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Delayed settlement
What are the common causes of your property settlement being delayed, and can it cost you money if you're at fault?
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This article was fact-checked and reviewed by Nancy Youssef, an accredited and award-winning finance broker and industry mentor. Content has been updated for 2021.
When you buy or sell property, in the best-case scenario everything goes to plan and settlement occurs on the agreed date. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always occur. From financial problems to one party simply changing their minds, there are several factors that can cause the buyer or seller to delay settlement.
If this happens to you, what are your rights? And importantly, can you be out of pocket financially as a result?
Why might settlement be delayed?
After finding the perfect home and having your offer accepted, you may feel relief that the house hunting is finally over. But just because you’ve signed a contract doesn’t mean that it’s a done deal. There are still plenty of problems that could arise before you actually take possession of the house.
There are several frustrating and potentially costly issues that could cause settlement to be delayed, including:
1. Bank mix-ups and processing delays
Issues with a bank could cause either the buyer or the seller to delay settlement. While the home buyer may be relying on their bank to approve their home loan application, the seller may need to discharge their previous mortgage before the property can be transferred to a new owner. This means settlement can’t occur until the bank has done its bit, so if 
either the buyer or the seller is late returning important documents or if there are any errors in the paperwork, delays can result.
"Often it is the bank that is not ready to release a mortgage because the seller may have put the release authority in late, given many sellers don’t put it in until the property goes unconditional and sometimes this only leaves one to two weeks before settlement. Some banks can turn it around in a week but others take up to six weeks to prepare for settlement," explains Katie Richards, a property lawyer for the online law firm Virtual Legal.
Laura Vickers, principal from Nest Legal in Northcote, Victoria, adds that "the risk of bank error is exacerbated if the purchaser or vendor themselves have been tardy in signing documents or picking up errors by the bank. Or if they use a different signature or name on the bank documents as they do on the legal documents."
2. Final inspection issues
Sometimes, the buyer might discover an issue during their final inspection of the property before settlement. For example, the buyer might discover a faulty garage door hasn’t been fixed. This problem (and its rectification) could be essential to the sale of the property going through.
"The buyer may have put other requirements on the seller, such as fixing items on the house in exchange for going unconditional on building and pest, so the seller may need more time to affect the repairs," Richards says.
3. Difficulty selling another property
When one contract is dependent on the sale of another property to move forward, this can cause delays. For example, in order to be able to afford the purchase of one property, you may first have to successfully sell your current home.
4. Late or incorrect documentation
During the conveyancing process, a range of important documents, including the Transfer of Land, must be submitted to the relevant government bodies. If either the buyer or seller is tardy at returning completed paperwork to their conveyancer, this can cause delays.
It is important to ensure that the correct legal names or entity purchasing the property is noted on the contract of sale, as this is what the bank will use to create mortgage documents. Delays can occur when a bank or lender needs to re-issue approvals and mortgage documents because the names were loaded incorrectly into their system from the get go. One issue to look out for here is when a first name and surname is mixed up – for instance, Allan Scott is entered as Scott Allan.
5. Valuations
Valuations can cause delays, particularly when a property's formal valuation comes in below the contract purchase price. The buyer then needs to make a decision about whether they can afford to continue with the property purchase or not and if they want to proceed with the purchase at the higher price. They may then need to fund a shortfall, so do they need to tap into equity elsewhere, resulting in another mortgage application? Do they need to borrow these funds privately? Either way, this can result in more negotiations and time delays to come up with additional funds.
6. Seller delays
"Sellers can also delay settlement by not having moved out of the house, or not having a tenant moved out of the house where vacant possession is to be provided, and in some of these cases the relevant state authority needs to be involved to evict the tenant," Richards says.
7. Other issues
Vickers mentions a few other less common issues that can sometimes cause a delayed settlement:
- Third-party issues (eg, a caveator not removing a caveat)
- The vendor not vacating the property in time or not being able to locate the certificate of title
- Solicitor/conveyancer error (eg, one party’s settlement agent being held up in traffic and not making it to the settlement in time).
Can it cost you money if you delay settlement?
The rules and regulations differ depending on which state or territory you live in, but as a general guide, yes it can cost you financially if your side of the transaction delays settlement. Sometimes, it's not your fault and it's simply a bank error or delay that causes settlement day to be missed – which is frustrating, when you're the one fitting the bill.
