Queensland’s 2026–27 fee-unit value changes the prescribed body corporate certificate fees for requests made from 1 July 2026.
Last updated: August 2026
Since 1 August 2025, Queensland’s property disclosure regime has operated under the Property Law Act 2023. Supporting these changes is the Body Corporate Certificate Fees Amendment Regulation 2025, which introduces new prescribed fees for obtaining a body corporate certificate.
This certificate is now a mandatory disclosure document when selling an existing lot in a community titles scheme, such as a unit, apartment, or townhouse in a complex governed by the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (BCCM Act) or the Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 (BUGTA).
At Ensure Legal, we break down what these changes mean for real estate transactions in Queensland.
📌 Overview of the New Fees
From 1 August 2025, the following prescribed fees apply for a body corporate certificate:
| Request Type | Fee Units | Fee (at $1.133/unit, rounded under the statutory rules) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial request | 76.75 units | $86.95 |
| Repeat request (within 3 months) | 65.24 units | $73.90 |
| Expedited 24-hour turnaround | 27.35 units | $31.00 (refundable if not met) |
🔍 Key Implications for Sellers, Buyers & Industry Stakeholders
1. Mandatory for All Existing Lot Sales
The body corporate certificate becomes a prescribed certificate under the seller disclosure regime. Sellers must include this document before a buyer signs a contract—failure to do so may grant the buyer a termination right at any time before settlement.
✅ Implication: Increased legal risk for non-compliant sellers and agents.
2. More Pressure on Sale Timelines
With prescribed deadlines and additional fees for urgent 24-hour turnaround, timing is now critical. A delayed certificate could:
- Push back a contract execution;
- Result in the loss of a buyer;
- Trigger a refund obligation for the $30 express fee.
✅ Implication: Sellers and agents must plan earlier and factor in certificate lead times.
3. Higher Costs in Multi-lot Developments
Developers or sellers listing multiple lots simultaneously may need to order several certificates. Even with the discounted repeat fee, costs can quickly accumulate.
✅ Implication: Budgeting for body corporate certificate fees is now an essential part of contract preparation.
4. Compliance Risk for Agents
Agents and conveyancers acting on behalf of sellers must ensure that certificate requests are accurate, timely, and the correct fees are paid. Missing this step could leave agents liable for professional negligence.
✅ Implication: More responsibility placed on selling agents and legal representatives.
5. Buyer Due Diligence Strengthened
Buyers now receive a standardised, fee-regulated certificate as part of the disclosure. This enhances their ability to:
- Understand current levies and contributions;
- See any special levies, disputes, or insurance coverage;
- Identify whether the body corporate is financially healthy.
✅ Implication: Buyers are better protected and more empowered to negotiate or withdraw.
6. Administrative Burden on Body Corporates
Bodies corporate and strata managers must be prepared for an increased volume of certificate requests, particularly in high-turnover complexes. The new regulation requires faster processing and mandates refunds if timeframes aren’t met.
✅ Implication: Bodies corporate should review internal processes and staffing ahead of August.
Need Help Navigating the 1 August Seller Disclosure Reforms?
Ensure Legal’s property law team specialises in strata-title sales, off-the-plan contracts, and compliance with Queensland’s seller disclosure legislation. Whether you’re a developer, homeowner, or investor, our lawyers ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly and lawfully.
📞 Contact Ensure Legal today to review your contract templates, disclosure workflows, and compliance policies.
