Clearly explaining settlement statements is a vital part of property transactions in Queensland, as they provide a clear breakdown of the financial aspects of a sale or purchase. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, understanding your settlement statement is essential to ensure all calculations are accurate and your obligations are met.
At Nationwide Conveyancing, we simplify property transactions by helping clients navigate settlement statements with ease. This article explains what a settlement statement is, its key components and how to review it, along with answers to frequently asked questions.
What is a settlement statement?
A settlement statement is a financial document provided during the property settlement process. It details the money exchanged between the buyer and seller, ensuring all payments, adjustments and balances are accounted for accurately.
For buyers, the settlement statement shows the total amount payable, including adjustments and fees. For sellers, it outlines the net proceeds they will receive after deductions like outstanding rates or mortgage payouts.
Key components of a settlement statement
- Purchase price — The agreed price for the property, as stated in the contract of sale.
- Deposits paid — Any deposit paid by the buyer is credited towards the purchase price.
- Adjustments — Adjustments allocate property-related costs like council rates, water charges and body corporate levies between the buyer and seller. Take note of the adjustment types below:
- Plus adjustments — Amounts the buyer owes the seller for prepaid expenses.
- Less adjustments — Amounts deducted from the seller’s proceeds for unpaid expenses.
- Outstanding mortgage (for sellers) — The seller’s mortgage balance is deducted from the sale proceeds.
- Stamp duty (for buyers) — Buyers must pay stamp duty based on the property’s value or purchase price.
- Legal and conveyancing fees — Fees for conveyancing services, often included in the statement for transparency.
- Balance payable or receivable — The final amount the buyer must pay or the seller will receive to complete the transaction.
How to review your settlement statement
- Verify the purchase price
Ensure the purchase price matches the amount agreed upon in the contract of sale. - Check deposits and payments
Confirm that all deposits or pre-payments are accurately reflected in the statement. - Understand adjustments
Review adjustments for council rates, water charges and body corporate fees to ensure they align with the settlement date. - Assess additional costs
For buyers, confirm that stamp duty and registration fees are included. For sellers, ensure all deductions, like mortgage payouts, are correct. - Confirm the final balance
Double-check the final balance payable or receivable to avoid surprises on settlement day.
Common adjustments in settlement statements
- Council rates — These are adjusted based on the settlement date. For example, if the seller has prepaid rates for the year, the buyer reimburses the seller for the unused portion.
- Water charges — Fixed access fees and usage charges are adjusted based on a final meter reading.
- Body corporate fees — For strata properties, body corporate levies are prorated according to the settlement date.
Tips for a smooth settlement process
- Engage a reliable conveyancer
Work with a professional conveyancer to ensure your settlement statement is accurate and all obligations are met. - Review the statement early
Allow time to review the settlement statement and address any errors before settlement day. - Understand your financial obligations
Familiarise yourself with costs like stamp duty, adjustments and legal fees to avoid surprises. - Communicate with your lender
For buyers, confirm that your lender has prepared the funds for settlement. For sellers, ensure your mortgage discharge is processed in time. - Prepare supporting documents
Keep copies of the contract of sale, council rate notices and other relevant documents handy for reference.
Choose Nationwide Conveyancing for practical guidance
At Nationwide Conveyancing, we specialise in handling all aspects of property transactions, including preparing and reviewing settlement statements. Our experienced team ensures accuracy, transparency and compliance with QLD property laws, making your settlement process stress-free.
Understanding your settlement statement is crucial for a successful property transaction in Queensland. By familiarising yourself with its components and reviewing it thoroughly, you can avoid errors and ensure a smooth settlement process.
At Nationwide Conveyancing, explaining settlement statements in a clear and simple way is part of what we do. Contact us today for expert assistance with your settlement statement and property transaction needs.
General advice only.
FAQs
The following FAQs address common questions buyers and sellers have when explaining settlement statements in Queensland:
Settlement statements are typically provided by your conveyancer a few days before settlement to allow time for review and corrections.
Contact your conveyancer immediately. They will liaise with the other party to correct any errors before settlement.
Adjustments ensure that costs related to the property, like council rates or water charges, are shared fairly between the buyer and seller based on the settlement date.
Yes, any outstanding mortgage must be paid off at settlement. The amount is deducted from the seller’s proceeds.
Yes, if you identify errors or discrepancies, your conveyancer can request changes to the statement before settlement.
Settlement statements are prepared by your conveyancer or solicitor, ensuring all calculations are accurate and compliant with Queensland property laws.
A buyer’s settlement statement shows how much they need to pay to complete the purchase, while a seller’s settlement statement shows how much they will receive after deductions. Although both statements relate to the same transaction, they are prepared from different perspectives.
The buyer’s statement focuses on funds required, including the purchase price, adjustments and government charges, while the seller’s statement details deductions such as rates, mortgage payouts and conveyancing fees to arrive at net proceeds. The figures should align overall, but the presentation and purpose of each statement differ.
No, settlement statements themselves are not legally binding documents. They are practical financial summaries prepared to give effect to the contract of sale, rather than contracts in their own right.
The binding obligations between buyer and seller come from the contract and related legal documents, not the settlement statement. That said, settlement statements are relied on heavily at settlement, so accuracy is essential. If an error is identified, it should be raised promptly so it can be corrected before or shortly after settlement.
No, you are not generally required to personally provide documents, as adjustment amounts are usually verified by the conveyancer. Adjustments are commonly based on official notices such as council rate notices, water accounts or body corporate statements obtained during the conveyancing process.
These documents support the calculations shown in the settlement statement. If information is missing or unclear, your conveyancer may request clarification or updated figures. Because adjustments rely on third-party information, it’s important to allow time for verification before settlement.
Late fees or penalties are only included in a settlement statement if they are applicable under the contract or arise from unpaid charges. For example, overdue rates or body corporate levies may attract penalties that are adjusted at settlement.
Whether additional fees apply depends on the specific circumstances and the terms of the contract. These amounts are usually identified during pre-settlement checks and reflected in the final figures. As penalties can vary, it’s important to review the statement carefully and raise any questions before settlement.
If a lender delays payment on settlement day, settlement may be postponed and additional costs can sometimes arise. The impact depends on the reason for the delay and the terms of the contract, which may allow interest or other charges to accrue if settlement does not occur on time.
In many cases, conveyancers work closely with lenders and the other party to minimise disruption and resolve the issue quickly. Because lender delays can be outside a buyer’s control, seeking advice early can help manage risk and next steps.