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When a house is listed for sale, a whirlwind of activity ensues behind the scenes as countless professionals work to secure the right buyer.
Between real estate agents, auctioneers, insurers, valuers, lenders, conveyancers, brokers, and the buyers themselves, a host of legal agreements and contracts are busy at work in the background.
This is because a great deal of money is at stake when selling a property, and the entire process can take weeks, months, or even years – particularly in the dynamic 2025 market.
A beautifully presented home can make all the difference between a quick sale and a “for sale” sign that lingers longer than expected. In today’s competitive environment, every detail matters.
As a Property Stylist, you play a crucial role in ensuring that every element of a home’s presentation is flawless – and that includes having your legal documentation in top-notch condition.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started in the Property Styling space, you might be asking yourself: What kind of contract do I really need? Can I draft it myself? What risks might I face if I get it wrong? And should I have it professionally done?
Don’t stress! In this article, we’ve done the homework for you, updating everything to reflect the latest legal landscape in 2025.
Legals For New Businesses
When you run any business, there’s a checklist of legals that you need to consider. This isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about protecting your business and your reputation.
- Deciding on your business structure – whether you’re operating as a sole trader or setting up a company. (Learn more about operating as a sole trader or explore sole trader vs company options.)
- Ensuring your brand name is protected and that your intellectual property is secure. (Protect your trade mark with the right legal advice.)
- Having written agreements in place for your employees and contractors. (Review employment contracts to ensure compliance.)
These considerations, among others, are comprehensively covered in Sprintlaw’s Business Legals 101 guide, which you can find here.
For Property Stylists, one of the most important questions to ask is: are your contracts robust and current?
Do I Need A Contract?
A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that outlines the specific terms and conditions of their arrangement. It can be in writing, oral, or a combination of both – as long as there is a clear offer and an acceptance. You can read more about the basics of contracts here.
So, yes – you absolutely need a contract to clearly set out the terms and conditions of your Property Styling business.
Why is this so essential?
Simply put, a well-drafted contract protects you from liabilities and potential disputes down the track. It can save your business a lot of stress, time, and money.
As a Property Stylist, there are two main contracts you should consider – one for your customers and one for your suppliers.
1. Customer Contract
Your primary contract should be with your customers. In the property styling arena, your customers are typically real estate agents and home sellers, each of whom require a clear, enforceable agreement to define the terms of your service.
This contract is usually referred to as a Property Styling Service Agreement. While you can call this agreement by various names, the key is that once it’s correctly executed, it serves as a legally binding contract protecting all parties.
The Agreement will include several important clauses to shield you from liability. For instance, it should clearly outline:
- What happens if any furniture or equipment is stolen, or if someone is injured due to the items you introduce to the property?
- Who is held responsible for any damages that occur within the property?
- The steps to take if the customer fails to pay invoiced amounts.
- Whether you could be held legally accountable if the work is deemed unsatisfactory or if there is non-cooperation from the customer’s side.
Without clearly spelled out terms, disagreements can escalate and eventually cost your business dearly. For additional insights into drafting solid agreements, check our Contract Drafting resource.
2. Supplier Contract
Next, you need a contract with your suppliers. When staging a property to maximise its appeal, your service often comes in the form of a package that might include furniture, paint, floor coverings, and even gardening supplies.
All these items come from various suppliers, and each supplier relationship should be governed by a robust Supply Agreement that outlines the terms of your arrangement.
But complications can arise if the terms of your Supply Agreement conflict with those in your Property Styling Service Agreement. It’s essential that any risks and liabilities agreed upon with your suppliers mirror those with your customers – what are known as “back to back” contracts.
For example, if your Supply Agreement makes you liable for damages to the furniture you hire, your Services Agreement with your customers should clearly pass on that liability. Otherwise, you could find yourself caught in a gap that exposes you to undue risk.
Having your Supply Agreement reviewed by a lawyer ensures that you’re not inadvertently assuming liabilities that aren’t reflected in your customer agreements. This alignment is critical in the ever-evolving legal landscape of 2025.
