Seller Security Checklist Before Property Inspections

Opening a home to buyers, tenants, contractors, photographers, valuers, building inspectors and other people involved in a property transaction is a normal part of selling or leasing, but it still deserves a careful security check before anyone walks through the door. The aim is simple: show the property properly, protect the people living there, keep private information out of view, reduce the risk of missing items or identity misuse, and make sure access, keys, payments and personal details are handled with the same care as the sale or rental campaign itself.

The checklist below is designed to help homeowners, sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants think through those issues in a practical way before photography, inspections, private appointments, contractor visits, settlement and moving day. It is deliberately detailed, so the most useful approach is to work through the sections that match your situation, discuss any concerns with your agent or property manager, and tighten the inspection or access process before the campaign begins.

Before The Property Is Photographed

Walk through every room before the photographer arrives and look for anything that identifies the people living in the property.
Remove family photographs, children's name signs, school uniforms, school awards, sports trophies, certificates, workplace IDs, name badges and personalised items from view.
Clear documents from desks, benches, bedside tables, noticeboards, filing trays and fridge doors.
Remove passports, birth certificates, tax papers, bank statements, legal documents, insurance documents, invoices, payslips and letters showing full names or addresses.
Check home office areas for visible computer screens, passwords, client files, work documents, business records, invoices, diaries and confidential papers.
Remove medication, prescription labels, medical letters, health paperwork and pharmacy packaging from bathrooms, kitchens and bedside areas.
Check mirrors, glass doors, polished surfaces and windows for reflections that may reveal private items, people, vehicles, safes, security equipment or rooms outside the intended shot.
Move jewellery boxes, watches, handbags, wallets, cash, collectible items, camera equipment, small electronics and other portable valuables out of view.
Remove spare keys, vehicle keys, garage remotes, access fobs, mailbox keys, pool keys and gate remotes from hooks, bowls, drawers and hallway tables.
Check that safes, lockboxes, gun safes, tool cabinets, security panels, alarm keypads and camera monitors are not visible in marketing photos.
Remove whiteboard notes, family calendars, appointment cards, travel dates, work rosters and anything showing when the home may be empty.
Hide mail, parcels, delivery labels and subscription boxes that show names, phone numbers, addresses or purchasing habits.
Move vehicle registration plates out of frame where practical, especially in garage, driveway and street-facing photographs.
Check children's bedrooms carefully for names, school details, uniforms, devices, trophies, artwork and personal information.
Review outdoor photographs for security details such as side access, weak fences, hidden entries, external cameras, spare-key locations, shed locks and easy roof access.
Ask the agent to review the image set before publication with privacy and security in mind, not only presentation and visual appeal.
Ask for any image to be cropped, blurred or reshot if it reveals private documents, family details, sensitive possessions, security equipment or personal information.
Confirm that floorplans do not reveal alarm codes, safe locations, hidden rooms, security equipment locations, panic rooms, lockbox locations or other unnecessary security details.
For tenanted properties, confirm what consent is needed before tenant possessions appear in marketing images.
Keep a copy of the final approved marketing photos so any later change can be checked against what was authorised.

