The QLD property industry is about to shut down from 25 Dec 2025 to 1 Jan 2026 inclusive - and this year, the new Seller Disclosure (Form 2) rules mean delays are likely.
At Empire Legal, we’re staying open (except for the mandatory shutdown days), but banks, councils, search providers and other solicitors may not be...
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Hi everybody - George Sourris, Empire Legal.
Today's topic: QLD's Holiday deals need holiday prep - your Xmas shutdown cheat sheet
Every year as December rolls around, the entire property industry in Queensland slows right down. Councils close, banks reduce staff, search providers run skeleton crews, and even though contracts are still being signed, things just don't move at the same pace. And this year with the Form 2 sellers disclosure becoming part of everyday life, timing matters more than ever.
So, let's talk about how the upcoming 2025/2026 Christmas shutdown affects turnaround times, what it means for both standard and off-the-plan matters, and how Empire Legal is planning ahead to keep your files moving along smoothly. The reality is, at the time of publishing this blog, Christmas is exactly two weeks away. Wild hey?! And as we know, that means the annual industry shutdown.
The dates that you need to know.
Across the industry, the break runs from Thursday 25th of December 2025 to Thursday 1st of January, 2026, inclusive. Our office closes at 12:00 PM on Wednesday 24th of December (Christmas Eve), and we reopen at 9:00 AM on Friday the 2nd of January 2026. Outside of these mandatory dates that the industry is shut, Empire Legal will still be operating.
We factor in delays caused by third party shutdowns. Banks, councils, body corporate managers, search providers, certifiers and even developers have reduced capacity during this window, and that affects how quickly things like Form 2 sellers disclosure with their searches come back.
Form 2 + Christmas = uncharted territory for turnaround times.
As we all know, Form 2 has changed the way contracts are prepared. It requires more documents, more coordination, more planning, more back and forth before a contract can be signed. Add a Christmas shutdown into the mix, and the reality is some certificates may take longer than usual to return, and certain departments may not release documents until they return to work in the new year. This means that urgent requests may simply not be possible.
That is why for the next fortnight, until Christmas, we will be quoting ad hoc turnaround times on our Form 2's. Not to be vague, but in fact the exact opposite. To be realistic about turnaround times with our referral partners and clients.
At Empire Legal, we will always tell the truth upfront, and be realistic with timeframes. We're not in the business of overpromising and then being unable to deliver because the entire industry winds down. But don't worry, we will still move as fast as we can, communicating openly with all parties to make sure we don't slow down your property's buying or selling journey.
If you're selling and planning on launching a property in December or January, right now is the best time to have your Form 2 sellers disclosure prepared. We have a link in the blog to see our pricing, and instruct us to get started right away.
Off-the-plan matters aren't immune either.
Even though off-the-plan contracts don't use Form 2, they still rely on titles office processing, developer releases, council approvals, plan registrations, bank settlement teams, and solicitors. All of these areas slow down over the festive period. So whether you're buying, or you're a developer, you'll benefit from the extra buffer time and early communication.
Our team will keep you up to date around the break so that you know exactly what to expect. If you're planning to buy off-the-plan and need advice, you should engage us to get the ball rolling on this advice as soon as possible, so you don't have to deal with the pressure of signing without legal advice over the break.
What Empire Legal is doing for you.
Now, this is the part that matters most. Despite the industry taking a break, Empire Legal isn't disappearing. Here's how we're supporting you. Business as usual, before and after the mandatory shutdown dates. Fast quoting, but with honest, realistic turnaround times that won't elevate your cortisol levels, and clear communication for anthe link's herey third party delays if they may arise.
We've handled well over 12,000 matters across Queensland. We know how December can blow out timeframes. Our goal is to make sure your matter doesn't fall into this trap. No stress - smooth sailing, that's our motto here. So to wrap up, if you're planning to sign a contract, you need help with the Form 2, or you're planning to sign an off-the-plan contract, right now is the time to talk to us.
The industry might slow down, but we don't. Our team is here to guide you, protect you, and keep everything moving as smoothly and as quickly as possible throughout the Christmas break.
By the way, we have a related blog/video - here is the link - explaining additional things you need to look out for regarding the Christmas shutdown dates.
Happy holidays guys. We're nearly there - only two weeks to go until Santa is coming down the chimney. We'll see you all again for a big 2026.
Any questions, get in touch. Give us a like, give us a follow. Or if you have a client that needs help, send them our way. Thanks again, guys. Have a great day.
What you want when you're picking a provider to work with is a trusted choice. If you're thinking about engaging someone else, just Google them. Read their reviews. That'll be the true test, what the public says about that company. All the information you need to get started is on our website. Check out our Instagram and if we look like a good fit for your brand, all you need to do is refer us to your clients and we'll take care of the rest.
Guys, that's it for this week. Hope you learned a thing or two. Please feel free to get in touch if you've got any questions. Empire Legal - happy to help. Queensland's trusted choice for conveyancing. Over 2,800 Google reviews with a five star average. There's not many firms out there that have that five star average. With that many reviews, guys, and not to mention over 12,000 deals settled. Thanks guys. We'll see you next week.
Finally, if you haven't heard, we've launched our podcast. It's called Raising the Bar, where we story tell excellence in Queensland property. Here is the link to listen. If you prefer to watch, here is the YouTube link.
Also, stay up to date with our miniseries on Seller's Disclosure.
Thanks guys. We'll see you next week!
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Ladies and gentlemen, please keep in mind that all advice is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. This is authorised by George Sourris, Empire Legal, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Note: all information is general in nature and as each matter is unique please contact our office for tailored advices: the above does not constitute legal advice.