WHEN people talk about real estate in 2026, most assume the biggest challenge is property prices.
But for many sellers, the real change over the past two years hasn’t been the market – it’s the amount of paperwork, compliance and added red tape involved in selling a home.
Since late 2025, Queensland has moved from a traditional “buyer beware” system to a strict “seller disclose” regime, and for everyday homeowners this means more administration before a property can even go on the market.
The transaction itself hasn’t necessarily become harder, but the preparation required beforehand has increased significantly.
The biggest shift came with the introduction of the Property Law Act 2023, which started in August 2025. Sellers must now provide a formal disclosure statement, known as a Form 2 Disclosure , before a buyer signs a contract.
This includes title searches, zoning information and details of any encumbrances affecting the property. If the disclosure is inaccurate or incomplete, the buyer may have the legal right to terminate the contract.
Preparing these documents now typically costs between $900 and $1500 upfront – an extra step sellers didn’t previously have to worry about before listing their home.
On top of this, sellers still need to go through the normal conveyancing process on top of this.
In many cases, people are also buying at the same time, which means managing one set of paperwork and timeframes for the sale, and another for the purchase.
With stricter finance requirements, detailed inspections, ATO clearance certificates and upcoming identity checks under new Anti-Money Laundering laws that is rolling out mid year, the amount of administration involved in what used to be a straightforward move has grown considerably.
For many people, this is one of the biggest assets they will ever sell, yet the process can start to feel like your life is suddenly in the hands of not only the agent, but solicitors, banks, inspectors, government departments and other parties all working on different timelines.
That can create anxiety and a sense of stepping into the unknown.
The key is choosing the right specialists to guide you through the process. Work with professionals who are willing to explain each step, answer questions, and keep everything on track.
Selling in 2026 isn’t just about the price – it’s about preparation, the right support, and having the confidence that the people around you are there to look after you along the way.