Before The Listing Goes Online

Read the listing text for unnecessary personal information about the owner, tenant, family, occupation, travel, vacancy, divorce, deceased estate circumstances or financial pressure.
Remove any wording that suggests the property is vacant for long periods unless there is a clear reason to disclose it.
Check that the listing does not mention valuable inclusions in a way that attracts the wrong attention.
Review whether the property address should be published immediately or withheld until inspection by appointment, depending on the property and campaign strategy.
Check whether open home times are appropriate for the property's layout, occupancy, contents and risk profile.
Talk to the agent about whether private inspections may be safer than public open homes.
Consider whether prestige homes, vacant homes, remote properties, properties with valuable contents or properties with vulnerable occupants need tighter inspection rules.
Confirm how buyer enquiries will be screened before a private inspection is booked.
Ask how visitor names and contact details will be collected, stored and used.
Confirm whether visitors will be asked for basic contact details, identification, or both.
Ask whether the open-home register will be digital, staff-held, or otherwise kept away from other visitors.
Confirm that buyer contact details will not be left visible on a clipboard or sign-in sheet for other attendees to read or photograph.
Ask what information buyers will receive before attending, including instructions about entry, parking, supervision, children, pets and restricted areas.
Confirm how the agent will handle people who arrive without booking for a private inspection.
Confirm how the agent will handle neighbours, curious locals or people who refuse to provide basic details.
Agree on any areas that should remain closed during inspections, such as a study, storage room, locked garage, shed, plant room, roof space, wine cellar or personal area.
Confirm whether a second staff member should attend busy opens, large homes, acreage properties, homes with multiple levels or homes with several exit points.
Ask the agent to tell you promptly if anyone behaves unusually, refuses to sign in, wanders away, opens cupboards unnecessarily or attempts to enter restricted areas.

Before Each Open Home Or Private Inspection

Secure jewellery, watches, cash, coins, handbags, wallets, purses, credit cards and small valuables in a locked location away from inspection areas.
Remove passports, birth certificates, Medicare cards, licences, tax files, bank records, legal papers, property documents and personal identity documents from view.
Put medication, prescriptions, vitamins, medical equipment and pharmacy packaging away in a secure place.
Remove spare keys, vehicle keys, garage remotes, access fobs, mailbox keys, shed keys, safe keys, office keys and gate remotes from visible or easily searched areas.
Check bedside tables, bathroom drawers, kitchen drawers, hallway bowls, laundry shelves, office desks and entry tables for small personal items.
Lock away portable electronics, tablets, laptops, cameras, gaming devices, headphones, hard drives, memory cards and removable storage devices.
Shut down or lock computers, tablets and work devices before leaving the home.
Close applications, documents, emails and financial information on screens that may remain in view.
Turn off smart displays or move them away from areas where private photos, calendars, messages or camera feeds may appear.
Remove documents from printers, scanners and office trays.
Clear mail from entry areas, kitchen benches, studies, home offices and side tables.
Remove diaries, calendars, rosters, appointment notes and travel plans from view.
Store alcohol, tobacco products, vaping products, restricted items and anything unsuitable for children away from inspection areas.
Secure tools, ladders, expensive garden equipment, power tools and trade equipment in garages, sheds and storage areas.
Lock firearms, weapons, dangerous tools and regulated items in accordance with applicable laws and remove them from inspection areas.
Secure personal collections, rare items, artwork, memorabilia, luxury goods and items with sentimental value.
Remove loose change, charity tins, money boxes and petty cash from kitchens, bedrooms and offices.
Put away personal grooming items, intimate items and private household items before visitors arrive.
Check children's rooms for small valuables, devices, money boxes, jewellery, keepsakes and identifying information.
Check garages and sheds for unlocked side doors, open storage cupboards, visible keys, spare remotes and expensive equipment.
Lock windows, side doors, balcony doors, garage doors, external laundry doors, sliding doors and gates that should remain closed during the inspection.
Check that pool gates, side gates, shed doors and external storage areas are secure.
Remove or secure any items that could cause injury if children attend the inspection.
Secure pets away from visitors, or remove them from the property during the inspection.
Remove pet bowls, leads, medication, bedding and identifying tags if they reveal personal information or create trip hazards.
Put bins, cleaning chemicals, sharp tools and household hazards away before visitors arrive.
Check that internal doors you want closed are clearly identified to the agent.
Leave lights on where needed so the agent does not need to open cupboards or search for switches.
Tell the agent if any door, window, lock, deck, step, pool gate, balcony, appliance, garage door or fixture needs careful handling.
Take a quick phone video or photo sweep of valuable rooms before leaving if you want a personal record of how the home was presented.

