QLD buyer-side body corporate (strata) conveyancing checklist
Queensland strata purchases are governed by the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997. The seller’s section 206 disclosure statement is the gateway to the body corporate. This checklist is for QLD solicitors acting for purchasers of lots in community title schemes.
This is a 12-step Queensland buyer-side conveyancing checklist for body corporate (strata) lots. It covers the section 206 disclosure statement, Community Management Statement, levies, sinking fund, by-laws, insurance, and settlement.
The checklist
Review the section 206 disclosure statement
Confirm the disclosure statement is attached to or given before the contract is signed and lists levies, insurance, and proceedings.
Obtain and review the CMS
Read the Community Management Statement for the scheme to understand lot entitlements, by-laws, and exclusive use areas.
Order a body corporate records search
Request a full search of the body corporate records — minutes, financials, insurance, and correspondence.
Check levies and arrears against the lot
Confirm current administrative and sinking fund levies, any arrears, and pending special levies.
Review the sinking fund forecast
Check the 10-year sinking fund forecast is current and identify major works scheduled within 3–5 years.
Review by-laws for lot use restrictions
Check by-laws on pets, short-term letting, renovations, parking, and commercial use against the buyer’s intended use.
Confirm building insurance cover
Verify the body corporate building insurance is current, with an adequate sum insured and public liability cover.
Assess the 5 business day cooling-off
Advise the buyer on the 5 business day cooling-off period and the 0.25% termination penalty if exercised.
Calculate transfer duty and concessions
Calculate QLD transfer duty and assess any home concession, first home concession, or off-the-plan concession.
Order land tax and body corporate clearance
Request land tax clearance from the Commissioner and a body corporate information certificate for adjustments.
Prepare Form 1 Transfer and PEXA workspace
Draft the Form 1 Transfer, complete VOI and client authorisation, and load PEXA for electronic settlement.
Notify body corporate post-settlement
Lodge the notice of transfer with the body corporate manager and confirm title registration with Titles Queensland.
When this checklist applies
Use for every Queensland residential purchase of a lot in a body corporate — units, townhouses, and community title schemes.
Common pitfalls
- Not checking the section 206 disclosure was given before signing — grounds for termination
- Missing a struck special levy or sinking fund shortfall
- Overlooking by-law restrictions on pets or short-term letting
- Relying on an out-of-date body corporate information certificate
- Missing the 30 day body corporate transfer notification
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio reviews QLD disclosure statements and body corporate records, flags levy arrears and by-law issues, and prepares transfer documents on a live matter. See /practice-areas/property-lawyers or start a free trial.
General guidance for QLD body corporate buyer matters. Adapt for layered schemes, community titles schemes under the BUGTA module, or commercial lots.
Use this checklist on your matter.
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