Do I Need to Register a Power of Attorney to Sell on the Gold Coast?
The short answer is yes. If you’re acting on someone else’s behalf to sell their property, Queensland law requires the power of attorney to be officially registered with Titles Queensland before the sale can go ahead.
If you’re helping someone sell their property on the Gold Coast, like an ageing parent or a family member, using a power of attorney, you might be wondering: do I need to register it with the Titles Office?
When a Power of Attorney Must Be Registered
If you’re handling a land transaction (like selling a house or unit) as someone’s attorney, that authority needs to be recorded. It isn’t enough just to hold the document, it has to be registered with Titles Queensland.
To be accepted, the power of attorney must include permission to deal with financial matters. If it only covers health or personal decisions, it won’t be valid for a property sale.
What You’ll Need to Register a Power of Attorney
If you’re preparing to lodge a power of attorney for registration, here’s what to include:
- A completed Form 16, Request to Register Power of Attorney
- The original or a certified copy of the general or enduring power of attorney
- Payment (fees vary – see below)
You can lodge everything by post or drop it off in person at Titles Queensland’s Brisbane office (they no longer provide face-to-face counter service).
Fees and How to Pay
The exact fee depends on the situation, but you can use the Titles Queensland fee calculator to get an estimate.
Payments can be made by:
- Credit card (Visa or Mastercard only – no AMEX)
- Cheque or money order, payable to Queensland Titles Registry Pty Ltd
Be sure to include a completed credit card payment form or cheque/money order with your documents.
What Happens After You Lodge
Once your application is received, Titles Queensland will:
- Check the paperwork to make sure everything is in order.
- Register the power of attorney if all requirements are met.
- Send a confirmation, either by email or post, depending on the contact details you provided.
If something is missing or incorrect, they’ll send a requisition notice explaining what needs to be fixed.
Most registrations are completed within 3 to 5 business days, provided the forms are filled out correctly.
Double-Check the Lodgement Order
If you’re lodging multiple forms or dealing with more than one transaction, the order they’re submitted in matters. Titles Queensland won’t fix the order for you, that’s up to the lodger. If it’s incorrect, it may be sent back for correction.
Can You Get Help?
Titles Queensland can explain what is required, but they can’t offer personalised legal advice. If you’re unsure about your responsibilities or the details of the power of attorney, it’s wise to speak with a solicitor before lodging anything.
Registering the Authority is a Crucial First Step
If you’re acting under power of attorney to sell a home on the Gold Coast, registering that authority is a crucial first step, and one you don’t want to overlook. It’s all part of making sure everything runs smoothly when it’s time to sell.
If you’ve got questions about this process or you’re not sure where to begin, I’m happy to talk things through with you. Whether you’re planning ahead or you’re ready to sell, feel free to reach out for a friendly, no-pressure chat.
Need Help Understanding the Next Step?
Contact me for a quick, honest conversation, no pushy sales talk, just solid advice about selling your Gold Coast property.
Author – Craig Douglas
Please Note: The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The laws and regulations governing the sale of property in Queensland are complex and constantly changing. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified property lawyer or conveyancer before making any decisions about the sale of your property. This document does not take into account your individual circumstances and may not apply to your situation. By reading this document you agree that you have not relied on the information contained herein and that you will seek independent legal advice before taking any action.
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Phone me now, Craig Douglas 0418 189 963
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Some of the suburbs that I proudly sell homes in:
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This page was proudly created by Craig Douglas, your local independent Gold Coast real estate agent, working for a Boutique Real Estate Agency. Selling residential and commercial properties, from those that are awe-inspiring, through to a diamond-in-the-rough, otherwise known as a “renovator’s delight“.
I negotiate and sell on behalf of property owners who want to get the best possible price, with the least amount of hassle. Let’s talk about the process of selling your property over a coffee to get you started – 0418 189 963
