Dual Settlement Sydney
What You Need to Know Before Moving Day
Buying and selling property on the same day—known as dual settlement or simultaneous settlement—can streamline your move, but it also creates one seriously jam-packed day. For many Sydneysiders, it makes financial and logistical sense. Still, success depends on precise timing, legal coordination, and a reliable removalist.
At Men That Move, we've handled hundreds of dual settlement relocations and know exactly how to help you navigate this high-stress day with confidence and care.
Here's what you need to know to make your same-day move in Sydney as smooth as possible.
What Is Dual Settlement?
Dual settlement happens when the sale of your current home and the purchase of your new one are legally settled on the same day, often within just a few hours. In theory, it sounds simple: move out of one, move into the next. In practice, it's a complex logistical chain involving banks, agents, lawyers, removalists, and digital property platforms, such as PEXA.
Unlike staggered settlements, where you may need temporary storage or accommodation, dual settlement eliminates the gap, but leaves little room for delays.
In NSW, standard settlement periods are usually 42 days from contract exchange, but flexible or extended terms (up to 120 days) can help make both transactions align on the same day. Your solicitor or conveyancer should include a clause in your contract making your purchase conditional on the sale of your existing home to protect you from delays.
How Does Dual Settlement Work in Sydney?
Here's how a typical dual settlement day unfolds:
Morning (7:00 am–11:30 am) – Vacating Your Old Property
- Your removalist arrives early to start packing and loading.
- You must be fully out by mid-morning (around 11:30 am) to allow for the buyer's final inspection. Confirm the time with your agent.
- Once you hand over the keys, there's no going back; everything must be ready to go.
Midday–Early Afternoon (12:00 pm–2:00 pm) – Settlement
- Settlement of both properties takes place, usually through PEXA.
- Funds from your sale are transferred instantly to your purchase, and your home loan is discharged and replaced with the new one.
- Your removalist will wait with your belongings safely loaded in the truck until keys to the new property become available.
Heads up: It's common to receive your new keys 1–2 hours after settlement. You may need to collect them from your agent's office or coordinate for the agent to meet you onsite—check ahead so you're not left waiting.
Afternoon–Evening (2:00 pm onwards) – Moving In
- Once you've got the keys, meet your removalist team at the new residence.
- Your team unloads and sets up your home.
- Most dual settlement moves wrap up in the late afternoon or evening, depending on access, delays, or strata restrictions.
What Makes Dual Settlement Work Smoothly?
A successful same-day move comes down to preparation. Here are the essentials:
- Discharge your mortgage early – It can take up to 15 working days, so don't leave it late.
- Secure your new home loan – Apply as soon as contracts are exchanged to avoid last-minute issues.
- Use one solicitor or conveyancer – This helps coordinate contracts, lenders, and timing on both sides.
- Request extended settlement terms – More time means more flexibility if either transaction experiences hiccups.
Important: There won't be time for a second trip—even if it's just around the corner. Make sure you book a large enough truck to fit everything in one load.
PEXA's Linked Financial Settlement system allows all transactions to happen within minutes, as long as everyone is ready and approved in advance.
Pros and Cons of Dual Settlement
| Pros |
Cons |
| Avoid temporary housing or storage |
Very tight timing windows |
| No overlap in mortgage payments |
Risk if one settlement is delayed |
| One move, fewer costs overall |
High stress and pressure |
| Ideal for families and pet owners |
No access to new property before settlement |
You'll also likely avoid the need for a bridging loan, which is good news if you don't have significant equity in your current home.
What If Settlement Falls Through?
While rare, delays can happen. If something goes wrong with your purchase settlement, here's what to do:
- Request early access – Your solicitor may be able to arrange a temporary "licence to occupy" from the seller. This isn't guaranteed, but it is sometimes possible if delays are minor.
- Pack an overnight bag – Always keep essentials (medication, chargers, clothes, toiletries, pet food) in a separate box or bag, just in case you can't move in that night.
Should You Buy or Sell First?
This is one of the biggest decisions in any dual settlement. Selling first gives you a clear budget and less financial risk. Buying first gives you certainty about where you'll live—but can mean higher financial pressure if your old home doesn't sell in time.
A simultaneous settlement helps you avoid both extremes—just make sure your contracts are airtight, and your timelines are realistic.
Expert Tips for Surviving a Dual Settlement Move
- Tell your removalist – Not all movers understand simultaneous settlements. At Men That Move, we allocate a truck and team to you for the full day.
- Book one large truck – You only get one shot; everything must fit in one load.
- Prep a first-night box – Label clearly with towels, linen, sleepwear, clothes, and toiletries so you can make beds and settle in quickly.
- Pack kitchen essentials separately – A box with a kettle, tea/coffee, extension cords, chargers, and snacks will save your sanity.
- Check strata rules – If you're moving into/out of an apartment, book lifts and confirm move-in hours in advance.
- Keep pets off-site – It's too chaotic for animals; have them stay with a friend or sitter for the day.
- Clear your schedule – Between cleaning, handing over keys, settling in, and coordinating agents, keep the day commitment-free.
- Save key contacts – Keep your agent, conveyancer, and removalist details handy in case anything changes.
Why Choose Men That Move for Dual Settlement Moves?
At Men That Move, we specialise in dual settlement relocations across Sydney. We know the timing, risks, and pressure involved—and we plan for them. When you book with us, you get:
- A dedicated truck and team for the move
- Clear set out pricing - no hidden charges
- Eco-friendly plastic boxes delivered to your door
- Friendly movers familiar with strata rules, key pickups, and local access issues
Whether you're upgrading in the Inner West, downsizing on the North Shore, or relocating across Sydney, we'll get you there with less stress and more support.
Make Your Dual Settlement Move Stress-Free with Men That Move
Book your move today at menthatmove.com or call 1800 438 668. We'll take care of the logistics so that you can focus on your new beginning.
Dual Settlement Moving Day Checklist
Brought to you by Men That Move – Sydney's trusted removalists
Before Moving Day
- Confirm settlement times with your conveyancer
- Book a removalist who understands dual settlement (hint: that's us)
- Reserve building lifts or loading zones (if moving in/out of a unit)
- Pack and label a first night essentials box
- Arrange for pet care or babysitting
- Check final inspection and key handover times with agents
- Research short-term storage options, just in case
- Clear your schedule—it's an all-day affair
On Moving Day
Morning (7:00am–11:30am):
- Removalists arrive and start loading
- Do a last sweep of the house for forgotten items
- Hand over keys to selling agent
Midday–Early Afternoon (12:00pm–2:00pm):
- Wait for confirmation that settlement is complete
- Coordinate with agent to collect new property keys
Afternoon–Evening (2:00pm onwards):
- Meet the removalist team at your new home
- Direct furniture placement and unpack essentials
- Make the beds, plug in the kettle, and exhale
Pro Tips
- Take photos of electricity/water meter readings
- Carry a folder with legal contacts and timelines
- Stay hydrated and snack-ready