During Open Homes

Agree whether you will leave the property during open homes or remain nearby without interfering with the inspection.
Make sure the agent knows which doors should be used for entry and exit.
Confirm that visitors will be asked to sign in before moving through the property.
Confirm that the agent will monitor the number of people inside the home at one time.
Ask the agent to keep groups together as much as practical in homes with multiple rooms, levels or access points.
Ask the agent to pay particular attention to bedrooms, studies, garages, sheds, side access, outdoor areas and rooms containing valuable items.
Ask whether a second staff member is appropriate if the home is large, busy, multi-level, vacant or difficult to supervise.
Confirm that visitors should not open drawers, wardrobes, cupboards, fridges, medicine cabinets, bedside tables or personal storage without a proper reason.
Confirm that children attending with buyers should remain with their parents or guardians.
Ask the agent to manage anyone who attempts to separate from the group or spend unusual time in private areas.
Ask the agent to prevent visitors from entering restricted rooms, sheds, roof spaces, storage areas or unsafe areas.
Confirm that buyers are not permitted to take their own detailed photos or videos without permission.
Confirm that buyers' agents, relatives, friends or trades attending with a buyer are also recorded as attendees.
Ask the agent to note any attendee who refuses to provide details, behaves oddly, asks unusual security questions or appears more interested in contents than the property.
Confirm that the agent will not discuss your travel plans, work hours, family situation, financial position or urgency with visitors.
Confirm that the agent will not tell visitors the home is vacant or unattended unless that disclosure is necessary and authorised.
Ask the agent to lock the property properly between back-to-back private inspections.
Ask the agent to keep entry doors under control during busy inspection periods.
Ask the agent to check bathrooms, wardrobes, garages, sheds, balconies, outdoor areas and side paths before closing the inspection.
Ask the agent to confirm that all visitors have left before locking up.

After Each Inspection

Check that all external doors, windows, balcony doors, sliding doors, garage doors, side gates and shed doors are locked.
Check that internal restricted areas remain closed or locked.
Check bedrooms, bathrooms, wardrobes, offices, garages and outdoor areas for anything moved, opened or disturbed.
Check jewellery, watches, small electronics, keys, remotes, medication, documents and other high-risk items if they were stored nearby.
Check that car keys, spare keys, access cards and remotes are still secured.
Check that computers, tablets, smart displays and home office devices remain locked or powered down.
Check that the alarm, cameras, smart locks and garage doors are functioning as expected.
Check that pets are safe and that gates, doors and enclosures have been secured.
Check that lights, fans, air conditioning, ovens, cooktops, taps and appliances have not been left on.
Check that no visitor has left a bag, device, item, tool or unknown object inside the property.
Tell the agent immediately if anything appears missing, moved, damaged or unusual.
Ask the agent for inspection feedback, including the number of attendees and whether anyone raised security or access concerns.
Keep notes of any incident, including the date, time, inspection type, what was noticed and who was told.
Report suspected theft, damage, trespass or suspicious behaviour to the appropriate authority where necessary.
Review the inspection process if the property was too busy, poorly supervised or difficult to control.

For Private Inspections

Ask the agent to qualify the enquiry before booking a private inspection.
Confirm the buyer's name, contact details and the number of people attending.
Ask whether the buyer has inspected the listing properly before requesting a private appointment.
Ask whether the buyer understands the price range and key property details before access is arranged.
Confirm whether the buyer is bringing relatives, advisers, builders, trades, buyers' agents or friends.
Ask the agent to keep private inspections to reasonable times and proper viewing purposes.
Confirm that the agent will attend and supervise the inspection personally.
Avoid unsupervised access by prospective buyers before settlement.
Avoid giving buyers alarm codes, garage codes, gate codes, keys or remotes before settlement unless proper legal arrangements have been made.
Confirm whether the buyer may take measurements, photos or videos during the inspection.
Confirm that the inspection does not turn into an informal trade visit without permission.
Ask the agent to keep a record of who attended and when they entered and left.
Ask the agent to lock up and check the property carefully after the inspection.
Use private inspections instead of open homes where the property contains valuable contents, has vulnerable occupants, has complex access or feels difficult to supervise.
Cancel or reschedule a private inspection if the circumstances feel rushed, unclear or poorly controlled.

