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A Purchasers settlement checklist: What to do after you sign the contract
Lindel Enticott
Sep 4, 2025 9:43:08 AM
You’ve signed the contract, congratulations!
Now it’s time to prepare for settlement, when legal ownership changes hands and you get the keys to your new home.
At Prepared, we guide purchasers through every step with speed, precision, and confidence. Here’s a checklist of what to expect, to stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.
Press on each section to get more information on each item!
Review your legal advice & confirm your details
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Read through our letter of advice and raise any questions with us. Were here to help!
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Consider the key dates carefully and keep us in the loop (i.e. how your finance application is going)
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Let us know if you’re going away before settlement as we need to know how to reach you.
We’ll keep you updated throughout, but don’t hesitate to reach out. Early action and clear communication keep settlement on track.
Complete your conveyancing documents
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Verification of Identity (VOI) is an important legal step confirming you are who you say you are. You can complete it online or in person.
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Client Authorisation Form (CAF) authorises us to digitally sign settlement documents on your behalf through PEXA.
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Stamp duty declarations will be emailed to you directly by the State Revenue Office (for electronic signing) to enable us to lodge your duty claim (and any concessions). We will let you know when to expect the email.
Line up your finances (if obtaining a loan)
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Finalise your loan approval
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Sign your mortgage documents with your lender
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Ensure you’ve budgeted for all settlement costs, including:
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Stamp duty
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Land transfer registration
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Legal fees
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Adjustments for rates and taxes
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We’ll send you a final settlement statement with the amount you need to contribute. Ensure these funds are available at least 24–48 hours before settlement.
If paying cash, you will need to transfer funds to our legal trust account for settlement. We will be here to guide you.
Arrange building insurance
Do this as soon as you sign the contract.
Even though legal ownership transfers at settlement, insurance is often required from the contract date and your lender will likely ask for proof.
If the property benefits from owners corporation insurance a copy of the certificate of currency will need to be obtained from the owners corporation and shared with your lender. We will help!
Arrange a final inspection
You’re entitled to inspect the property once during the 7 days before settlement. This is your chance to check:
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The property is in the same condition as sold
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Inclusions (like appliances) are present and working in the same manner
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No unexpected damage has occurred
You can coordinate this with the agent. If anything seems off, contact us immediately.
Prepare for settlement
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Deposit any contribution to trust (if required). We’ll tell you how much to transfer into our trust account or to have available in any authorised account you have authorised your bank to debit for settlement.
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Confirm Utility Connection. Organise gas, electricity, water, and internet to be connected in your name for the settlement date or shortly after.
We will let you know as soon as settlement takes place so you can collect keys from the agent.
Contract signed? Even if you didn’t connect with us before buying, we are here, waiting. Let’s get you to the keys, with no surprises.
Reach out today and we’ll walk you through every step, from signature to settlement.
The information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. If you are buying or selling, please contact us to request legal advice.
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