From Finding a House to Getting the Keys
Once you've found a property you want to buy, the timeline to settlement is fairly predictable — it's largely set by your due diligence period and the settlement date agreed in the sale and purchase agreement, not by how quickly you personally move.
For most buyers, that works out to 5 to 10 weeks from signing an agreement to picking up the keys, assuming a standard conditional purchase through private treaty.
Timeline Once You've Found a Property
Sign the agreement — day 0
The clock starts on your due diligence conditions from this date.
Due diligence — 5 to 15 working days
Building inspection, LIM report, finance and any other conditions must be satisfied in this window.
Go unconditional
Once every condition is confirmed, the agreement becomes binding on both parties.
Unconditional to settlement — 4 to 6 weeks
The standard gap most agreements allow for banks and lawyers to finalise everything.
Settlement day
Funds transfer, title changes hands, and you collect the keys.
Faster: cash or pre-approved buyers
Slower: buyers selling their own home first
Auction and many tender purchases skip the due diligence window entirely — all your checks need to be done before you bid, not after.
Quick Summary
- 5–10 weeks is typical from signing to settlement for a standard conditional purchase.
- Due diligence usually runs 5–15 working days depending on the agreement.
- Settlement is typically 4–6 weeks after going unconditional.