Cooling-Off Period Calculator (Australia)
Find the exact last day you can cool off a contract in Australia. Cooling-off periods are counted in business days from the date of contract or signing. Rules differ by state and contract type — this calculator handles property purchases, door-to-door sales, and life insurance.
Property cooling-off periods by state
| State / Territory | Cooling-off period | Counted as | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 5 business days | Business days | Can be waived via s66W certificate. Forfeit 0.25% of purchase price if used. |
| VIC | 3 business days | Business days | Forfeit $100 or 0.2% of purchase price (whichever greater). |
| QLD | 5 business days | Business days | Forfeit 0.25% of purchase price. |
| SA | 2 clear business days | Clear business days | "Clear" means full business days, excluding date received. |
| WA | None (statutory) | — | No statutory cooling-off period for residential property. Use contract conditions instead. |
| TAS | None (statutory) | — | No statutory cooling-off period for residential property. |
| ACT | 5 business days | Business days | Forfeit 0.25% of purchase price. |
| NT | 4 business days | Business days | Forfeit small statutory amount. |
Cooling-off periods do not apply to property purchased at auction or in the 3 business days before/after an auction in most states.
When cooling-off does NOT apply
- Auction purchases — cooling-off doesn't apply if you purchased at auction or signed a contract 3 business days before or after the scheduled auction.
- Section 66W certificate (NSW) — the buyer's solicitor or conveyancer can certify the buyer waives cooling-off. Often required by sellers to firm up the sale.
- Commercial property — most states exclude commercial property from cooling-off rules.
- Off-the-plan — some states have different (often longer) cooling-off rules for off-the-plan apartment purchases.
- Subsequent contracts on the same property — if you cooled off once and resign within a specified time, second cooling-off may not apply.
Door-to-door and unsolicited consumer sales
Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), any unsolicited consumer agreement worth more than $100 has a 10 business day cooling-off period. This covers:
- Door-to-door sales
- Telemarketing sales
- Sales made anywhere other than the supplier's place of business when you didn't invite contact
The 10 business days run from the day after the agreement is signed. You can terminate by giving written notice during this period.
Insurance cooling-off
Under the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) rules:
- General insurance (car, home, contents, travel) — 14 calendar days from the date you receive policy documents
- Life insurance and superannuation — 14 calendar days minimum cooling-off, often longer in product disclosure statements
You can cancel and receive a full refund of premiums, provided you have not made a claim during the cooling-off period.
Confirm your business days
Use the Business Days Calculator to count exactly how many business days fall between two dates, accounting for Australian public holidays.
Open Business Days CalculatorFrequently asked questions
Official sources
- NSW Fair Trading
- Consumer Affairs Victoria
- QLD Office of Fair Trading
- WA Consumer Protection
- SA Consumer and Business Services
- ACCC — Unsolicited sales (door-to-door)
This calculator and guide are general information only and not legal advice. Cooling-off rules vary by state, contract type and circumstance. For tailored advice, contact your state consumer protection authority or a solicitor.