Can Real Estate Agents Work on ANZAC Day in QLD?

If you’re buying or selling property in Queensland this April, there’s something you need to know about ANZAC Day and real estate in QLD. Real estate agents are legally banned from conducting any sales activity on ANZAC Day – and this year, it falls on a Saturday.

That means no open homes, no auctions, and no private inspections on the 25th of April 2026. It’s one of the few days of the year where the property market goes completely quiet.

Here’s what that means for you – and what to do about it.

TLDR: Real estate agents in QLD are legally banned from all sales activity on ANZAC Day – no open homes, auctions, or inspections. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday (the biggest day for property), so expect open homes to shift to Sunday. If you’ve got a contract deadline on the 25th, check with your solicitor now. No substitute Monday public holiday in QLD.

What Are the Rules Around ANZAC Day and Real Estate in QLD?

Under section 34 of the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990, real estate agencies in Queensland are classified as an “office” and are prohibited from conducting business related to property sales on ANZAC Day.

That doesn’t just mean the office doors are shut. It means agents can’t hold open homes, run auctions, conduct private inspections, or even respond to emails and phone calls about sales. The restriction covers any work – whether it’s in the office or done remotely from home.

The one exception? Property management and leasing. Agencies can still deal with rental matters on ANZAC Day – but anything to do with buying or selling is completely off limits.

Why Does It Matter More This Year?

ANZAC Day 2026 falls on Saturday the 25th of April. Saturday is the biggest day of the week for open homes and auctions across Queensland – so this year’s shutdown hits right at the busiest time.

If you’re a buyer, expect open homes to shift to Sunday the 26th of April. Some agents may also bring inspections forward to Friday the 24th. Auction campaigns that would normally wrap up on that Saturday may push back a week or adjust their schedule.

If you’re a seller, talk to your agent early about how they’re planning to manage the weekend. A quick conversation now saves confusion later.

And for anyone watching the Brisbane or Gold Coast markets closely – don’t mistake a quiet ANZAC Day weekend for a slowdown. It’s just the law doing its thing.

What About Contract Deadlines?

This is where it gets important for anyone mid-transaction. If you have a contract with a deadline falling on Saturday the 25th of April, you need to check with your solicitor about how public holidays affect your timeframes.

Things like building and pest inspection periods, finance deadlines, and sunset dates can all be impacted. In most cases, if a deadline falls on a public holiday, it rolls to the next business day – but don’t assume. Every contract is different, and the safest move is to get proper legal advice before a deadline sneaks up on you.

If you’re working with Empire Legal, we’ll flag these dates for you as part of our standard contract review. It’s exactly the kind of thing we keep an eye on so you don’t have to.

We cover this kind of thing every year – for more on how public holidays affect property transactions, check out our Easter and ANZAC Day 2024 guide.

Does Queensland Get a Public Holiday on the Monday?

No. Unlike New South Wales, the ACT, and Western Australia, Queensland does not get a substitute public holiday on Monday the 27th of April. In QLD, a substitute Monday only applies when ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday – which won’t happen until 2027.

So for Queenslanders, ANZAC Day is observed on the Saturday and that’s it. Real estate agents are back to business as usual on Sunday the 26th.

Need Help With Your Property Transaction?

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling, or just trying to figure out how a public holiday affects your contract – we’re here to help. Our team of solicitors and experienced paralegals handle property transactions across Queensland every single day (except ANZAC Day, obviously).

Get in touch with Empire Legal here or call us on 07 3088 7675. We’re open 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions About ANZAC Day Real Estate in QLD

Can agents do open homes on ANZAC Day in QLD?

No. Real estate agents in Queensland are prohibited from conducting open homes, auctions, or any property sales activity on ANZAC Day. This is mandated by section 34 of the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990. Agents cannot even respond to sales-related phone calls or emails on this day.

Is ANZAC Day 2026 on a Saturday?

Yes. ANZAC Day 2026 falls on Saturday the 25th of April. Because Saturday is the biggest day for open homes and auctions in Queensland, this means the usual weekend property activity will be significantly disrupted.

Do QLD workers get Monday off for ANZAC Day 2026?

No. Queensland only provides a substitute Monday public holiday when ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday. In 2026, it falls on a Saturday, so there is no additional public holiday on the Monday.

What happens if my contract deadline falls on ANZAC Day?

If a contract deadline falls on a public holiday, it may roll to the next business day – but this depends on the specific terms of your contract. Contact your solicitor to confirm how your deadlines are affected. Empire Legal reviews these dates as part of every contract.

Can property managers work on ANZAC Day in QLD?

Yes. The trading restriction only applies to the sales side of real estate. Property management and leasing activities are permitted on ANZAC Day in Queensland.

Contact Empire Legal today for help with your property transaction.