AUSTRAC
- All states, until 30 June 2029: ban on foreign persons buying established dwellings (Government policy; extension announced in the 2026/27 Budget). Source: ATO; FIRB GN6 v5
What changed in New South Wales?
The contract. The Law Society released a 2026 edition contract, and since 1 June 2026 every residential contract must contain the new statutory cooling-off notice. On the front page, "TV antenna" in the inclusions list became "internet/TV receiver", and "solar power battery" was added. If the home you're buying has a battery, it's now named in the list.
Strata certificates say more. Since 1 April 2026 the strata information certificate covers more, including embedded networks and orders and compliance action. It doesn't form part of the contract. The buyer's conveyancer orders it, or the seller provides it, during settlement preparation, usually once the contract is unconditional. So it isn't something a buyer sees before signing.
What changed in Queensland?
Two contracts became one. From 1 August 2025 the REIQ Houses and Residential Land contract and the Residential Lots in a Community Titles Scheme contract were merged into a single REIQ Contract for the Sale and Purchase of Residential Real Estate. Any clause number quoted in an older article or checklist may now point somewhere else.
Body corporate information moved. The separate body corporate disclosure statement was abolished on 1 August 2025. The seller now gives the buyer a body corporate certificate with the Form 2 seller disclosure statement, before the buyer signs.
What changed in Victoria?
New contract edition, no more $5,000 holdback. The September 2025 edition removed the minor-damage holdback and the deposit-release provisions, inserted new general conditions and reworded the building and pest conditions. Older articles quoting Victorian contract conditions may not describe the contract in front of you.
Reserves are now published. For auctions and fixed-date sales on or after 16 October 2026, the agent must publish the seller's reserve at least 7 days before the sale, and the Property Price Statement replaced the Statement of Information from 1 October 2026. Section 32 timing and early deposit release change in 2027: see Victoria's new rules for sellers.
The regulator has a new name. The Victorian Building Authority now trades as the Building and Plumbing Commission, so that's the name you'll see on current guidance.
What changed nationally?
AML checks. Anti-money-laundering obligations for conveyancers started on 1 July 2026. For you, that means your conveyancer may ask for identity and source-of-funds information earlier than you'd expect. More in AML checks are coming to your property settlement.
Foreign buyers. Under Government policy, extended in the 2026/27 Budget, foreign persons are generally banned from buying established homes until 30 June 2029 (ATO; FIRB Guidance Note 6). An earlier change still catches people out: from 9 April 2024, foreign investment application fees for established dwellings tripled and vacancy fees doubled.
E-settlement platforms. On 31 March 2026 ARNECC said it would not proceed with the interoperability reform program at this time, so that change is on hold. Nothing changes in how your settlement runs.
What does this mean for you?
If you're buying: make sure the contract you're reading is the current edition for your state, check the foreign-buyer rules if they could apply to you, and expect identity and source-of-funds questions.
If you're selling: use the current contract edition, have your disclosure documents ready before buyers sign, and expect the same AML questions. If the home is tenanted, ask your conveyancer what notice the tenant must get before you agree a settlement date.
Either way: match the rule to the state. Each state change applies only in its own state.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to use the new edition contract?
Make sure the contract you're reviewing is the current edition for your state. The risk is relying on advice or a clause number written for an older edition.
Can a temporary resident still buy an established home?
Generally not. Under Government policy, extended in the 2026/27 Budget, foreign persons are generally banned from buying established homes until 30 June 2029, subject to the rules and any exceptions.
What happened to the $5,000 holdback in Victoria?
It was removed in the September 2025 contract edition. Guidance that still mentions it is out of date.
Does Queensland still have a body corporate disclosure statement?
No. It was abolished on 1 August 2025. The seller now gives a body corporate certificate with the Form 2 before the buyer signs.
Is an older contract now invalid?
Not necessarily. It depends on when and how the contract was entered into. Your conveyancer can confirm which version applies to your transaction.
I'm already under contract. Do these changes affect me?
Not every change touches every transaction. Don't assume a later change alters a contract you've already signed: check which changes apply to your state, your property and where you're up to.
Buying or selling in QLD, NSW or VIC. We work from the current contract for your state. Send us the contract before you sign and we'll review it free within 4 business hours.
Get a fixed-fee quote. Fixed professional fees (government charges excluded), known before you start. Prices for QLD, NSW and VIC.
General information only, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and change over time, so confirm the current position with your conveyancer.
