Home Connection Timeline: What to Expect When You Move

The single biggest mistake people make when moving is underestimating how long utility connections take. This guide gives you realistic timeframes so you can plan with confidence.

Electricity connection timeline

Electricity is typically the easiest and fastest utility to connect:

Account transfer (warm): 1–2 business days. The previous occupant had power and you're registering as the new account holder. Often done remotely with no technician required.
New connection after disconnection (cold): 3–5 business days. A technician must physically reconnect the supply at the meter. Some properties may require an electrical inspection certificate first.
New build: 2–6 weeks. Requires a meter to be installed, a licensed electrician's certificate, and network connection. Coordinate with your builder.

Action required 5 days before moving: Call your electricity retailer to arrange account transfer to your new address. Simultaneously, arrange disconnection of your old address for your move-out date.

Gas connection timeline

Account transfer: 2–5 business days
Gas reconnection (after disconnection): 5–7 business days. A licensed gasfitter must reconnect and test the supply for safety.
New gas meter installation: 2–4 weeks. Required for new builds or properties that have never had gas.

Note: Natural gas is not available in all areas. Western Australia, the ACT and some regional areas have limited or no gas networks. Check whether gas is connected at your new property before arranging anything.

Internet (nbn) connection timeline

This is where people most frequently encounter delays. nbn connections require more steps than electricity or gas:

Connection type	Typical lead time	Technician needed?
Existing connected address (warm)	3–10 business days	Usually no
Never-connected address	2–4 weeks	Yes
FTTP upgrade	4–8 weeks	Yes
Fixed wireless (rural)	2–4 weeks	Yes (antenna install)
5G home wireless	Same day to 3 days	No (self-install kit)

The highest-risk scenario is a property that has never had nbn connected. If your new home is a newly built house or a property in an area that recently joined the nbn footprint, allow 4–6 weeks minimum and book immediately after your address is confirmed.

Water connection timeline

Water is generally the simplest utility to manage when moving. In most Australian states, you notify the water authority that you've moved in and billing transfers to you automatically. There's no physical connection process for existing properties. For new builds, a licensed plumber must connect the property to the water main — allow 2–4 weeks.

Connection timeline summary

Utility	Existing property	Never connected	New build
Electricity	1–2 days	3–5 days	2–6 weeks
Gas	2–5 days	5–7 days	2–4 weeks
nbn Internet	3–10 days	2–4 weeks	4–8 weeks
Water	Same day (notify only)	Same day	2–4 weeks (plumber)

Our recommendation: Book electricity and gas 5–7 business days before moving. Book internet (nbn) 3–4 weeks before moving. Notify your water authority in the week of your move. This timeline eliminates the risk of being without any essential service on day one.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest utility to connect when moving?

Electricity is usually the fastest — most connections at existing properties can be done within 1–2 business days, and often the same day if done before 5pm on a weekday. Gas is slightly slower, typically 2–5 business days. Internet (nbn) takes the longest at 3–10 business days for existing connections.

Can I get same-day electricity connection?

In most states, same-day electricity connection is possible if you call your retailer before 3pm on a business day and the property has an existing active connection (just changing account holders). Some retailers charge a premium for same-day requests. If the property has been fully disconnected, a technician visit is required and same-day is unlikely.

What is a 'cold' connection vs a 'warm transfer'?

A 'warm transfer' (or account transfer) means the previous occupant was connected and you're simply taking over the account — usually done remotely and quickly. A 'cold' connection means the property has been fully disconnected and needs to be physically reconnected by a technician, which takes longer.

Who pays for utilities during a settlement period?

For property purchases, utility responsibility typically transfers on settlement day. The vendor is responsible for costs up to settlement; the buyer from that date. Meter readings are taken on settlement day. For rentals, you're responsible from the start of your lease.

Can I have internet on day one of moving in?

Only if you book well in advance. For an existing property with active nbn, bookings made 2+ weeks in advance can often target your move-in date. If you haven't pre-booked, plan for 3–10 business days after your move date. A mobile hotspot (4G/5G) is the recommended bridge solution.

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