What to Do at Settlement When Selling Without an Agent
What to Do at Settlement When Selling Without an Agent
Settlement is the final and most important step when selling your property without a real estate agent.
It’s the moment ownership transfers, funds are released, and the sale is legally completed.
This guide explains exactly what happens at settlement when selling privately, what you need to do, what your solicitor or conveyancer handles, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What Is Settlement in a Property Sale?
Settlement is the legal process where:
The buyer pays the remaining balance of the purchase price
The property title is transferred to the buyer
Adjustments for rates and outgoings are finalised
You receive the sale proceeds
Settlement is handled by solicitors or conveyancers, not real estate agents — which means selling without an agent does not change the settlement process.
Who Handles Settlement in a Private Sale?
When selling without an agent:
Your solicitor or conveyancer manages settlement on your behalf
The buyer’s solicitor or conveyancer does the same for the buyer
Real estate agents are not legally required for settlement.
All legal and financial protection comes from the conveyancers.
Step-by-Step: What to Do at Settlement When Selling Without an Agent
Step 1: Confirm Settlement Date and Time
Before settlement day, your conveyancer will:
Confirm the settlement date in the contract
Coordinate with the buyer’s legal representative
Book settlement through the electronic platform (e.g. PEXA) or manual settlement
You usually don’t need to attend settlement in person.
Step 2: Finalise Rates and Outgoings Adjustments
At settlement, costs are adjusted so each party pays their fair share up to the settlement date.
This includes:
Council rates
Water rates
Owners corporation fees (if applicable)
Land tax (where relevant)
Your conveyancer calculates these adjustments and ensures they are applied correctly.
Step 3: Ensure the Property Is Vacant and Ready
Before settlement:
Remove all personal belongings
Leave the property in the agreed condition
Ensure inclusions listed in the contract remain (e.g. appliances, fixtures)
Failure to leave the property as agreed can delay settlement or cause disputes.
Step 4: Sign Final Settlement Documents
Your solicitor or conveyancer will prepare:
Transfer of title documents
Final settlement statements
Authority to release funds
These are usually signed before settlement day, either electronically or in person.
Step 5: Settlement Occurs (Funds and Title Transfer)
On settlement day:
The buyer’s funds are transferred
Your mortgage (if any) is paid out
The title is transferred to the buyer
Settlement is completed
You do not need to be present. Your conveyancer confirms when settlement is complete.
Step 6: Receive Your Sale Proceeds
After settlement:
Remaining funds are transferred to your nominated bank account
You receive a final settlement statement
The sale is officially complete
This typically happens the same day as settlement.
Step 7: Hand Over Keys to the Buyer
Once settlement is confirmed:
Keys are released to the buyer
Access is handed over
In private sales, keys are usually:
Left at the property, or
Collected directly from you, or
Released by your solicitor or conveyancer
Never hand over keys before settlement is confirmed.
What You Do Not Need to Do at Settlement
When selling without an agent, you do not need to:
Attend settlement
Handle money transfers
Hold the deposit
Prepare legal documents
Negotiate adjustments
All of this is handled by legal professionals.
Common Settlement Mistakes Private Sellers Make
Avoid these common issues:
Handing over keys before settlement
Leaving personal items behind
Removing fixtures included in the contract
Forgetting to cancel utilities after settlement
Not confirming funds have cleared
Your conveyancer helps prevent these mistakes.
Does Selling Without an Agent Affect Settlement?
No.
Settlement is:
The same legal process
Handled by the same professionals
Completed in the same way
The absence of an agent does not increase risk when a solicitor or conveyancer is involved.
Settlement Checklist for Private Sellers
Before settlement:
✅ Property cleared and cleaned
✅ All documents signed
✅ Bank details confirmed
✅ Utilities ready to cancel
After settlement:
✅ Funds received
✅ Keys handed over
✅ Utilities cancelled or transferred
Frequently Asked Questions: Settlement Without an Agent
Do I attend settlement in person?
No. Your conveyancer handles settlement for you.
Who holds the money at settlement?
Funds are transferred between banks and trust accounts under legal supervision.
When do I get paid?
Usually on the same day settlement occurs.
Can settlement be delayed?
Yes, if documents, funds, or property condition issues arise — this is rare with proper preparation.
Bottom Line
When selling without an agent, settlement is:
Professional
Secure
Legally protected
No different to an agent sale
As long as you use a solicitor or conveyancer, settlement is straightforward — and you keep thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to commission.
Got specific state questions - look at our guides
See Complete QLD Private Sale Guide
See Complete NSW Private Sale Guide
See Complete VIC Private Sale Guide
See Complete SA Private Sale Guide
See Complete WA Private Sale Guide
See Complete NT Private Sale Guide
See Complete TAS Private Sale Guide
See Complete ACT Private Sale Guide
See commission saving interacting calculator
