Qld sunset clause: What it means, how it works and case studies

The sunset clause continues to cause angst between those involved in the building industry. Here’s what it all means. 8 min read

July 22, 2025 - 9:13AM Courier Mail

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In Queensland real estate, a sunset clause is a provision in a contract — typically found in off-the-plan property sales — that sets a deadline by which certain conditions must be met.

In July 2025 it was revealed apartment developers were cancelling contracts across the state under legally-fine but morally-ambiguous sunset clauses, leaving some buyers to take matters into their own hands.

The sunset clause conditions are usually:

■ the property must be completed, and

■ settlement must occur by a specific date.

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