The %%final week%% — pre-settlement to keys.
Stage P3 of the 3Ps framework. Pre-settlement inspection, settlement statement review, funds transfer, LINZ registration, keys, and the post-settlement admin most buyers forget about.
What the final week looks like.
By now the heavy legal work is done. What's left is coordination — and it has to run cleanly because there's no slack in the timeline.
Review the settlement statement
Final numbers: purchase price, deposit credit, rates adjustment, legal fees. Every line item reconciled.
Initial deposit already paid
Confirm the deposit sits in the right trust account (agent or lawyer) and is credited to settlement.
Savings cash contribution
The difference between loan amount, KiwiSaver, and purchase price. Your personal funds to bank's nominated account.
Sign loan documents and compliance paperwork
Bank signing meeting — mortgage, loan agreement, authority and instruction form.
Property in the same condition as when you signed. Chattels present. Use our checklist.
Property in the same condition as when you signed. Chattels present. Use our checklist.
Finalise insurance certificate
Lender named as an interested party. We review the certificate before settlement.
Settlement day — LINZ, keys, title
LINZ registration, keys released by the agent, notifications sent. You are now the owner.
Post-settlement admin
Update your address, set up utilities, meet the neighbours. The things nobody tells you about.
Angus Grayson, LLB
The final stage is where all the earlier work pays off. If P1 and P2 have been done properly, P3 runs like clockwork. If they haven't — we find out on settlement day, which is the worst possible time.
Send me the guide.
By now the heavy legal work is done. What's left is coordination — and it has to run cleanly because there's no slack in the timeline.
Before you download.
When is the pre-settlement inspection?
Two to three working days before settlement. Any earlier and the vendor may still be moving; any later and there's no time to raise issues.
What if the property isn't in the same condition on inspection?
We put the vendor's lawyer on notice and negotiate — usually a holdback from the settlement amount until the issue is rectified.
Can settlement be delayed?
Yes. Delayed settlement attracts penalty interest under the ADLS agreement. We avoid it unless there's no alternative.
What do I do on settlement day?
Read our Welcome to Settlement Day guide. Short version: relax, keep your phone on, wait for our call confirming ownership.