7 essential legal things to do after settlement for new home buyers in 2026

You did it. You navigated the inspections, the paperwork, the wait, and now you have the keys to your new home. It is a massive achievement, so take a moment to celebrate.

But once you think you can kick back and relax, there is a little more admin to get through. While the sale is final, a few important legal and administrative jobs are left to truly button everything up. Think of it as the final lap. This checklist of new home buyer legal things after settlement will walk you through exactly what you need to do to protect your property, your finances, and your family's future. Let's get these last few things ticked off so you can enjoy that new-home feeling with total peace of mind.

What are post-settlement legal tasks?

"Post-settlement tasks" might sound like more legal jargon, but it's really just the stuff you do right after the property officially becomes yours. It's a mix of legal, admin, and security actions that put the finishing touches on your purchase.

Why are they so important? Because these tasks are what shift you from simply owning the property on paper to being in full control of it. They make sure your name is correctly on the title, your new (and probably biggest) asset is protected from potential complications down the road, and you've secured everything for the long haul.

It’s a bit like dotting the i's and crossing the t's on your biggest investment. You've done all the hard work to get here; this last part just makes sure the final chapter of your home-buying story is as secure as it can be.

Our criteria for this checklist

This checklist was built with several key criteria in mind. It's designed for new homeowners in Australia and focuses on critical tasks. Here’s a quick rundown of what we considered when putting this list together:

• Legal Necessity: These are the actions you really need to take to confirm your legal ownership and protect your rights as a property owner.
• Financial Security: Steps that help you manage your property finances, guard against fraud, and make sure your investment is safe.
• Personal and Physical Security: Basic measures to secure your physical home and, more importantly, the people living in it.
• Long-Term Asset Protection: These are the forward-thinking actions that help preserve your home's value and ensure it can be passed on to your loved ones exactly as you intend.

Post-settlement tasks at a glance

Here's a quick look at the tasks we'll be diving into.

7 key legal tasks for new home buyers after settlement

With keys in hand, it's time to address the post-settlement to-do list. Completing these tasks promptly can provide significant peace of mind.

1. Secure your new asset with an estate plan

For most people, a home is the biggest asset they'll ever own. That’s why it’s so important to have a clear, legal plan for what happens to it if something happens to you. An estate plan, starting with a legally valid Will, is the only way to ensure your property goes to the people you choose, without any confusion or legal complications.

Without a Will, you’re considered to have died "intestate". This is a legal term that means the state's laws decide who inherits based on a strict formula. This process can be stressful, slow, and complicated for your family, who will likely need to go to court just to get permission to manage your affairs. For a clearer picture of the difference this makes, see the breakdown below.

Traditionally, drafting a Will with a lawyer can be costly. However, online solutions have made the process more accessible and affordable. Platforms like Willfully allow you to create a legally-binding Australian Will online in about 20 minutes. A key feature of such services is that each Will is reviewed by a qualified Australian lawyer to make sure it's all correct, providing professional oversight at a lower cost. For a one-off fee of $159.99, the service includes a a legal will and 12 months of free updates, which is helpful for new homeowners whose circumstances may change.

2. Safeguard your key legal documents

After settlement, your conveyancer or solicitor will send you a stack of important documents. It is important to understand these documents and store them in a secure location. These papers are the official proof of your ownership and the financial details of your purchase. You'll need them for things like taxes or if you decide to sell in the future.

According to property experts and homeowner forums, you should make sure you have received and filed away the following:

• An updated title search that officially shows your name as the owner of the property.
• The final settlement statement, which breaks down all the costs involved. This is important for tax purposes, especially if it’s an investment property.
• A copy of the fully signed and exchanged contract of sale.
• A duties notice, which serves as your receipt for paying stamp duty.

The cost here is minimal. You can pick up a fireproof document safe for physical copies and use a secure, password-protected cloud storage service for digital backups. Having both gives you twice the protection.

3. Secure the property by changing locks and codes

This one is less about paperwork and more about practical security. One of the very first things you should do upon getting the keys is to change all the locks on external doors. And don't forget to reset any codes for the garage door, security gates, or smart home systems.

This step is essential. You have no idea how many copies of the old keys are floating around. The previous owners, their family members, real estate agents, cleaners, and maybe even a few tradespeople could all have a key. Changing the locks is a simple and effective way to ensure you have complete control over who can access your home. It’s a foundational step in making the house truly yours and securing your family’s safety from day one.

