What Happens After You Go Unconditional as a Canterbury Buyer

Going unconditional means your purchase is legally binding - you are committed to buying this property and the vendor is committed to selling it to you. Neither party can walk away without serious legal and financial consequences. But there are still important steps between going unconditional and actually having keys in your hand.

Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

You have an insurable interest in the property from the moment the agreement goes unconditional. Take out house insurance from the unconditional date, not settlement date. The standard sale and purchase agreement requires the property to remain insured, but as the incoming owner you should have your own insurance policy in place to protect your interest. Contact your preferred insurer as soon as you go unconditional and ensure cover commences from that date.

Brief Your Bank

Notify your bank or mortgage broker that the agreement is unconditional and confirm the settlement date. Your bank will begin the mortgage drawdown preparation process. They need the settlement statement from your solicitor and confirmation of the settlement date and amount. For banks that require additional documentation or have longer processing times (ANZ, Westpac, and SBS can require extra steps), this lead time matters.

Book Your Removalists

Good Canterbury removalists book out quickly, particularly for popular settlement days (typically Thursdays and Fridays). Book your removalists as soon as you have a confirmed unconditional date and settlement day. Brief them on access timing - Canterbury property settlements often complete in the afternoon, meaning you may not have key access until 3-4pm on settlement day.

Transfer Utilities and Update Your Address

Arrange for electricity, gas, broadband, and water to be transferred into your name from your settlement date. Notify your bank, IRD, employer, insurance companies, and other essential contacts of your new address from your settlement date. Redirect your mail. Notify your children's schools, GP, and any regular services of your address change.

Conduct Your Pre-Settlement Inspection

Schedule your pre-settlement inspection for the 24-48 hours before settlement. Review the property carefully against the conditions you agreed to at the time of your offer. If anything has changed materially, notify your solicitor immediately.

For general information only. Always follow your solicitor's specific guidance between going unconditional and settlement.