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Australian Lending Policy Reference

What Can Change Before Settlement

Managing the critical risk window between contract signing and final settlement.

Vetted and updated: 2026ACL 387460 Vetted

Core Assessment Analysis

The period between exchanging property contracts and final settlement (usually 30 to 42 days) is a critical risk window. Lenders regularly run fresh credit file and employment checks right before releasing funds. If you change jobs, buy furniture on Afterpay, apply for new credit cards, or reduce your cash reserves during this window, the bank's credit engine can instantly invalidate your approval, leading to default and loss of your deposit.

Why Underwriters Focus Here

Banks must verify that your risk profile has not deteriorated since the initial approval was issued.

Key Outcome Assessment Factors

Changing your employment structure, new credit enquiries, and bank account balances.

Your pathway from here
General Information Only

Borrowers must disclose any material changes in their financial situation to the lender.

Model Mortgages Pty Ltd | Australian Credit Licence 387460

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