Property Seller’s Checklist: How to Prepare for Settlement in NSW

Selling your property is a big step and once you’ve found a buyer and exchanged contracts, the next important stage is settlement. This is when ownership is officially transferred to the buyer, and you receive the balance of the purchase price. To ensure a smooth and stress-free settlement, it’s important to be organised and prepared. Here’s a simple seller’s checklist to help you get everything in order.

Provide Instructions to Your Conveyancer

As soon as your property is under contract, notify your conveyancer or solicitor.

✅ Confirm the sale price, deposit, and agreed settlement date✅ Provide your mortgage details (if applicable)✅ Sign and return any required paperwork promptly

💡 Tip: Your conveyancer will handle all legal paperwork and liaise with the buyer’s team to get settlement ready.

Arrange to Discharge Your Mortgage (If You Have One)

If you have a loan on the property, your conveyancer will arrange for the discharge of the mortgage.

✅ Contact your bank early this can take a few weeks✅ Sign a discharge authority form✅ Confirm any payout figures with your lender

💡 Tip: Delays in bank paperwork can delay settlement, so start this early!

Ensure the Property Is in Agreed Condition

The buyer will likely do a final inspection in the days before settlement.

✅ Make sure all fixtures and fittings included in the contract remain in place✅ Complete any agreed repairs or inclusions✅ Leave the property clean and tidy, including the garden and garage

💡 Tip: If you’ve promised to leave appliances, blinds, or light fittings, make sure they’re there.

Gather All Keys, Remotes, and Manuals

Prepare to hand over everything the new owner will need.

✅ House keys✅ Garage and gate remotes✅ Security codes or alarm instructions✅ Appliance or air conditioning manuals

Organise Utility Disconnections & Mail Redirection

✅ Contact your utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet) to arrange final readings and disconnection from the settlement date✅ Update your address with banks, insurance, Medicare, and ATO✅ Set up a mail redirection with Australia Post

💡 Tip: Utilities stay connected for the buyer but are transferred to their name from settlement.

Confirm How Sale Proceeds Will Be Paid

✅ Provide your bank account details to your conveyancer✅ Review the settlement statement carefully before settlement day✅ Check the adjustments (e.g. council rates, water charges) to make sure they’re correct

Vacate the Property by Settlement Day

✅ Plan to move out before settlement, not after✅ Leave the property empty and secure✅ Let your agent or conveyancer know where keys will be left (usually with the real estate agent)

💡 Tip: The buyer becomes the legal owner on settlement day, so it’s important they can access the property right away.

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Settlement Starts With Good Preparation

Selling a property doesn’t need to be stressful especially when you’re organised. By following this checklist and working closely with your conveyancer, you’ll be ready for settlement day and can move forward with confidence.

🏡 Need help with your sale? At SL Conveyancing, we make property transactions simple, stress-free, and efficient.

📞 Contact us today for expert support through your property sale!📩 [contact us ]