The cost can vary. If you’re handy, you can buy new locksets from a hardware store for a relatively low price. If you prefer to have it done professionally, a locksmith might charge anywhere from $100 to $500 or more, depending on how many locks you have and what type they are.

4. Update your address on all official accounts

This is an administrative task that is important to complete promptly. You need to go through all your personal, financial, and government accounts and update your mailing address to your new home.

Failing to do this can lead to all sorts of headaches. You could miss important bills, which can affect your credit score. Sensitive documents could end up in the wrong hands, increasing your risk of identity theft. Make a list and work through it methodically. Key accounts to update include:

• Banks and credit card companies
• Superannuation funds
• Insurance providers (car, health, life)
• Your employer
• Government bodies like the ATO and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
• Your driver's license and vehicle registration

This task costs nothing but your time and can often be completed in an afternoon.

5. Confirm all utilities have been transferred to your name

Hopefully, you arranged this before you moved in, but it’s crucial to double-check that all your utilities (electricity, gas, water, and internet) have been successfully transferred into your name.

This is important for two reasons. First, it ensures you have uninterrupted service. The last thing you want is for the power to be cut off in the middle of unpacking because of an administrative mix-up. Second, it makes sure you’re only paying for your own usage. It prevents you from accidentally paying for the previous owner's bills or, conversely, them being charged for your first few weeks of usage. A quick call or online check with each provider is all it takes to confirm everything is sorted.

Some providers might charge a small connection or transfer fee, but this is usually a low-cost task that saves you from major hassles later on.

6. Review your home inspection report for follow-up actions

Remember that building and pest inspection report you paid for before buying the house? It's beneficial to review it carefully. That report contains valuable information and acts as a personalised maintenance roadmap for your new home. Once you're settled, pull it out and read through it again.

The report identifies any existing issues, from small things like a leaky tap to more significant concerns about the structure or wiring. Use it to create a prioritised to-do list for repairs and maintenance. Addressing urgent problems flagged in the report (like plumbing, electrical, or structural defects) can save you from much bigger, more expensive, and potentially dangerous issues down the track. It also helps you budget for future work, so you're not caught by surprise when something needs attention.

The report is already paid for, so this step is free. The only costs involved will be for the maintenance and repairs you decide to undertake based on its recommendations.

7. Protect yourself from common new home buyer scams

Unfortunately, new homeowners are often prime targets for scammers. Property sales are often public records, which means opportunistic criminals know you've just moved and might be a bit overwhelmed. They may impersonate your lender, a government agency, or a utility company to try and trick you out of money.

Awareness is your best defence. Be extremely skeptical of any unsolicited calls, emails, or letters that demand urgent payment or ask for personal information. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to pressure you into acting without thinking. Before you do anything, always verify the communication is legitimate. You can do this by contacting the company or agency yourself using the official phone number or website you find online, never use the contact details provided in the suspicious message.

Being vigilant doesn't cost a thing, but falling for a scam can have devastating financial and emotional consequences.

Understanding the legal technicalities of property transfer can be complex. For a visual explanation of what happens behind the scenes after s

Pro tips for a smooth post-settlement process

Tip 1: Create a 'Home Hub': Get a binder or set up a secure digital folder where you can keep all your important home-related documents. This includes the settlement papers, receipts for repairs, appliance warranties, and contacts for tradespeople.

Tip 2: Set Calendar Reminders: Pop key dates into your digital calendar. Think annual reminders for pest control, when your property taxes or council rates are due, and when it’s time to renew your home and contents insurance.

Tip 3: Meet Your Neighbours: Don't be shy! Go and introduce yourself to the people living next door. They can be a fantastic source of local knowledge and provide an extra set of eyes on your property when you're away.

Tip 4: Live in the Space First: It's tempting to want to furnish and decorate every room immediately, but it’s often wise to wait. Spend a few months living in your new home to get a feel for its flow and how you actually use the space before making big purchases.

Congratulations again on your new home! While the journey to get the keys is a big one, the tasks you complete after settlement are what truly secure your investment for the future. By working through this checklist, you are protecting your asset, ensuring your family’s security, and gaining genuine peace of mind.

Your new home is a significant asset. Taking steps to protect it for your loved ones is a crucial part of the home ownership journey. Services like Willfully offer an online option for creating a legally-binding, lawyer-reviewed Will to help you secure your legacy.