Buying or selling property is exciting, but settlement often feels slower than it should. You’re ready to move forward, yet paperwork, approvals, and negotiations can drag things out.
You don’t have to let that happen. With a few smart steps, you can keep the process moving and reach settlement faster. These tips will help you stay prepared, act decisively, and avoid the common roadblocks that stall property deals.
1. Get Pre-Approval Early
Don’t wait until you’ve found the perfect home. Secure pre-approval before you start searching. It shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready, which makes them more likely to move quickly.
It also saves time later. Banks won’t need weeks to comb through your details once you’ve already got approval. For example, buyers who walk into an auction with pre-approval often win contracts faster because sellers know the financing is already in place.
2. Hire the Right Agent
The wrong real estate agent can hinder progress, while the right one helps you secure the best deal. A proactive agent knows the local market, negotiates effectively, and guides you through each step of the buying or selling process.
Look for someone with a strong track record of successful negotiations and clear communication. The best agents keep you informed and coordinate with other parties so the transaction moves smoothly from offer to contract.
3. Work With a Skilled Conveyancer
Once you've found the right agent, you need a conveyancer to handle the legal side. Reputable firms like Red Door Conveyancing ensure contracts are compliant, title searches are thorough, and council rates or easements don't cause last‑minute headaches.
A conveyancer’s role is to protect you legally. They review documents, flag risks, and make sure all statutory obligations are met. By resolving issues before they escalate, they give you confidence that settlement will proceed without legal complications.
4. Prepare Your Documents in Advance
Missing paperwork is one of the biggest culprits behind delays. Buyers should have identification, loan approval letters, and insurance details ready. Sellers need contracts, title deeds, and disclosure obligations.
Think of it as a checklist. In Victoria, this includes the Section 32 statement (Vendor’s Statement), while other states have their own requirements. If you’re buying, confirm your lender has all your payslips and tax returns. When everything is organised early, you avoid last‑minute scrambles that push settlement back.
5. Be Flexible With Conditions
Every extra condition adds time. Think carefully before loading contracts with contingencies. Do you really need a long cooling‑off period or extended finance clause?
By trimming down conditions, you reduce negotiation time and keep things simple. For instance, agreeing to a shorter settlement period can make your offer more attractive to sellers who want to move quickly. Protect your interests, but don’t let unnecessary clauses slow the process down.
6. Order Inspections Quickly
Building or home inspections uncover issues that can derail a deal. Schedule them as soon as possible so you have time to negotiate repairs or adjust the price.
Waiting until the last minute risks pushing deadlines further out. Early inspections mean fewer surprises and a smoother path to settlement. Buyers who book building and pest checks within days of signing often avoid the stress of renegotiating under tight timeframes.
7. Communicate Clearly With All Parties
Slow responses kill momentum. Answer calls and emails promptly, and keep your agent, conveyancer, and lender in the loop.
Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned. For example, if your bank needs extra documents, sending them the same day avoids a week‑long delay. When you respond quickly, you show commitment and encourage others to do the same.
8. Use Digital Tools for Efficiency
Paper contracts and manual signatures waste time. Embrace technology with e‑signatures, secure online portals, and digital transfers.
These tools cut days off the process and reduce errors. Everything is tracked electronically, which makes settlement smoother and faster. Many conveyancers now use platforms that let you upload documents instantly, so you don’t lose time waiting for couriers or in‑person meetings.
9. Negotiate Realistically
Unrealistic offers bog down negotiations. Sellers who overprice and buyers who lowball only drag things out.
Fair terms that reflect the home's market value help both sides close deals faster. For example, if a property is listed at AUD$1 million, offering AUD$600,000 wastes time. A realistic offer shows you’re serious, and sellers are more likely to accept quickly. Skip the endless haggling and keep settlement moving.
10. Plan Your Finances Ahead of Time
Banks and transfers often cause delays. Make sure your funds are ready and confirm wire transfer timelines with your bank.
Double‑check account details to avoid errors. Sellers should prepare mortgage discharge documents, while buyers should confirm deposit and balance payments. For example, some banks require 48 hours to process large transfers. Knowing this upfront helps you plan so settlement isn’t postponed.
Final Thoughts
Settlement doesn’t have to drag on. With preparation, clear communication, and smart choices, you can move through the process quickly and confidently. Pre‑approval, proactive agents, and early inspections set the pace, while digital tools and realistic negotiations help keep everything running smoothly.
When reliable partners handle the details and your finances are planned in advance, you avoid unnecessary stress and delays. Follow these tips and you’ll be holding the keys or signing the contract sooner than you think.