Settlement day is an exciting milestone when buying property.
After settlement, many buyers wonder what they need to do next.
One common question is:
“Do I need to contact the council and water authority to change the property into my name?”
The answer can depend on the type of property, the relevant authority and how the transfer information is processed.
Your conveyancer will attend to the legal and settlement aspects of the transaction, but buyers should understand that not every post-settlement account or service is automatically transferred into their name by their conveyancer.
This article explains some of the things buyers should consider after settlement.
What Happens to the Property at Settlement?
At settlement, the buyer pays the required settlement amount and the transaction is completed in accordance with the Contract of Sale.
The title transfer is then lodged for registration where required.
Settlement and registration are important parts of the conveyancing process, but they do not necessarily mean that every service account at the property has automatically been changed into the buyer’s name.
Do I Need to Contact the Council?
You should check with the relevant local council about its process for updating ownership and ratepayer information.
Information about the change of ownership may be provided through the settlement and title registration process, depending on the circumstances.
However, you should not assume that you never need to contact the council.
After settlement, check that:
- The council has the correct ownership details
- Future rates notices will be sent to the correct address
- Your postal or email details are correct
- Any relevant waste or property services are set up appropriately
If you receive a rates notice that appears incorrect, contact the council promptly.
What Happens to Council Rates at Settlement?
Council rates are generally taken into account as part of the settlement adjustment process where applicable.
The buyer and seller may each be responsible for the portion of rates relating to their period of ownership.
This means that the buyer may not necessarily be responsible for the entire rates amount shown on a particular notice.
Your conveyancer will calculate the relevant adjustment as part of the settlement process.
Do I Need to Contact the Water Authority?
You should check the relevant water authority’s process after settlement.
Water and sewerage charges can be dealt with through settlement adjustments, but this does not necessarily mean that all future account details have automatically been updated for you.
You should make sure the water authority has your correct contact and billing details.
What Happens to Water Charges at Settlement?
Water charges may be adjusted between the buyer and seller at settlement depending on the type of charge and the relevant settlement arrangements.
For example, the seller may be responsible for charges relating to the period before settlement, while the buyer becomes responsible for the relevant period after settlement.
Your conveyancer will deal with applicable adjustments as part of the settlement statement.
What About a Final Water Meter Reading?
The treatment of water usage can depend on the property and the relevant water authority.
Where appropriate, the parties may arrange a final reading or use the information available from the water authority when calculating the settlement adjustment.
Your conveyancer can explain how water charges are being dealt with in your particular transaction.
Do I Need to Change My Postal Address?
Yes, if your new property is becoming your home or mailing address, remember to update your address with organisations that need to contact you.
This may include:
- Banks
- Insurance companies
- Government departments
- Schools
- Employers
- Superannuation providers
- Subscription services
- Medical providers
- Other organisations that hold your address
Your conveyancer does not generally update all of your personal accounts for you.
What About Electricity and Gas?
Electricity and gas accounts are separate from the conveyancing process.
If you are moving into the property, contact your preferred electricity and gas providers and arrange for the services to be connected or transferred into your name.
Do this before moving in where possible.
If the property is already connected, the provider may still require you to open a new account from the relevant date.
What About Internet?
Internet services are also separate from settlement.
If you need internet at the property, arrange your connection or transfer with your preferred provider.
Some properties may require a new connection or installation, so it is worth arranging this early.
What About Owners Corporation Fees?
If you have purchased a property affected by an Owners Corporation, you will generally have ongoing Owners Corporation obligations after settlement.
The seller and buyer’s respective contributions may be adjusted at settlement where appropriate.
After settlement, make sure the Owners Corporation or its manager has your correct contact details.
You should also confirm:
- How future fees will be issued
- Payment due dates
- Any upcoming meetings
- Any relevant notices
- Whether there are any changes to the Owners Corporation arrangements
You can read more about Owners Corporation in our related article.
What If I Am Buying an Investment Property?
If the property will be rented out, you may also need to update information with:
- Your property manager
- Your insurer
- Your lender
- Relevant government authorities
- Council, where applicable
- Water authority, where applicable
Your responsibilities may be different from those of an owner-occupier.
What If I Am Changing the Property From PPR to Investment?
If you originally purchased the property as your principal place of residence but later decide to rent it out, there may be additional matters to consider.
