1. Confirm the contract terms and deadlines
Once your offer is accepted, make sure you understand exactly what was agreed. Check the purchase price, deposit, settlement date, finance clauses, inspection clauses, and any special conditions.
This is the stage where state language matters. Some states use exchange, some use Offer and Acceptance, and some have short cooling-off windows with exceptions.
2. Trigger finance and valuation
Your lender or broker will usually need the signed contract immediately. They may order a valuation, request updated documents, or confirm any remaining conditions before issuing final approval.
If the valuation comes in lower than the contract price, ask early what options you have and whether you need extra cash to close the gap.
- Send the signed contract on the same day if possible
- Answer lender document requests quickly
- Keep your spending stable while final approval is in progress
3. Work through inspection and legal conditions
If your contract allows time for building, pest, or legal review, book those steps early. Delays can leave you with less time to negotiate repairs, ask for extensions, or decide whether to proceed.
Your conveyancer, solicitor, or settlement agent can help you understand what happens if a condition is not met or if you need an amendment.
4. Organise insurance, transfer costs, and final checks
Settlement prep is more than waiting for a date on the calendar. You may need to organise insurance, sign loan documents, transfer remaining funds, and arrange a final inspection.
The final inspection is your last chance to confirm the property is in the expected condition before settlement completes.
5. Get ready for settlement day
By settlement day, the aim is for funds, documents, and adjustments to be ready so ownership can transfer cleanly. Your support team usually handles most of the coordination, but you still need to know what is outstanding.
Keep a short list of critical items: funds required, insurance status, key handover expectations, and who to contact if settlement is delayed.
Frequently asked questions
Is an accepted offer legally binding straight away?
Not always in the same way across Australia. Whether the contract is binding immediately depends on the state, the signing process, and any cooling-off or conditional terms. Always check the signed contract and local advice.
How long does it take from accepted offer to settlement?
It varies by contract. Some settlements are short and some are longer, but the key issue is not the number of days on paper. It is whether your finance, inspections, insurance, and legal checks can realistically fit within that window.
What should I do first after my offer is accepted?
Send the signed contract to your broker, lender, and legal adviser immediately, then check every condition and deadline so you know what must happen next.