What happens from offer to settlement? A conveyancing guide for South Australia

From the moment an offer is accepted to the day of settlement, there are several important steps in a property transaction. Understanding what happens at each stage helps reduce uncertainty and gives a clearer sense of what comes next.

Our approach is to explain the process in plain English, keep you informed at every step, and provide proactive support rather than just managing paperwork at the end. This includes regular updates, clear expectations, and the reassurance of being backed by DMAW Lawyers when matters become complex.

Once your offer is accepted, the transaction moves through a sequence of stages that typically includes satisfaction of any conditions, information gathering and preparation, and settlement completion.

Early guidance

A service‑led conveyancing approach begins before settlement preparations, with clear advice about key dates and obligations so that issues can be identified and managed early.

Conditions and deadlines (if applicable)

Where contracts include conditions, clients are supported with clear explanations of what the conditions mean in practice, the steps involved, and how progress will be communicated to avoid surprises.

Preparation and coordination

Your conveyancer coordinates the work necessary to be ready for settlement and keeps you informed in a calm and professional manner, avoiding unnecessary jargon while reinforcing trust and credibility.

Settlement and completion

Our service‑led team focuses on proactive management to keep the matter moving and to resolve issues promptly, with clear updates so you know what to expect at each step through to completion.

Cooling‑off (if applicable)

2 clear business days from the later of contract signing and receiving the Form 1 Vendor’s Statement. Cooling-off doesn’t apply in certain circumstances, including when the sale is by auction or to certain commercial acquisitions.

Conditions

Settlement under a contract may be subject to certain conditions precedent, including finance approval, a satisfactory building or pest inspection, or the sale of another property. It is critical that conditions (and any applicable timeframes) are complied with to avoid unintended consequences.

Unconditional to settlement

Once all conditions are met and final figures are determined, settlement is typically scheduled 2 to 4 weeks later to allow for the PEXA workspace to be finalised, provide time for financiers to prepare and drawing down funds.

Understanding the timeframe to settlement

For a standard residential sale, 30 to 45 days from signing is common in SA. Some contracts specify 60 days or longer, and off‑the‑plan, subdivisions or chain‑dependent moves can extend beyond this.

A well‑managed conveyance keeps everyone aligned and informed. Beyond Conveyancing is structured to provide hands‑on support from registered conveyancers with the reassurance of in‑house legal expertise when needed, working alongside DMAW Lawyers without the disruption of being passed between providers. This gives clients the best of both worlds - clear day‑to‑day guidance and legal precision for complex issues.

Referrers and professional partners are supported with consistent, aligned messaging and updates that reduce friction and protect relationships.

Clients should expect clarity, communication, and confidence throughout the transaction. In practice, that means:

• plain‑English explanations of the process and what each stage means for you, avoiding unnecessary legal jargon;
• regular updates and proactive communication, so you know what has happened, what is in progress, and what is coming next;
• early identification and management of issues, rather than last‑minute surprises at settlement;
• fixed‑fee conveyancing for cost certainty, coupled with service that is calm and professional; and
• direct access to your conveyancer, including a mobile number, for time-critical queries and reassurance during key milestones, so you can reach the right person promptly when it matters.

Beyond Conveyancing was purpose‑built to deliver more than settlement – a clearer, more supportive experience backed by the capability of a leading Adelaide law firm – so your conveyance is managed with clarity, care and confidence.

Whether your transaction is straightforward or complex, Beyond Conveyancing is here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

Learn more about our conveyancing services and how Beyond Conveyancing works alongside DMAW Lawyers.

Beyond Conveyancing – Clear advice, when you need it most.