Essential Conveyancing Resources for Queensland Buyers and Sellers
Buying or selling property in Queensland is a major milestone—and it also involves a complex legal journey. Understanding the process and knowing where to find reliable resources can make all the difference. Below, we walk you through the most essential conveyancing resources for Queensland buyers and sellers, while factoring in the specific legislative framework in Queensland. We’ll also highlight how you can leverage internal resources at Mint Legal.
1. Understanding Conveyancing in Queensland
Conveyancing is the process of transferring legal ownership of land or property from one person to another. In Queensland, this includes completing contracts of sale, conducting searches (title, rating, zoning), managing settlement, and ensuring compliance with legislation.
Both buyers and sellers benefit from knowing the major stages: negotiation/offer, contract signing, period between contract and settlement (due diligence, conditions), settlement, and post-settlement formalities.
For example, the Queensland Law Society notes the essential role of a conveyancer or solicitor in ensuring the contract is properly drafted and executed under Queensland law.
Because property transactions are significant financially and legally, having access to accurate resources helps protect your interests.

2. Key Legal Framework & Obligations
Understanding the relevant law is crucial for both buyers and sellers. Some of the key legislative frameworks in Queensland include:
- The Land Title Act 1994 (Qld) which governs land titles and registration in Queensland.
- The Property Occupations Act 2014 (Qld) which regulates real estate agents, their conduct and disclosure obligations.
- The “buyer beware” principle applies in Queensland: it is the buyer’s obligation to carry out appropriate due diligence.
- The new mandatory seller disclosure scheme through the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld), which comes into effect with specific obligations for sellers to give a Seller Disclosure Statement and prescribed certificates.
- Transfer (stamp) duty obligations: In Queensland, the buyer pays transfer duty (also known as stamp duty) on property acquisitions.
Knowing these frameworks helps you understand what obligations you have and what protections exist.

3. Essential Government & Regulatory Resources
Here are several authoritative resources you should bookmark and use:
a. Queensland Government — Titles, Searches & e-Conveyancing
The Queensland Government – Department of Resources (or relevant land titles office) website provides information on property titles, registration-fees, online title searches, boundaries and more. This is the first point of reference for data and forms.
For example: you may search for encumbrances, easements or caveats — crucial for due diligence.
b. Queensland Law Society
The Queensland Law Society provides guides on conveyancing, competent practitioners, legal fees, obligations of solicitors/conveyancers. Checking their website or using their ‘Find a Solicitor’ tool is a key resource.
c. Office of Fair Trading (Qld)
The Office of Fair Trading (Queensland) covers consumer protections, cooling-off periods, disclosure obligations and unfair practices in the property market. Useful if you feel your rights may be breached.
d. Queensland Revenue Office – Stamp Duty
The Queensland Revenue Office handles transfer duty (stamp duty) calculations and exemptions. Buyers must access duty calculators and understand what duty applies to them.
e. Other – Building and construction regulation
For sellers especially (and buyers assessing a property), the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) site provides information about building contracts, defects and obligations.
These government resources are free, authoritative and essential for everyone involved in Queensland property transactions.
4. Industry, Professional & Consumer Resources
Beyond government sites, you’ll find a number of helpful third-party resources to deepen your understanding and compare options.
- The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) offers property-industry guidance, including standard contracts used in Queensland.
- Dedicated conveyancing firms’ “guides” often outline step-by-step the process for buyers and sellers in Queensland.
- Consumer-facing services such as the Conveyancing Comparison Service enable you to compare fees and services of different conveyancers and get a sense of market pricing.
- Independent legal blogs break the process into clear stages and show common issues.
- Seller-specific resources such as the “Sellers Conveyancing Guide Queensland”.
These professional and industry resources complement government sources by offering practical insight, tips and templates for Queensland transactions.