For Vacant Properties

Check the property regularly during the campaign, especially after storms, inspections, trades and weekends.
Keep lawns, gardens, mailboxes and bins managed so the property does not look abandoned.
Redirect mail before the property becomes vacant.
Remove valuables, tools, appliances, loose furniture, personal documents and portable items from the property where practical.
Check that all windows, doors, gates, garages, sheds and external storage areas lock properly.
Consider timer lights, smart lighting or other measures that make the home appear maintained.
Keep insurance arrangements current and disclose vacancy where required by the policy.
Ask the agent how keys are stored and who can access them.
Ask the agent to record every inspection, trade visit, valuation and contractor entry.
Ask the agent to report signs of forced entry, water leaks, vandalism, squatting, damage, pests or maintenance issues immediately.
Check that utilities are managed safely and sensibly during the vacancy period.
Check that the property is secure after every private inspection or contractor appointment.
Keep neighbours or trusted local contacts informed where appropriate so unusual activity can be noticed sooner.
Avoid public comments online that reveal the property is empty for an extended period.
Review whether open homes are suitable if the property is vacant, isolated or hard to supervise.

For Tenanted Properties

Confirm the tenant's rights and notice requirements before scheduling photography, open homes, private inspections, valuations or trade access.
Coordinate inspections through the property manager where a managing agent is involved.
Give the tenant clear information about proposed inspection times, expected attendance and the purpose of entry.
Obtain written agreement where required for open homes, marketing photos or access arrangements.
Ask the tenant to secure valuables, medication, personal documents, electronics and private items before approved inspections.
Confirm that the agent or property manager will accompany prospective buyers unless the tenant has agreed to another arrangement.
Respect any reasonable concerns raised by the tenant about safety, privacy, pets, children, shift work, illness or personal circumstances.
Keep inspection numbers and frequency reasonable.
Avoid publishing photos that show tenant possessions, personal information, family details or sensitive items without the required consent.
Confirm that buyers and visitors will not open tenant cupboards, drawers, personal storage, wardrobes or private areas unnecessarily.
Ask the agent to report any visitor behaviour that concerns the tenant.
Confirm whether the tenant wants to be present during inspections, if that is permitted and practical.
Ensure pets are managed respectfully and safely during approved entries.
Make sure keys, remotes and fobs held by the agency are controlled and recorded.
Keep communication polite, documented and consistent so the tenant does not feel the sale campaign has become uncontrolled access to their home.

For Landlords And Property Managers

Keep a current record of all keys, remotes, fobs, access cards, mailbox keys, pool keys and garage remotes held for the property.
Use coded key tags that do not show the property address if the keys are lost.
Store keys in a secure location with controlled staff access.
Record when keys are removed, who took them, why they were taken and when they were returned.
Confirm contractor identity and appointment details before releasing keys.
Do not release keys to contractors without proper tenant notice or authority.
Check whether locks should be changed after a tenancy ends, especially where keys were lost, copied, held by former occupants or used by multiple contractors.
Update garage codes, gate codes, alarm users and smart lock permissions when tenants change.
Confirm that old tenants, contractors and former property managers no longer have digital access to locks, alarms, cameras or smart systems.
Check that smoke alarms, pool gates, entry locks, window locks and other safety-related features are managed as part of normal property oversight.
Keep entry records for inspections, repairs, valuations and sale-related access.
Tell the selling agent about any access issues, tenant sensitivities, security concerns or known risks before the campaign begins.

