How Delayed Property Settlements Work?

Purchasing Property, Whether It's an Investment Or Your Place To Call Home, Can Be A Complicated Process With Lots Of Possible Barriers.

Before a property is officially yours, you have to wait for the settlement period, which is typically 30 – 90 days in length. However, this settlement period isn’t set in stone. There are many reasons a buyer or seller may delay settlement. So, how does this work and how should you handle it?

What Can Cause a Delayed Settlement

There are many reasons a settlement could be delayed, both on the buyer’s and the seller’s sides. Here are some of the situations we most commonly encounter when acting as a property buyer’s agent:

  • Awaiting The Sale of Another Property

    Often a seller has put the property on the market with the plan to buy another. One contract is dependent on the sale of another, so if the seller hasn’t found another property, they may look to extend the settlement period.

  • Post-Settlement Repairs and Maintenance

    Final inspections can sometimes find issues that weren’t there before. The buyer may request time to get these fixed, either by the seller or themselves to prepare for moving into the new space.

  • Late or Incorrect Paperwork

    There’s a lot of documentation involved in buying property, and it’s not uncommon for things to be late or completed incorrectly. This means they must be redone, which can delay settlement.

  • Off-The-Plan Purchase

    This is the most common reason for a long settlement period and allows for the purchased property to be constructed.

Understanding Your Rights

The laws around conveyancing vary by state, so it’s important to understand the differences. This is where professionals in the area, like our Brisbane buyers agents, can help. At its most basic level in Queensland, vendors and buyers can both refuse delays. They can also terminate contracts and sue for damages. One other option is to allow the extension but charge default interest for the extra days so that you are compensated. Ensuring you know your rights, as well as the other what the other party can do, is crucial for any part of the settlement process.

How To Avoid a Delay

If you don’t want the settlement delayed, the most important thing is to be organised and communicate clearly! This can ensure there are very few opportunities for the settlement to be extended. It can also help to have a professional team on your side to do all the heavy lifting for you.

Want help with purchasing property and navigating settlement periods? Talk to our investment property buyers agents in Brisbane today. Find more information about delayed settlement in this blog.

Please note we do not provide legal advice – contact your lawyer for more information about the legalities of settlement periods.

BA Creative