One property buyer on the Gold Coast, David Christopher, recalls being charged $265 in penalty interest when buying an apartment. The cause of the delay was his bank, which was running behind on processing paperwork and simply couldn't settle on the date specified in the contract. The property owner charged penalty interest to accomodate the one-week delay David's bank required to settle the purchase.
Know your rights when settlement is delayed
Conveyancing laws vary from state to state, so it’s essential that you obtain expert advice from a conveyancer in your local jurisdiction.
Queensland
In Queensland, if you’re buying a house and the vendor wants to delay settlement, Richards says you don’t have to agree. "Depending on the terms of the contract you’ve signed, you could wait until close of business on settlement date and send notification to the seller noting you are ‘ready, willing and able’ to settle and if they don’t settle by that required time, you can terminate and sue for damages, or possibly obtain specific performance where a court would force the seller to have to settle. Alternatively, you may be able to allow the extension but charge default interest for the extra days so that you are compensated," she explains.
However, when the roles are reversed and the buyer wants to delay settlement, the vendor can also refuse to agree. Depending on the terms of the contract, the vendor could wait until close of business on the settlement date and send notification to the buyer that they are "ready, willing and able" to settle. If they don’t settle by that required time, the vendor can terminate the contract, keep their deposit and sue for damages, or possibly obtain specific performance where a court would force the buyer to have to settle. Another option is to allow the extension but charge default interest for the extra days so that you are compensated.
Western Australia
The situation is a little different in WA, where there is a leniency of three business days but then penalty interest applies. Once again, the exact terms and conditions depend on the actual contract you sign.
New South Wales
"In NSW, in the event that the purchaser is not in a position to settle on the settlement date, generally the vendor can charge penalty interest for each day that settlement is delayed and also issue what is commonly known as a Notice to Complete, giving the purchaser an additional period of time (usually 14 days) to settle, thereby making time essential," Richards explains.
In the event that the purchaser is not able to settle by that date, the vendor may be able to terminate the contract and (among other remedies) keep the purchaser’s deposit.
"In the event that the vendor is not in a position to settle, the rights of the purchaser are fairly limited in that they can issue a Notice to Complete, giving the vendor an additional period of time (usually 14 days) to settle, failing which the purchaser may terminate the contract and (among other remedies) retrieve their deposit. Penalty interest is not usually payable by the vendor for delay," Richards says.
Victoria
In Victoria, a purchaser doesn’t have a right to receive penalty interest if a vendor delays settlement. However, Vickers says that a vendor who has caused a purchaser this inconvenience will generally be open to coming up with a solution that makes things easier for the purchaser if possible, such as a licence agreement for early occupation.
But if you’re selling a property and the buyer wants to delay, you have a right to charge penalty interest. "The exact amount will be specified in the contract and is calculated on a day-by-day basis. The standard rate is 2% higher than the penalty rate (which will be 10% p.a. from 1 February 2017) but the vendor may have drafted the contract to make this higher," Vickers says.
A vendor doesn’t have to charge penalty interest. Often if a purchaser gives a vendor enough notice that they can’t settle on the contracted date and there is only going to be a short delay, the vendor will elect not to charge, particularly if they are not paying interest themselves. "It depends how nice they are feeling," Vickers says.
Tasmania
If the other party is not in a position to settle on the settlement date, you can issue a Notice to Complete. This gives the other party an additional period of at least 14 days to settle.
If a Notice to Complete is not met and the innocent party decides to call off the deal, they can claim their losses from the guilty party. For example, a buyer who fails to meet a Notice to Complete will automatically lose their deposit and may also have to answer to the vendor to cover other losses.
South Australia
Changes to the settlement date after a contract has been signed can only take place when both sides agree to the changes, but there is no obligation for the other party to agree to delay settlement.
If the buyer fails to settle on the settlement date or during the next three business days, the vendor can issue a Notice of Completion. This gives the buyer a deadline of a minimum of 14 days to complete settlement. The buyer will also be liable for penalty interest on the total purchase price.
If the vendor breaches the contract of sale, SA buyers can give written notice to remedy the default within three business days. If the vendor fails to do so, the buyer has the right to postpone settlement until the default is remedied and force the vendor to pay penalty interest at the specified default rate.
Northern Territory
Northern Territory buyers and sellers can issue a written default notice if the other party is not ready to settle, giving them at least 10 working days to remedy the default.
If the buyer delays settlement, they could be subject to penalty interest at the rate specified in the contract of sale. If the seller defaults on the contract, they’re required to repay all money paid by the buyer plus interest at the rate specified in the contract.