Keys, Remotes And Access Devices

List every key and access device before the campaign begins.
Include front door keys, screen door keys, balcony keys, garage remotes, gate remotes, mailbox keys, shed keys, pool keys, storage cage keys, swipe cards, fobs and alarm tags.
Confirm which keys the agent will hold and which keys will stay with the owner, tenant or property manager.
Do not leave spare keys in bowls, drawers, pot plants, meter boxes, under mats or other obvious locations during inspections.
Remove key hooks or labels that identify the purpose of each key.
Keep vehicle keys and garage remotes away from entry areas.
Ask how the agency identifies keys if the address is not written on the tag.
Ask who inside the agency can access keys.
Ask how keys are signed out for inspections and contractor access.
Ask how lost keys are handled and how quickly you will be told if a key or remote goes missing.
Collect all keys and remotes from tenants, cleaners, gardeners, trades, family members and neighbours before settlement where practical.
Check whether old spare keys may still be held by former occupants, previous agents, contractors, neighbours or family members.
Change alarm codes, garage codes, gate codes, smart lock codes and access permissions after settlement or tenant changeover where appropriate.
Consider rekeying after settlement if the key history is uncertain.

Smart Homes, Cameras And Digital Access

Check smart locks, alarms, doorbells, cameras, garage controllers, gates, lighting systems, thermostats and home automation systems before marketing begins.
Remove old users from smart locks, alarms, cameras and access apps.
Check whether former tenants, contractors, installers, property managers or family members still have app access.
Change weak or shared passwords on home security apps.
Turn on multi-factor authentication where available.
Check whether cameras record audio and whether that creates privacy issues during inspections.
Tell the agent if cameras are operating inside or outside the property.
Avoid leaving camera feeds visible on smart displays during inspections.
Remove alarm codes, Wi-Fi passwords and device passwords from noticeboards, drawers, routers and labels.
Hide router labels or network details if they show passwords or private network names.
Check whether smart speakers, tablets or voice assistants may reveal personal information, shopping lists, calendars or messages.
Turn off or secure devices that may display private notifications.
Remove shared access from cleaners, trades or short-stay guests before settlement if they no longer need it.
Prepare to transfer, reset or remove smart devices before settlement in line with the contract and inclusions.
Change digital access credentials after moving into a purchased property.

Money And Payment Security

Be alert to payment redirection scams during deposits, settlement adjustments, rent payments, bond payments, agency invoices and conveyancing payments.
Verify bank account details by calling a known phone number before sending any large payment.
Use a phone number from an earlier trusted source, not a number contained in a suspicious or last-minute email.
Be especially cautious if bank details change shortly before a payment is due.
Do not rely on email alone for new or changed bank account details.
Confirm whether deposit money is being paid to the agency trust account, solicitor trust account or another authorised account.
Check that the account name, BSB, account number and payment reference match the written instructions.
Ask for a receipt after paying a deposit or other trust money.
Keep copies of payment instructions, receipts, emails, text messages and call notes.
Do not click unexpected payment links without verifying them through a trusted channel.
Be cautious of urgent messages that pressure you to pay immediately, avoid calling, or use new account details.
Tell your conveyancer, solicitor or agent immediately if you suspect a payment instruction may be fraudulent.
Contact your bank immediately if money may have been sent to the wrong account.
Use strong email passwords and multi-factor authentication during a property transaction.
Check that your email account is not auto-forwarding messages to an unknown address.
Avoid sending identity documents, contracts or payment information through unsecured channels where safer options are available.

Personal Information And Identity Protection

Ask why personal information is being collected before providing more than basic details.
Provide only the information reasonably needed for the stage of the transaction.
Be cautious about giving copies of identity documents before there is a proper reason.
Ask how identity documents will be stored, used and deleted.
Check whether visitor details collected at an open home will be used only for inspection follow-up or also for marketing.
Avoid writing personal details on a public sign-in sheet where other visitors can read or photograph them.
Ask for a private or digital sign-in method if a paper register exposes other attendees' details.
Use a dedicated email address for property enquiries if you want to separate inspection contact from personal email.
Do not disclose your full finance position, urgency, family situation or personal pressure casually at inspections.
Tell the agent which personal circumstances should remain private during negotiations.
Keep copies of important transaction documents in a secure folder.
Shred or securely dispose of old property documents, loan papers, bills and identity records that are no longer needed.
Remove personal labels from boxes and storage areas if buyers, trades or movers will pass through.
Check that rental applications, buyer documents and sale paperwork are sent only to the correct agency, solicitor, conveyancer or platform.
Be cautious of fake agency messages, cloned email addresses, unusual attachments and unexpected document links.

