The prime minister-elect says in the interests of calm and methodical government he doesn't want to recall parliament until new legislation, particularly to repeal the carbon tax, is ready.



"The last thing I want to do is to rush the parliament back for a photo opportunity before the substance of the work is there for it to do," he told Fairfax Radio on Monday.



"It will be back toward the end of October, early November."



Mr Abbott and his ministers will probably be sworn in early next week.



He says time was needed to formalise the coalition agreement between the Liberals and The Nationals and for the party rooms to meet and choose the final make up of cabinet.



Mr Abbott is in no rush to leave the family home in the northern Sydney suburb of Forestville.



The Lodge in Canberra will undergo major renovations so it's likely the Abbotts will live instead in Kirribilli House on Sydney Harbour.



But Mr Abbott says he'll take advice on that.



He touched down in Canberra on Monday morning for more meetings with officials and his senior leadership team, including Nationals leader Warren Truss and Liberal deputy Julie Bishop.



Outgoing prime minister Kevin Rudd is expected to welcome Mr Abbott to The Lodge at some stage later in the week.



Mr Abbott said his predecessor had made a very gracious phone call to concede the election on Saturday night.



"He rang me and he spoke with warmth," Mr Abbott said.



"I think both of us were conscious of the fact that a baton was being exchanged. That's a weighty moment."