7 Things to Check Before Signing a Contract in Queensland

You found the property. You made the offer. Everyone is excited.

And then someone sends you a contract full of clauses, dates and conditions and asks you to sign it.

Before you do, here are 7 things worth checking first.

1. Are your details actually correct?

Start with the simple stuff. Check the names of all parties, the property address, purchase price and any other important details.

It might sound obvious, but fixing an error before signing is usually much easier than dealing with it afterwards.

2. Is your finance condition right for you?

If you need finance to complete the purchase, make sure the contract includes an appropriate finance condition. Pay particular attention to the finance date. You need enough time to apply for finance, provide the lender with what they need and receive approval. Pre-approval doesn't necessarily mean your finance is unconditional, so don't assume you're covered.

3. What about building & pest?

That beautiful kitchen doesn't tell you what's happening underneath the house. If your contract is subject to a building and pest inspection, check the inspection date and understand exactly what the condition allows you to do. If the inspection identifies an issue, speak to your solicitor before negotiating, terminating or agreeing to anything.

4. What's included in the sale?

Dishwasher? Curtains? Pool equipment? That suspiciously expensive-looking outdoor fridge? If there are fixtures, fittings or other items you expect to remain at the property, make sure the contract properly reflects what's included. Don't rely on assumptions or conversations you've had during the inspection.

5. When is settlement?

Your settlement date is more than just key day. It affects when you need your funds ready, your lender's timeline and when you can actually take ownership of the property. Before signing, make sure the proposed date works for you and everyone involved in your purchase.

6. Are there any special conditions?

This is where things can get interesting. Special conditions can change how the standard contract operates and may create additional obligations, deadlines or consequences. If there's wording you don't understand, don't guess what it means. Ask. A five-minute question before signing can be much easier than trying to solve a problem afterwards.

7. Has your solicitor reviewed it?

Possibly the most important one. A property contract isn't just paperwork between you and the seller. Once signed, it can create legally binding obligations and important deadlines.

Having a solicitor review the contract before you sign means you can understand what you're agreeing to, identify potential issues and ask questions while there is still time to address them.

Found the property? Before you sign, talk to us.

Buying property should feel exciting, not like you're trying to decode a legal document on your phone while the agent waits for an answer.

At Jet Legal, we offer complimentary contract reviews to our clients, giving you direct access to a solicitor who can review the contract and explain what you need to know before you sign.

The house might be right. Let's make sure the contract is too.