Selling your home is a major milestone, and settlement day is the final step in handing over your property with confidence. Here’s a practical guide for vendors to ensure everything goes smoothly, based on Team Grant Wills experience of over 20 years selling property in Adelaide and expert advice.

Three Weeks Out: Laying the Groundwork

1. Confirm your settlement date with your conveyancer and Sales Partner.

2. Book your removalist early as reputable companies fill up fast.

3. Start decluttering: sell, donate, or dispose of items you won’t take.

4. Notify your children’s school and your employer of your new address.

5. Gather important documents for the purchaser, such as title deeds, warranties, and appliance manuals.

6. Record a walkthrough video of your property for your agent, highlighting key features and inclusions.

Two Weeks Out: Admin and Logistics

1. Notify utilities (electricity, gas, water) of your vacating date.

2. Set up new utilities at your next address.

3. Redirect your mail via Australia Post.

4. Update your address with banks, ATO, Medicare, and other key contacts.

5. Book professional cleaning and consider a carpet steam clean.

6. Confirm contract conditions are satisfied with your conveyancer.

One Week Out: Final Preparation

1. Confirm removalist details and complete packing.

2. Defrost and empty the fridge/freezer.

3. Label all boxes for efficient unloading.

4. Arrange care for pets and children on moving day.

5. Ensure all financial adjustments are in order with your conveyancer.

6. Check that all inclusions (like NBN box and TV brackets) remain as agreed.

Settlement Day: Handover

1. Vacate the property usually the day before settlement for final cleaning and handover.

2. Leave the property clean and well-presented.

3. Provide all keys, remotes, manuals, and helpful notes for the new owner.

4. Take note of final meter readings and turn off hot water.

5. Your Sales Partner will release keys to the purchaser once settlement is confirmed.

Working With Your Conveyancer

Your conveyancer manages the legal and financial aspects, including preparing documents, discharging your mortgage, and handling rate adjustments. Settlements in South Australia are electronic, so you don’t need to attend in person.

Presenting the Property

Hand over the property in the same condition as at contract signing. Remove all personal items, clean thoroughly, and leave behind all keys, remotes, and relevant documentation.

Utilities and Address Changes

Start notifications at least two weeks out. Disconnect or transfer all utilities and update your address with all relevant parties.

The Emotional Side of a Property Sale

It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Take a moment to appreciate your home before the final walk-through, knowing you’ve prepared for a smooth transition.

Have Questions?

Team Grant Wills work closely with our clients and their nominated conveyancer and support our clients every step of the way.

If you have any questions at all, please reach out Grant Wills on 0419 865 829 or Yvonne Lu on 0420 896 333.