Of course, the information above is just a guide, so it’s essential to seek expert legal advice tailored to your state or territory and your particular contract of sale.
How to reduce the risk of delayed settlement
The following are some of the steps you can take to minimise the chances of settlement being delayed for any reason:
- Be organised. "Sign and return documents as soon as you are asked to by your solicitor and your broker. Return them by express post or personally," Vickers says. "The bank certification process can take several weeks in peak periods and your solicitor needs to get documents to the other side to give them time to sign them before settlement. If you want to nominate an additional or substitute purchaser, decide this early."
- Ensure your funds/deposit/contribution are cleared funds in your bank account. This is particularly important if you are using a gift from a family member – on settlement day, if 'funds to complete' haven't hit the bank account in time for settlement, this can cause an unnecessary delay.
- Choose the right team of professionals. "You want your solicitor/conveyancer, buyer’s advocate and mortgage broker to be contactable and promptly answering any questions you have," Vickers says.
- Communicate. Keep your broker, solicitor and, if necessary, your buyer’s advocate or the real estate agent in the loop about any developments that affect them. Ask questions early in the process if there’s anything you’re unsure of.
- Pay attention to detail. Double-check all documents for discrepancies. Do the figures in the bank documents match what you discussed with your broker? Do the names on the transfer and stamp duty documents match those on the contract and do they match those on your bank documents? Raise any discrepancies with the relevant people as early as possible so the issues can be fixed in time.
- Consider electronic conveyancing. "Electronic settlement through PEXA reduces issues with bank and human error; however, this needs to be organised well ahead of the contracted settlement date," Vickers says.
- Play nice. Richards says this is the most important tip to remember during any property transaction. "If the buyer asks for an extension on finance for two days for a good reason and the seller says no, causing the buyer to have to go unconditional without finance approval in hand, then when it comes time to settle, if the seller needs an extension to remove a tenant or something on title, then the buyer is less likely to want to be helpful and may refuse that extension then too," she says. Being prepared to cut the other party some slack whenever they have a good reason for running a little late can go a long way to ensuring a smooth and on-time settlement.
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Ask an Expert
Hi .. I’m in Queensland and am selling a house. The buyer originally requested a quick settlement, as the sale was a cash sale and went unconditional on signing the contract. We agreed on a 30 day settlement. We’ve had to rent an apartment and move our belonging into storage to achieve the settlement date. Now the buyer has asked for an extension of 21 days. We cant really sustain the rent we are now paying, as well as the mortgage payments … Is there a financial recourse we can take to mitigate the additional cost we’ve incurred?
Hi Pat,
Thanks for your inquiry.
As the article was written above. In Queensland, if the buyer wants to delay settlement, you as a vendor can refuse to agree. Depending on the terms of the contract, you could wait until the close of business on the settlement date and send a notification to the buyer that they are “ready, willing and able” to settle. If they don’t settle by that required time, you can terminate the contract, keep their deposit and sue for damages, or possibly obtain specific performance where a court would force the buyer to have to settle. Another option is to allow the extension but charge default interest for the extra days so that you are compensated.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Bella
On settlement of a property I am purchasing, the vendor is asking for extra time to vacate after settlement as they need settlement to occur in order to purchase the property they are moving into.
Is this normal and what are the risks of doing this?
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Please note that conveyancing laws vary from state to state. I suggest that you contact your state consumer’s affairs office on delayed settlement or seek expert advice from a conveyancer in your local jurisdiction.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
We have purchased a property in NSW and settlement was expected 7 weeks ago. We want the property and we want to keep it. What are our rights in order to have them speed up settlement and have it all finished ASAP?
Hi Joe,
Thank you for leaving a question.
