In Queensland the controversial terms of contract that allowed property Sellers to keep the deposit of Buyers if settlement is not completed has now been changed. The REIQ has initiated the introduction of a new terms of contract in the standard REIQ contract used in Queensland.
Originally all REIQ contracts were considered to be ‘time of the essence’ meaning that all conditions of the contract must be fulfilled by the agreed upon times and dates as written in the signed contract.
Previously any changes or extensions to these conditions were subject to approval by all sides in writing.
This new change now allows both sellers and buyers to extend settlement deadlines by 5 business days if they are delayed by their financier without the agreed upon written approval by all sides.
In the past if the financier or bank were unable to provide funds to the Buyer to complete settlement it meant that they were legally in breach of the terms of the contract. The Buyer therefore was at risk of being financially liable to Seller who could terminate the contract and collect the deposit of the Buyer and also sue the Buyer for any loss on the resale of the property and other damages.
Here are FIVE KEY POINTS to know about your DEPOSIT when buying a home:
If the Buyer breaches the terms of the contract the Seller may claim the deposit.
It is essential to talk with your appointed conveyancing solicitors to know if you are covered by the new REIQ provisions depending upon the version of the REIQ contract that you are signing.
The Seventh Edition is the current REIQ contract for Houses and Residential Land.
The Thirteenth Edition is the current REIQ contract for Residential Lots in Community Title Schemes.
There have been more than one change in 2022 to Queensland House and Land Contracts after revision by the REIQ (Real Estate Institute of Queensland) in 2021. Generally it can be said that the terms of the standard contract has been changed to further protect all parties from the financial risks of a terminated contract as a result of time sensitive conditions.
Conveyancing is essential to the process of buying or selling house and land in Queensland. If you are about to sign a contract or need help with your conveyancing call 07 3013 2300 or email our friendly River City Conveyancing team reception@rivercityconveyancing.com
Posted on: 08 August, 2022
Homebuyers Guide: Why you need a Building and Pest Inspection Clause? With the property market..... Read more
Posted on: 02 June, 2022
In Queensland the controversial terms of contract that allowed property Sellers to keep the deposit ..... Read more
Category: Buying, Residential, Selling
Posted on: 27 May, 2020
Can you change your mind after buying a house? If you are ready to buy residential property in..... Read more
Category: Residential, Buying, Selling
Posted on: 24 April, 2020
Conveyancing Update: The emerging digital auction market in Queensland Due to on-site and in-room au..... Read more
Category: Residential, Buying, Selling
Posted on: 17 April, 2020
IMPORTANT NOTE – COVID-19 PANDEMIC: Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic we advise that if you..... Read more
Category: Residential, Buying, Selling
Posted on: 09 April, 2020
Steps to Signing a House and Land Contract in Brisbane If you are considering a move to the sunshine..... Read more
Category: Residential, Buying, Selling
Posted on: 02 January, 2020
When do you need to organise home insurance on a new house? If you have newly signed a contract for ..... Read more
Category: Residential, Buying, Selling
Posted on: 13 November, 2019
Combining Dutiable Transactions The transfer duty on multiple dutiable transactions must be added t..... Read more
Category: Residential, Buying, Selling
Posted on: 01 October, 2019
We’ve compiled our conveyancing buyer's information for finance approval but don’t hesitate to conta..... Read more
Category: Residential, Buying, Selling
Posted on: 11 June, 2019
The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (‘FHLDS’) was announced during the recent Federal election. The n..... Read more
Category: Residential, Buying