After careful thought and consideration, you have come to the decision to put your home up for sale. With so many different things to consider during this process, it is easy to overlook certain aspects.
Before putting your home on the market, it’s essential to conduct a thorough electrical compliance check to avoid potential legal issues, ensure the safety of future occupants, and streamline the selling process. To make the process easier on yourself here’s our comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the process.
What are the electrical requirements for selling a house in Queensland?
It is a legal requirement when selling your home in QLD to have both Safety Switches and Photoelectric, Interconnected Smoke Alarms installed prior to sale. This is something as the seller, you need to declare on the Form 24 (QLD Transfer of Title Form) and The Contract of Sale.
Can you sell a house in QLD without a safety switch?
Short answer, No
It is a legal requirement that all homes built after 1992 must have safety switches installed. If your home is older, you might still consider having them installed so that the buyer can not use it as a reason to negotiate the sale price, as it then becomes their legal requirement to have one installed within 3 months of purchase.
Do you need smoke alarms to sell a house in Queensland?
Absolutely.
Legally, all homes or units being sold require photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms. These alarms can be hardwired or have a non-removable 10-year battery, as long as the alarm itself complies with Australian Standard 3786:2014. All alarms must be interconnected, so if one goes off, they all activate together.
As the seller, you can not avoid this obligation and must comply with the minimum standards. Failing to comply is an offence, even if you disclose it – you can be fined (even once the property has been sold).
Non-compliance is something a buyer can use to negotiate the sale price as they may be entitled to a 0.15% adjustment of the purchase price (in their favour).
To demonstrate:
- For a selling price of $750,000, that is $1125
- For a selling price of $900,000 that is $1350
- For a selling price of $1,500,000 that is $2250
Hint – Smoke Alarms cost less than that!
Queensland Smoke Alarm Requirements
Legislation requires smoke alarms to be installed in the following places:
- In every bedroom,
- In hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling,
- On each level of the home.
This new legislation came into effect in January 2022 so if you bought your house prior to then, there is a chance it is no longer compliant.
When a contract of sale is signed after the 31/12/21, the seller is obligated to upgrade the dwelling to the updated interconnected domestic smoke alarm standard prior to the dwelling being transferred.
Do I need a Compliance Certificate when selling in QLD?
As the seller, you do not need to provide a certificate of compliance for your smoke alarms, you only need to tick the relevant box in the paperwork. However, as mentioned previously, it is an offence to have non-compliant alarms and is your responsibility to ensure compliance is met. The buyer is also entitled to have a qualified inspector check the compliance of smoke alarms (separate to any building and pest condition).
Can you do your own electrical work in Queensland?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
The installation of Safety Switches and Smoke Alarms is considered electrical work and therefore can only be performed by a licenced electrician.
The Electrical Safety Office states very clearly:
“A person who performs electrical work in Queensland must have an electrical work licence authorising the work. Licensed electrical workers are required by law to ensure electrical work is performed in accordance with legislative requirements and any applicable codes of practice and technical standards.”
DIY electrical work is regarded as unlicensed electrical work, which is illegal, and has penalties of up to $40,000 for individuals.
Make sure your electrician has the correct licence here
Benefits of Ensuring Electrical Compliance Before Selling Your Home
By now you know the legal reasons for ensuring your home meets compliance standards before selling but there are more reasons than just following legal requirements.
Addressing compliance issues proactively streamlines the selling process by eliminating potential roadblocks and delays. Although Certificates of Compliance are not required, having documentation available instils confidence in prospective buyers and their parties, facilitating a smoother transaction.
Additionally, having an electrically compliant home reduces the risk of electrical accidents and hazards, safeguarding the well-being of occupants and minimising the likelihood of property damage. Prioritising safety enhances the desirability and marketability of your home. It can also contribute to a higher market value and attract more discerning buyers. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties that are up to date with safety and compliance.
Conducting a Pre-Sale Electrical Compliance Check
Here at My Brisbane Electrician, we strongly believe just because something is legally required, it does not mean it needs to be costly. We have seen firsthand many customers obtaining quotes from other companies for smoke alarms or safety switches prior to selling and quite frankly, being straight up taken advantage of.
We believe electrical safety and compliance is essential, not a privilege. Therefore, we ensure it is affordable for everyone. Especially in the lead up to selling when there are already so many other things that cost money.
We proudly offer a FREE On-site Compliance & Safety Check. During which we check all compliance requirements of your house and advise you of anything that needs actioning. We also look for other safety issues that you may encounter while preparing the house for sale and moving and how to stay safe.
Successfully Selling Your Home in Queensland
Regardless of how long you have lived in your home, no doubt the decision to sell wasn’t easy or without a mix of emotions. However, alongside the emotional journey, there are practical considerations that cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to electrical compliance when selling your home in Queensland.
Before putting your property on the market, it’s essential to conduct a thorough electrical compliance check to avoid potential legal issues, ensure the safety of future occupants, and streamline the selling process.