5. Practical Checklists & Tools for Buyers
If you’re buying property in Queensland, this checklist helps guide you through key steps. Use this in conjunction with advice from a qualified conveyancer or solicitor. (See also our Mint Legal Buyer’s Guide).
✅ Pre-Contract Stage
- Secure finance pre-approval. Knowing your budget and securing a lender is essential.
- Inspect the property thoroughly (building/pest inspection if required) to identify any structural or pest issues.
- Check zoning/planning information with local council and flood/environment risk.
✅ Contract Stage
- Have the contract of sale reviewed by a Queensland-experienced solicitor or conveyancer. Many contracts use the REIQ standard form.
- Understand the cooling-off period: For residential property in Queensland (unless excluded), the buyer typically has a 5-business-day cooling-off period after contract signing.
- Confirm all special conditions (e.g., finance approval, building/pest inspections) are included and clearly drafted.
✅ Between Contract and Settlement
- Engage your conveyancer/solicitor to carry out title searches, council and water service searches, identify any easements, caveats or encumbrances.
- Make sure all conditions are met (finance, inspections) within any stipulated time frames.
- Arrange building/contents insurance effective from contract date.
- Prepare for transfer duty (stamp duty) payment: Use the Queensland Revenue Office calculator to estimate.
✅ Settlement Stage
- Your conveyancer will coordinate settlement via the e-conveyancing platform (such as PEXA) in most cases.
- On settlement day: funds are exchanged, title is transferred, keys handed over to buyer.
- After settlement: your lawyer ensures lodgement, registration of transfer and discharge of any mortgage (if applicable).
✅ Post-Settlement
- Confirm change of ownership notifications (e.g., to council/rates, water) are completed.
- Retain all documentation (contract, title search, settlement statement).
- If property was purchased with a mortgage, review rate of repayment, insurance and future obligations.
By following a structured checklist, buyers can manage risks, avoid surprises, and have clear expectations of what’s ahead.
6. Practical Checklists & Tools for Sellers
If you’re selling property in Queensland, you likewise benefit from a clear process and resource list. Consider thising alongside our Mint Legal Seller’s Guide.
✅ Pre-Sale Preparation
- Engage a real estate agent (optional) and/or a conveyancer/solicitor early to prepare the contract of sale.
- Gather relevant documentation: title details, zoning/planning certificates, occupant/tenancy information (if rental), building/pest inspection reports (if available).
- Ensure you comply with the forthcoming Seller Disclosure Statement requirement under the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) – meaning you should gather material facts now.
✅ Contract & Offer Stage
- When an offer is accepted, your conveyancer will draft or review the contract of sale. The contract must include the purchase price, deposit amount, settlement date, and any special conditions.
- Although sellers do not have a cooling-off period, buyers do; understand how this affects your timeline.
- Ensure disclosure obligations are met: any defects, easements, leases, or known land problems should be disclosed, or else you risk subsequent claims.
✅ Between Contract and Settlement
- Your conveyancer will liaise with the buyer’s legal representative, ensure conditions are met (if there are finance or inspection conditions), and collate all required documents.
- Prepare for settlement by ensuring mortgages or encumbrances are ready to be discharged, municipal rates are adjusted, and settlement figures are correct.
- Confirm that keys, vacant possession (if required) or tenancy arrangements are ready for handover.
✅ Settlement Stage
- On settlement day the seller receives funds, and the conveyancer will ensure title is transferred correctly and any discharge of mortgage is processed.
- Confirm the settlement has been executed via e-conveyancing platform where applicable, and documentation is lodged with the titles registry.
✅ Post-Settlement
- Confirm that you have received all relevant documentation (settlement statement, confirmation of title transfer).
- Retain records of the sale for tax/GST/CGT purposes if applicable.
- If you sold an investment property, review whether you need to notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) about the disposal.
For sellers, being properly prepared and using the right resources reduces delays, legal exposure and stress.

7. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Even experienced buyers/sellers can encounter issues in the conveyancing process. Recognising common pitfalls early helps you take proactive steps.
⚠️ Pitfall: Mis-understanding the Contract
Many disputes arise because the contract of sale was signed without thorough review. In Queensland, special conditions, time frames, finance clauses, etc., matter.
How to avoid: Have your contract reviewed by a Queensland-experienced solicitor or conveyancer before signing. See our Mint Legal Contract Review Service.
⚠️ Pitfall: Insufficient Property Searches
Failure to uncover easements, caveats, zoning restrictions or environmental risks can lead to surprise costs or renegotiated settlement. GM Law
How to avoid: Ensure your conveyancer undertakes comprehensive searches and provides a report on findings.
⚠️ Pitfall: Not Being Ready for Settlement
If funds, documentation or discharges aren’t ready on settlement day, the transaction may fail or incur penalties.
How to avoid: In advance of settlement: confirm everything is ready, liaise with your bank/lender, and maintain communication with your conveyancer.
⚠️ Pitfall: Underestimating Costs (Stamp Duty, Adjustments)
Buyers sometimes forget about the transfer duty, or sellers don’t properly account for outgoing adjustments or agent fees.
How to avoid: Use the Queensland Revenue Office duty calculator and check all cost items in your settlement statement.
⚠️ Pitfall: Non-compliance with Disclosure Obligations
Sellers must disclose “material facts” about the property; buyers must conduct due diligence. Non-compliance may lead to contract termination, liability or rescission.
How to avoid: Sellers – make sure you pass all known information to your conveyancer; Buyers – insist on thorough investigations.
✅ Pro Tip – Use the right resources
Keep a list of reliable resources (as above) and check them regularly. For example, our Mint Legal Blog
8. How Mint Legal Can Help
At Mint Legal we specialise in Queensland property law with expertise in conveyancing for both buyers and sellers. Below are some of the ways we assist:
- Contract review and negotiation: We review the contract of sale and draft special conditions tailored to your situation.
- Searches and due diligence: We undertake title, council, zoning, and any other relevant searches to identify risks.
- Settlement coordination: We oversee the settlement process (including electronic lodgement) to ensure a seamless hand-over.
- Vendor disclosure guidance: We advise sellers on disclosure obligations under the new Property Law Act 2023 and the Form 2 Seller Disclosure Statement.
- Fixed fee conveyancing services: We provide transparent pricing so you can budget accurately.
- Tailored advice: Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or selling a family home, we tailor our services to your needs.
- For further reading, check out our specific pages:
Buyers Conveyancing Queensland
Sellers Conveyancing Queensland
We encourage you to engage us early — hiring a qualified conveyancer before you sign the contract can reduce risk and ultimately save time and cost.
9. Conclusion
Whether you’re buying or selling property in Queensland, the journey of conveyancing need not be overwhelming. The key is to be informed, prepared and to rely on reliable resources and experts. Use the government and industry-level resources we’ve identified above. Leverage practical checklists for buyers and sellers. And don’t discount the value of professional guidance.
By using the right tools and expertise - and keeping in mind the specific legislative and procedural requirements in Queensland - you’ll be better placed to manage your transaction with confidence.
If you have further questions about conveyancing in Queensland or wish to engage an expert, please contact Mint Legal today.
This article is intended as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. Every property transaction is unique.