General Enquiry: Ask a Conveyancing Question & River City Conveyancing's Brisbane's Property Lawyers Will Answer

Conveyancing raises a lot of questions and in Queensland, the rules are different from every other state. Whether you've just signed a contract, you're preparing to buy, or something unexpected has come up mid-settlement, our Brisbane conveyancing lawyers are here to help. For a quote specific to your needs, please complete our form for purchase or sale.

How can we help you?

Common Conveyancing Questions Answered by Queensland's Most Trusted Lawyers

Q: Do I need a solicitor or a conveyancer in Queensland?

In Queensland, all paid conveyancing work is supervised by a qualified solicitor. When you engage River City Conveyancing, you're working with lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland, not solely paralegals or unlicensed operators. This gives you full legal protection at every stage of your transaction.

Q: How long does conveyancing take in Queensland?

A standard residential settlement in Queensland typically takes between 30 and 90 days from the date the contract is signed. The settlement date is agreed between buyer and seller and written into the contract. We monitor every deadline throughout the process: from finance conditions, building and pest inspection periods, and settlement itself and we keep you informed at each stage.

Q: What is the cooling-off period in Queensland?

Queensland's standard cooling-off period is five business days from the date the contract is signed. During this time you may terminate the contract but once the cooling-off period expires, you can only terminate on specific contractual grounds for example a failed finance condition or an unsatisfactory building and pest inspection. If you're unsure whether your cooling-off period is still active, contact us immediately: time is critical.

Q: How much does conveyancing cost in Brisbane?

River City Conveyancing charges a fixed fee for standard residential transactions meaning no surprise costs mid-settlement. Standard residential conveyancing in Queensland typically ranges from $900 to $3,500 all-in, covering the legal fee plus disbursements such as searches, PEXA fees, and title registration. We provide a full fixed quote upfront with no hidden fees.

Q: What is the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland, and does it expire?

Queensland's $30,000 First Home Owner Grant for new homes is currently available but expires 30 June 2026. If you are an eligible first home buyer purchasing a new home, you need to act now. From May 2025, eligible first home buyers of new homes also pay zero stamp duty, meaning the combination of the grant and the duty exemption represents a significant saving. Our lawyers assess your FHOG eligibility as part of every first home buyer conveyance.

Q: What is the new Seller Disclosure Statement in Queensland?

From August 2025, Queensland sellers are required to provide buyers with a formal Seller Disclosure Statement under the updated Property Law Act 2023. This is a significant change to how property is sold in Queensland. The disclosure statement requires sellers to reveal known issues with the property before contract. Our lawyers review every disclosure statement received on behalf of buyers and advise on any items that may affect the transaction.

Q: Can I pull out of a contract after the cooling-off period in Queensland?

Once the cooling-off period has expired, your ability to terminate the contract is limited to the specific conditions written into it, most commonly finance, building and pest inspection, or other due diligence conditions. Terminating outside these conditions exposes you to forfeiture of your deposit and potential damages claims. If something unexpected has come up after your cooling-off period has ended, contact us immediately, the options available to you are time-sensitive.

Q: What searches do I need when buying property in Brisbane?

We conduct a full suite of searches on every Brisbane purchase, including title search, local government rates and water searches, land tax clearance, and body corporate records where applicable. For Brisbane properties we also recommend flood searches, particularly near creek corridors and contaminated land searches for former industrial sites. The Seller Disclosure Statement (mandatory from August 2025) now covers some of this ground, but independent searches remain essential.

Q: What is PEXA and how does it affect my settlement?

PEXA (Property Exchange Australia) is the national electronic conveyancing platform used to conduct property settlements digitally. River City Conveyancing is fully PEXA-enabled, meaning your settlement is handled securely online without the need for physical document exchange. Electronic settlement is faster, more secure, and eliminates the risk of documents going missing in the post.

Q: What happens if my finance falls through after I've signed a contract?

If your contract includes a finance condition and your lender formally declines your application before the finance date, you are generally entitled to terminate the contract and recover your deposit. However, the process must be handled correctly including issuing a termination notice in the proper form within the required timeframe. If your finance has been declined or you're at risk of missing a finance deadline, call us today on 07 3013 2300.

Our Brisbane conveyancing lawyers answer questions every day from first home buyers just starting out to experienced investors navigating complex transactions. No question is too simple.

Call: 07 3013 2300 | Email: reception@rivercityconveyancing.com.au

We aim to respond to all enquiries within two business hours. This page was reviewed by John Horrocks, founder of River City Conveyancing and principal solicitor of Horrocks Solicitors. John has been advising Queensland buyers and sellers on property transactions since 1989. Read More about John Horrocks Here.

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We aim to get back to everyone during the same business day. Please call us if you require a faster response. Call: 07 3013 2300 | Email: reception@rivercityconveyancing.com.au