Negotiation Privacy

Tell the agent what information about your motivation, timing and circumstances must remain confidential.
Be careful about saying too much during open homes if you are the owner, buyer, tenant or family member.
Avoid discussing your bottom line, borrowing limit, moving deadline, divorce, estate issues, job transfer or financial pressure where others may hear.
Ask the agent to keep offer details confidential except where disclosure is authorised or legally required.
Ask how multiple-offer situations will be managed.
Ask the agent not to disclose that the home will be empty before settlement unless authorised and necessary.
Ask the agent not to share your phone number, email or personal circumstances with buyers, sellers, trades or neighbours without a proper reason.
Keep written records of negotiation instructions given to the agent.
Use your solicitor or conveyancer for legal communication where the matter belongs in the contract process.
Avoid informal promises about early access, repairs, included items or settlement arrangements without proper written advice.

Building And Pest Inspections, Valuations And Trades

Confirm who will attend the property before a building inspection, pest inspection, valuation, measure-up or trade visit.
Ask whether the buyer, inspector, valuer, tradesperson, assistant or family members will be present.
Confirm that the agent will supervise access unless another arrangement has been properly agreed.
Ask how long the inspection is expected to take.
Secure valuables, documents, medication, keys and personal items before inspectors or trades arrive.
Ask whether roof spaces, subfloors, sheds, garages, ceiling cavities, electrical cupboards or plant areas will be accessed.
Tell the agent about fragile items, pets, locked areas, alarms, hazards, unsafe stairs, loose decking, pool gates, electrical issues or access limitations.
Confirm whether inspectors may move furniture, lift rugs, open cupboards, use taps, test appliances, enter roof spaces or access outbuildings.
Check that any moved items are returned to their place after the visit.
Check that roof hatches, manholes, gates, garage doors, sheds and external doors are closed after the inspection.
Confirm that trades attending before settlement have proper permission and are not treating the home as already handed over.
Do not allow buyer-arranged work before settlement without proper legal advice and written agreement.
Keep records of all contractor entries during the campaign.

Before The Final Inspection

Confirm the date and time of the final inspection through the agent.
Confirm who will attend with the buyer.
Clarify whether the buyer is only inspecting the property or also bringing trades, measuring rooms or checking repairs.
Secure personal items, documents, keys, medication and valuables before the final inspection.
Do not hand over keys, remotes, codes or possession before settlement unless properly advised and documented.
Confirm that any agreed inclusions remain in place and any excluded items are clearly dealt with.
Check that buyers are not storing items at the property before settlement without proper written agreement.
Check that buyer trades are not starting work before settlement without proper written agreement.
Keep the final inspection supervised and limited to its intended purpose.
Check the property again after the final inspection if settlement has not yet occurred.

Before Moving Out

Collect all keys, remotes, fobs, swipe cards and access devices that need to be handed over at settlement.
Remove personal documents from filing cabinets, drawers, wardrobes, roof storage, garages and sheds.
Check hidden storage areas, safes, ceiling spaces, under-stair cupboards, garden sheds and outdoor boxes for forgotten valuables.
Clear saved passwords, personal accounts and data from smart appliances, security systems and home automation devices that will remain with the property.
Remove your account from smart locks, cameras, doorbells, garage controllers, thermostats and lighting systems where appropriate.
Cancel or transfer utility accounts, internet services, monitoring services and security subscriptions at the correct time.
Redirect mail before leaving the property.
Update delivery addresses for online shopping, subscriptions, banks, insurers, government services and professional providers.
Remove labels from moving boxes that show valuable contents where boxes may be visible to visitors, movers or neighbours.
Keep settlement documents, identity documents, receipts and keys in a secure bag during the move.
Do not leave unwanted personal papers in bins at the property without shredding sensitive documents first.
Check that no personal data remains on whiteboards, noticeboards, routers, smart displays, printers or filing shelves.
Photograph the property after moving out if a record of condition may be useful.

