This information has been provided by Australian Conveyancing Services and is applicable in Queensland only.
From 1 January 2010 all Sellers of Queensland Houses and
Units/Townhouses must complete a sustainability declaration before listing their
House or Unit/Townhouse. A sustainability declaration is a declaration provided
by the Seller which informs the Buyer about the sustainability features of a
property in four key areas:
- energy;
- water;
- access; and
- safety.
The declaration must be available for prospective Buyers to see, and be provided
to the final Buyer. Sellers who listed prior to 01/01/10 but whose property is
still not sold will also need to complete the Sustainability Declaration.
Key features include:
- Sellers need to advise potential Buyers of the availability of
the Declaration in advertising (there are some exceptions).
- Sellers need to display the Sustainability Declaration at open
houses.
- There is a penalty of up to $2,000 for non-compliance which can
be imposed by the local authority (but the Buyer cannot terminate the Contract).
- A Seller who does not complete or falsely completes a
Sustainability Declaration may be liable to a Buyer for any loss/expense
incurred by the Buyer as a result.
The Quicklaw DIY conveyancing service for Qld sellers and buyers contains a full
description of what is required, along with the Sustainability declaration and
instructions on how to complete it. To purchase the Quicklaw conveyance service
click here.
