Settlement and moving day are related, but they are not the same task. Your lawyer handles the legal settlement process. Your moving plan needs to allow for confirmation that settlement has occurred and keys can be released, rather than relying on an assumed time.
Keep your lawyer, lender, insurer and salesperson’s contact details together. Confirm the actions required of you, the timing of funds and insurance, and the arrangement for key collection. Book utilities and moving services with enough flexibility for the legal handover. If you are selling as well, discuss the connection between the two settlements early.
Ask the salesperson to arrange access with sufficient time to raise an issue before settlement. Refer to the actual agreement and agreed chattels when preparing your check. The inspection is generally about the agreed property and its condition, not a fresh opportunity to renegotiate matters that were already present.
If something is missing, damaged or inconsistent with the agreement, record the facts and contact your lawyer promptly. Let your lawyer advise on the contractual response. Settled’s settlement-day guidance explains the inspection and preparation in more detail.
For an apartment or shared-access property, establish the actual lift, parking and access rules with the responsible people. For a peninsula address, think through truck access and stopping space at the property rather than assuming a normal car park will suit.
Your lawyer confirms the legal position and the salesperson follows the authorised key-release arrangement. Keep the people moving you informed if timing changes. After handover, organise warranties, appliance information and property documents where they are easy to find.
For the earlier stages, use our buying guide and offer guide. If two transactions need coordinating, read buying and selling at the same time.