After Buying A Property

Collect all keys, remotes, fobs, swipe cards, mailbox keys, garage remotes, gate remotes, pool keys and access devices at settlement.
Check the keys and remotes against the contract, agent's advice and any body corporate or building access requirements.
Consider rekeying external locks after settlement, especially if the property has been tenanted, vacant, short-stay rented or accessed by many contractors.
Change garage codes, gate codes, alarm codes, smart lock codes and keypad entries.
Remove previous users from smart locks, alarm systems, cameras, doorbells, garage controllers and home automation apps.
Reset Wi-Fi network names and passwords.
Check that security cameras, doorbells and smart devices are linked only to your accounts.
Check whether any old monitoring contract, alarm service or smart home subscription remains connected to the property.
Inspect windows, sliding doors, garage doors, side gates, fences, balcony doors, locks and screens after moving in.
Check sheds, roof spaces, under-house areas, meter boxes, storage cages and outdoor areas for keys, tools, personal items or unknown devices left behind.
Update mailbox locks if the key history is uncertain.
Update pool gate, side gate and external access locks where appropriate.
Introduce yourself to immediate neighbours where comfortable so unusual activity around the property is easier to notice.
Check that insurance cover is active from the correct date.
Store settlement documents, contracts, searches, warranties and access information securely.

After Selling A Property

Keep copies of sale documents, settlement records, deposit receipts and correspondence in a secure location.
Remove the sold property from saved delivery addresses and online shopping accounts.
Update banks, insurers, government agencies, utilities, schools, subscriptions and service providers with your new address.
Cancel or transfer alarm monitoring, internet, utilities, maintenance contracts and smart home subscriptions.
Remove your access from smart devices that remain with the property.
Delete stored property access codes from shared notes, family apps and contractor messages if no longer needed.
Check that mail redirection is active.
Secure documents from the sale that include the buyer's details, your settlement figures, bank details or solicitor information.
Be cautious of post-settlement scam messages pretending to relate to moving, utilities, removalists, conveyancing or refunds.
Do not provide additional property access after settlement unless the request is genuine and properly arranged.

If Something Feels Wrong

Tell the agent immediately if a visitor, enquiry, inspection request or payment instruction feels unusual.
Pause before acting on urgent requests involving money, keys, access, documents or changed instructions.
Verify identity and instructions through a trusted phone number or known contact channel.
Keep screenshots, emails, call notes, visitor details and documents if you suspect fraud, theft or suspicious behaviour.
Contact your bank immediately if money may have been sent to the wrong account.
Contact your solicitor or conveyancer if an access, settlement or contract issue arises.
Contact police if there is suspected theft, break-in, trespass, fraud or immediate safety concern.
Ask the agent to review future inspection procedures if an inspection was poorly controlled.
Change locks, codes or access permissions promptly if a key, remote, fob or code may have been compromised.
Trust your instincts if a request feels rushed, secretive, inconsistent or outside the normal transaction process.

This checklist is deliberately detailed, but every property, campaign, household, tenancy and transaction has its own risks, so it should be treated as a practical starting point rather than a complete security plan for every situation. Homeowners, buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants should speak with their real estate agent, property manager, solicitor, conveyancer, insurer or appropriate security professional about any concerns that are specific to the property, the people living there, the inspection arrangements, the handling of keys, or the movement of money and personal information during the transaction.

General information only. This material is not legal, financial, privacy, cyber security or personal security advice. Buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants should obtain advice for their own circumstances before making decisions about property access, inspections, payments, privacy, tenancy rights or transaction security.

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Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, but we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or reliability. The data is presented for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We are not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from its use. Users should verify details with relevant sources and seek professional advice where appropriate for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.