Property Settlement Checklist: What to Organise in the Weeks Before You Move In
Settlement day is not the finish line — it's the starting gun for a sequence of tasks that determine how smoothly you transition into your new suburb. Here's the complete pre-move checklist.
Keys being handed over at property settlement
Week 8–6 Before Settlement
Begin your utility connections: electricity, gas, water, and NBN/internet. In growth suburbs, NBN connection lead times can be four to six weeks — booking late means weeks without internet in your new home. Arrange your building and contents insurance to be active from settlement day, not the day after.
Start researching tradespeople for any work you know you need immediately — locks changed (always worth doing on any new-to-you property), pest inspection if not already done, and any urgent repairs identified during the pre-settlement inspection. TradeLookup.com.au is a fast way to find licensed locksmiths, pest controllers, and general maintenance tradespeople in your new suburb.
Week 4–3 Before Settlement
Confirm your removalist booking and get a written confirmation of the exact date and time. Source packing materials early — good removal boxes are often available free from local liquor stores and supermarkets. Notify your current and future suburb's Australia Post of your address change so mail is redirected from settlement day.
Search your new suburb on realestate.com.au to understand the local rental market — if things don't go to plan with settlement, knowing what short-term rental options exist in the suburb gives you a contingency plan.
Week 2 Before Settlement
Conduct your pre-settlement inspection. This is your contractual right in most states — use it. Walk through the property with the inspection clause from your contract and verify that everything present at purchase is still present, all fixtures work, and no damage has occurred since exchange. Document everything with photos and timestamp them.
If you're purchasing a vehicle to use in the new suburb (a second car for a two-car household, for example), complete any used car purchase this week — giving yourself time to address any issues before you need the vehicle daily. Remember to run a National VIN Check before completing any private vehicle purchase.
Settlement Day and Beyond
On settlement day: confirm with your solicitor that funds have cleared and keys are available. Change all locks — both deadbolts and screen door locks. Take meter readings for electricity and gas immediately. Update your address with the ATO, Medicare, electoral roll, your bank, and your employer's HR system within the first week. Update your vehicle registration address within the timeframe required by your state (usually 14 days from moving).
Once you're settled, use Compare My Suburb to explore the wider local area and understand which nearby suburbs compare on amenity — useful context for understanding your local market and the value of what you've purchased.
