The world of property law in Australia is always changing. From new laws to transformations in how things are done. For the modern lawyer, keeping up with these fundamental updates isn’t just an advantage – it’s a must. If you are a property lawyer, whether in private practice or working in-house, navigating this dynamic landscape relies on up-to-date content, and genuinely practical resources, that you can trust.
What has changed recently in property law in Queensland
The Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) which commenced on 1 August 2025, marks the most significant reform to Queensland property law in 50 years. The key changes include:
Mandatory Seller Disclosure Regime: A major new requirement introduces a mandatory seller disclosure regime for freehold land. This consolidates existing statutory and contractual requirements, ensuring buyers receive crucial property information before purchase.
Modernisation and Removal of Outdated Provisions: Outdated provisions relating to unregistered or ‘old system’ land, and property settlement in de facto relationships, have been removed.
This Act clarifies and improves existing property laws in several areas addressing uncertainties and reflecting modern practices. These include:
• An updated legal framework for electronic property transactions, electronic notice provisions and the electronic creation and signing of deeds.
• Substantial clarification and modernisation to provisions relating to leases.
• Clarification of mortgagee powers and mortgagor protections.
• Enhanced enforcement of easement covenants.
• Improved provisions dealing with support for land and building between neighbouring land.
• Simplification and updating of the common law rule against perpetuities.
The need for up-to-date and accurate property law information
These changes mean there’s an immediate need for reliable up-to-date sources of information. Thomson Reuters’ ability to rapidly update and publish this crucial information is testament to our agile and dedicated approach, ensuring subscribers have access always to current and compliant resources from day one.
We have a strong commitment to being current and correct, with our internal and external team of expert lawyers actively monitoring case law, legislation and regulatory updates across Australia and proactively identifying any changes that could impact property law. This proactive approach also ensures you stay up-to-date on evolving industry practices, thanks to their extensive experience as lawyers and their professional networks.
“The implementation of the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) was a huge project,” notes Sally Kim, Senior Lawyer Writer in Commercial Real Estate. “It necessitated substantial and comprehensive amendments to over 100 existing documents within our Commercial Real Estate content set and the creation of several new ones.”
Thomson Reuters comprehensive update means that property lawyers in Queensland, and across Australia, can rely on Westlaw and Practical Law Australia for accurate and up-to-date guidance on these important legislative changes.
Built by experts, for you
When it comes to authoritative legal content that you can trust, Thomson Reuters sets the standard. Renowned experts like Bill Duncan and Sharon Christensen who are on the editorial team were both commissioned by the Queensland Attorney General’s to modernise the Property Law Act 1974. The resulting Act has been expertly annotated in Westlaw by Bill Duncan, Anne Wallace and Sharon Christensen, providing you with unparalleled insight.
With a dedicated team of seasoned property law specialists both internally and externally, there is a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience from leading Australian universities and law firms directly at your fingertips. Their approach isn’t just theoretical; it’s based on real-world challenges and demands faced by lawyers every day.
“Our aim is to bridge the gap between complex legal principles and practical application. We use our collective experience to create content that isn’t just theoretically sound, but genuinely useful in solving the day-to-day challenges property lawyer’s encounter.” explains Christine Gray, Head of Commercial Real Estate at Practical Law Australia
Your competitive edge
For property lawyers seeking to confidently navigate changes in Australian property law, Westlaw and Practical Law Australia offers more than just information; it offers a competitive advantage. They are dynamic, extensive and expertly curated resources that understand the demands of your practice and helps you deliver exceptional legal services. In an ever-evolving legal landscape, having a reliable and proactive partner like Westlaw and Practical Law Australia is not just a convenience – it’s a smart and essential step for your professional success.
Click here to request a demo and/or short-term complimentary access to Westlaw or Practical Law Australia to see and use these new property legislative updates, guidance notes and templates.
Expert Westlaw property editorial team
Martina Vascotto Publishing editor, Thomson Reuters
Bill Duncan Emeritus Professor, QUT
Sharon Christensen Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Law QUT and the Gadens Professor in Property Law
Anne Wallace Adjunct Associate professor, QUT
Dr Chris Boge Special Counsel, Clayton Utz
Expert Practical Law Commercial Real Estate editorial team
Christine Gray Senior managing editor, PLA Commercial Real Estate
Sally Kim Senior legal editor, PLA Commercial Real Estate
Michelle Tat Senior legal editor, PLA Commercial Real Estate