For example:
- Insurance
- Land tax
- Council records
- Your lender
- Tax
- Rental requirements
A change in use after settlement can have consequences beyond conveyancing.
We will cover this in more detail in our article about changing the use of a property after settlement.
Do I Need to Contact the State Revenue Office?
Your conveyancer generally deals with the relevant duty and settlement matters associated with the purchase.
However, if your circumstances change after settlement, there may be additional state tax considerations.
For example, changing the use of a property may affect your land tax position.
If you are unsure about your tax obligations, seek advice from the State Revenue Office or a qualified tax professional.
What If I Don’t Receive My Rates Notice?
If you expect to receive a council rates notice but do not receive it, contact the relevant council.
Do not simply assume that no notice means no rates are payable.
Make sure your contact details and mailing address are correct.
What If I Don’t Receive My Water Bill?
Similarly, if you expect a water account and do not receive one, contact the relevant water authority.
Keeping your account details up to date can help prevent missed bills and unnecessary late fees.
What Should I Do Immediately After Settlement?
A simple post-settlement checklist can help.
Property
☐ Collect the keys
☐ Check the property
☐ Confirm utilities are connected
☐ Arrange insurance if not already done
Council
☐ Check ownership/ratepayer details
☐ Confirm your mailing details
☐ Check future rates notices
Water
☐ Confirm account details
☐ Check future billing arrangements
☐ Confirm water charges are being dealt with correctly
Owners Corporation
☐ Update contact details
☐ Confirm fee payment arrangements
☐ Check upcoming notices or meetings
Personal Accounts
☐ Update your address
☐ Notify your bank
☐ Update insurance
☐ Update government and other important records
For a broader checklist of what to organise after settlement, see our What Happens After Settlement in Victoria? A Buyer’s Checklist.
Does My Conveyancer Change Everything After Settlement?
No.
Your conveyancer handles the legal and settlement aspects of the property transaction.
Some ownership information may be updated through the relevant registration and authority processes, but you should not assume your conveyancer will update every service provider and personal account for you.
It is still your responsibility to make sure your important accounts are correctly set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to contact the council after buying a property?
Check the relevant council’s process. Ownership information may be updated through the relevant processes, but you should make sure the council has your correct details and that future notices will reach you.
Do I need to contact the water authority?
You should check the relevant water authority’s requirements and make sure your account and contact details are correct after settlement.
Are council rates adjusted at settlement?
Council rates may be adjusted between the buyer and seller for the relevant periods, depending on the circumstances.
Are water charges adjusted at settlement?
Certain water charges may be adjusted at settlement. Your conveyancer will calculate applicable adjustments as part of the settlement process.
Do I need to change electricity and gas after settlement?
Yes. Electricity and gas accounts are separate from conveyancing, so you should arrange the relevant accounts in your name.
Does my conveyancer change my address with everyone?
No. You remain responsible for updating your address with your banks, insurers, government departments and other organisations.
What about Owners Corporation fees?
If you buy a property affected by an Owners Corporation, make sure your contact details are updated and that you understand how future fees will be issued and paid.
How Prox Conveyancing Can Help
At Prox Conveyancing, we help Victorian buyers understand what happens during the conveyancing and settlement process.
Settlement is not necessarily the end of everything.
There are practical steps to take afterwards, including checking your council, water, Owners Corporation, insurance and utility arrangements.
If you are unsure what has been dealt with as part of settlement and what you need to arrange yourself, speak with your conveyancer.
Being organised after settlement can help make the transition into your new property much smoother.
About the Author
Meet Sally
Sally Kwok is a Licensed Conveyancer and the Director of Prox Conveyancing. With more than 16 years of experience in the conveyancing industry, she is committed to helping buyers and sellers navigate Victorian property transactions with confidence. Sally is passionate about providing clear communication, practical guidance and personalised service throughout every stage of the conveyancing process.
👉 Learn more about Sally on our About page.
About Prox Conveyancing
Prox Conveyancing is a Victorian conveyancing practice providing professional conveyancing services for residential property transactions across Victoria. We assist buyers, sellers, investors and families with a wide range of conveyancing matters, delivering personalised service, transparent communication and professional support from contract through to settlement.
👉 Learn more about Prox Conveyancing on our About page.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Every property transaction is unique, and the information above may not apply to your particular circumstances. If you require advice about your specific situation, please contact a qualified legal professional or licensed conveyancer.