Back to Market Insights
NSW13 January 2026Market Analysis

NSW Property Buying Timeline 2026: 90-Day Purchase Guide

Complete timeline for buying property in NSW. From pre-approval to settlement, understand every step and timeframe.

From initial research to receiving keys, buying property in NSW typically takes 60-120 days. Understanding this timeline helps you plan, budget, and avoid delays throughout the purchase process.

This comprehensive guide provides a week-by-week timeline for NSW property purchases, from pre-approval to settlement day.

NSW Property Buying Timeline

Weeks 1-2: Preparation Phase

  • Research suburbs and property types
  • Calculate borrowing capacity
  • Save genuine savings (3+ months)
  • Gather income documents

Weeks 3-4: Pre-Approval

  • Engage mortgage broker
  • Submit loan application
  • Receive pre-approval (typically 3-7 days)
  • Confirm borrowing capacity

Weeks 5-8: Property Search

  • Attend inspections (10-20 properties)
  • Research comparable sales
  • Engage conveyancer/solicitor
  • Make offers or bid at auction

Weeks 9-10: Contract Exchange

  • Sign contract (5-day cooling-off for private sales)
  • Pay deposit (typically 10%)
  • Arrange building/pest inspections
  • Submit formal loan application

Weeks 11-12: Loan Approval

  • Bank valuation completed
  • Final loan approval received
  • Review loan documents
  • Sign mortgage documents

Weeks 13-14: Pre-Settlement

  • Final property inspection
  • Confirm settlement date
  • Arrange insurance
  • Book removalists

Week 14-16: Settlement

  • Settlement day (ownership transfers)
  • Receive keys
  • Move in!

Ding Chat: Your AI Property Advisor

Sydney apartments expert • Data-driven insights • 100% complimentary

Get Instant Access

Chat with our AI to get personalized insights on Sydney apartments: median prices ($890K avg), yields (4.6-5%), stamp duty calcs, and hot suburbs like Zetland, Parramatta, Mascot.

🔒 Your details are secure (GDPR compliant). Used only for this service.

What you can ask:

💰 Median prices in Zetland?
📈 Best yield suburbs 2025?
🏗️ Stamp duty on $900K?

Typical Timeframes

Process StageTimeframeYour Action
Pre-Approval3-7 daysSubmit documents
Property Search2-8 weeksAttend inspections
Contract Exchange1 daySign & pay deposit
Cooling-Off Period5 business daysInspections, review
Formal Approval7-14 daysProvide extra docs
Settlement Period30-42 daysPrepare for move
Total Timeline60-90 days-

Your Action Plan

Month 1: Preparation

  1. Calculate borrowing capacity using our calculator
  2. Gather 3 months payslips, tax returns, bank statements
  3. Book broker consultation for pre-approval
  4. Research target suburbs and attend open homes

Month 2: Search & Offer

  1. Attend 2-3 inspections weekly
  2. Engage conveyancer ($1,200-2,500)
  3. Make offer or bid at auction
  4. Exchange contracts when offer accepted

Month 3: Approval & Settlement

  1. Complete building/pest inspections
  2. Receive formal loan approval
  3. Complete pre-settlement inspection
  4. Settle and receive keys!

Buying property in NSW follows a predictable 60-90 day timeline. Understanding each stage helps you stay organized, avoid delays, and achieve a smooth settlement.

Ready to start your purchase journey? Book a consultation to create your personalized buying timeline and action plan.