Why Is A Contract Important For Me?
A legal contract is the lifeblood of any business. For Property Stylists, this means that every agreement you enter into – whether with customers or suppliers – must be airtight.
In 2025, with rapidly changing market dynamics and emerging digital trends, ensuring your contracts are up-to-date is more important than ever. For instance, a well-drafted “limitation of liability” clause in your Property Styling Service Agreement can protect you from claims that might arise from unforeseen issues.
Having robust agreements in place not only minimises disputes but also clarifies each party’s responsibilities, whether regarding payment, timing, or the quality of service. This clarity is key to keeping your business stress-free and running smoothly.
You might think, “I’ll probably never need to go to court, so why bother with such formalities?” The truth is, even if major disputes never occur, having everything clearly documented helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Can I Write The Contract Myself?
It might seem straightforward to crack open your laptop and draft a contract on your own. This is a great starting point – brainstorming all the critical terms and conditions you want in your agreement is essential.
Your next step, however, should be to consult a lawyer. A legal professional will ensure that your contract contains all the necessary legal ingredients and that there are no loopholes that could later render the agreement unenforceable.
If you attempt to write the contract yourself without professional input, you risk having an agreement that might not be legally binding. This could leave you exposed if a customer or supplier decides to breach the contract.
For example, our comprehensive guide to contracts explains why professional legal advice is critical to closing those potential gaps.
How Do I Know Whether My Contract Is Legally Binding? Is Wet Ink Necessary?
An agreement becomes a contract when it is “legally binding” – meaning that its terms can be enforced under Australian contract law.
Under contract law, a binding contract requires both an “offer” and “acceptance”. Traditionally, signing a document in wet ink has been the norm to indicate acceptance; however, that isn’t the only way to establish a binding agreement in 2025.
There are alternative methods available today, including:
1. E-signatures
Many businesses have embraced digital transformation by switching to e-signatures, which are now widely accepted as legally binding across Australia. If you want to learn more about the benefits and legal considerations of e-signatures, check out our article on why you should use e-signatures.
2. Implied Acceptance
Acceptance can also be implied through conduct. For example, attaching your contract to an invoice that states, “by paying this invoice, you consent to the Terms and Conditions of this Agreement” is a common method. However, if not done correctly, there are legal risks that might render the contract invalid. To ensure your approach is solid, it’s wise to consult with a lawyer.
Do I Need A Lawyer?
If you want to ensure you are legally protected against liability and unforeseen risks, then the answer is an unequivocal yes. While it might seem tempting to quickly draft your contract yourself, a lawyer’s expertise can save you significant time, stress, and expense in the long run.
You might also want to check out our guide on how to choose a small business lawyer to help you find the right legal partner for your needs.
The bottom line is that investing in professional legal advice ensures that every contract, whether for customers or suppliers, is robust, enforceable, and tailored to protect your interests.
Where To From Here?
At Sprintlaw, our friendly team of lawyers offers fixed-fee packages for Property Stylists – meaning you won’t be charged by the hour! We work with small businesses and startups across Australia and leverage online solutions to make the legal process as seamless as possible.
Our legal experts can review your current contract or draft a new one from scratch, tailored to the specific needs of your Property Styling business. For example, our Contract Review and Redraft service ensures that your agreements are fully compliant with 2025 regulations.
If you’d like to get started on updating and reviewing the legals for your Property Styling business, let’s have a chat!
You can reach us at team@sprintlaw.com.au or enquire here.
It’s also worth noting that in 2025, with the evolution of digital tools and increased regulatory requirements, having up-to-date contracts isn’t just a precaution – it’s a necessity. Our comprehensive resources, including the Business Setup Guide and our detailed advice on Property Styling Service Agreements, are designed to help you navigate this complex landscape with confidence.
Remember, a robust contract is not only a tool for dispute prevention; it’s a strategic asset that clarifies expectations and helps foster strong, transparent relationships with both customers and suppliers. With the right legal foundations in place, you can focus more on creatively bringing properties to life, knowing that your business is well protected.
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