Settlements may be delayed for a number of reasons. You might want to inquire as to the reason for this first. As for your rights regarding this matter, our page lists the rights depending on the state you are in. Please read through the guide to review this. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
My convayancer has just told me that he will charge us 10% of the penalty interest due to the buyer not being ready to settle
Can they do that
I live in sydney
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your inquiry
Generally, contracts of sale give the vendor the right to delay the settlement for at least two weeks without penalty. Usually, the buyer will be penalized for the delay in settlement. The vendor can cancel the contract and even choose to sell the property to another party. However, the solicitors may also charge you extra if you delay the settlement. In the event that the purchaser is not able to settle by that date, the vendor may be able to terminate the contract and (among other remedies) keep the purchaser’s deposit.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
Hi, if I have paid my 10% deposit and allowed the vendor to get the deposit on an early release but I don’t have enough money to buy the house at settlement, what happens? I didn’t need a loan to buy the house but I used some money for an emergency. Thankyou
Hi Sebastian,
Thanks for your inquiry
Conveyancing laws vary from state to state, so it’s essential that you obtain expert advice from a conveyancer in your local jurisdiction. This can be avoided if the vendor understands and is okay with the delay. It would be best to speak with the vendor and discuss your situation with them before seeking advice from a conveyancer.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
My divorce settlement is yet to come through, delays from my ex husband. It looks like I will be unable to settle in my new home. I am currently renting the house until settlement. What happens if I can not settle on time? Lose my deposit?
Hello Claire,
Thank you for your comment.
Please note that delayed settlement can cause you to incur expensive penalty interest if you are responsible for the delay. While the details change slightly depending on the state where the sale is taking place, typically the seller can do a number of things if the settlement date is delayed by the buyer.
– They can charge penalty interest – the interest amount will have been detailed in the contract.
– They can keep the deposit and cancel the sale all together.
– They can issue a Notice to Complete. A Notice to Complete is a legal order that makes a timely completion of settlement the most important thing for the buyer. If the settlement does not happen on the new completion date, the seller may be able to terminate the contract, keep the deposit, and possibly sue the buyer for additional damages.
Best to obtain expert advice from a conveyancer in your local jurisdiction.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
my son is purchasing a property in qld. It was represented as having a pool. the pool pump does not work on his inspection. Can he delay settlement until this is fixed of can he have money retained on settlement until this is sorted.
Hi Francesca,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Yes, your son could delay the settlement if, upon inspection, he found a faulty pool pump. Did he already mention this to the seller? Might as well your son should communicate with the seller about this so the seller could act on the repair and both parties can agree on terms. Moreover, it would be best that your son will also speak to a conveyancer in his state for an expert advice.
Cheers,
May
I am a seller in Victoria and need to postpone settlement by 2 months due to delay in construction of my new home. Do I have rights to postpone settlement and do I need to pay any damages to buyer? Thanks
Hi Jeevz,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
In Victoria, a purchaser doesn’t have a right to receive penalty interest if a vendor delays settlement. You may also want to read more on property settlement for more details.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Hi,
I live in SA and have sold my property, with the settlement date being 18th April. I have just received a text message from the agent to say that the purchaser’s bank have just contacted her and advised that there may a delay in settlement up to a week. The contract stated this was a cash sale, so l am not sure how it can be delayed by the bank and if so what are my rights as a vendor in SA please. I have been advised that we should be compensated but l don’t know what kind of amount they are talking about.
Many thanks!
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
In SA, if the buyer fails to settle on the settlement date or during the next three business days, the vendor can issue a Notice of Completion. This gives the buyer a deadline of a minimum of 14 days to complete settlement. The buyer will also be liable for penalty interest on the total purchase price.
For further help with the legal documentation and the settlement process, it is recommended that you engage the services of a professional conveyancer or solicitor.
You may want to check out the settlement process in SA for more details.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am in Victoria and a seller of property, the purchaser would like to delay the settlement by two months which I can agree too if he pays me some of the money owing . If he does this will this effect the contract we originally signed.
Hi Ian!
Thanks for visiting finder and for sending us a query.
About delayed settlements, first off, there must be a mutual agreement between seller and buyer that there will be a 2-month delay on the property settlement date, including the partial payment to be paid off.
Also, as the laws of Victoria suggests a seller has a right to charge penalty interest. The exact amount will be specified in the contract and is calculated on a day-by-day basis. The standard rate is 2% higher than the penalty rate (which will be 10% p.a. from 1 February 2017) but the seller must have drafted the contract to make this higher.
Should the information above is not included in the contract, it may be ineffective. Hence, the seller can issue a Notice to Complete. A Notice to Complete is a legal order that makes a timely completion of a settlement. If the settlement does not happen on the new completion date, the seller may be able to terminate the contract, keep the deposit, and possibly sue the buyer for additional damages.
You may also contact the lawyer who drafted your contract to ensure that the effectivity of your contract won’t be voided.
Please note that we’re a product comparison website and we hold no affiliation with any company we feature on our site. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product/service that is rightfully fit for you.
Hope this helps and goodluck!
Cheers,
Nikki