diff --git a/test/functional/feature_proxy.py b/test/functional/feature_proxy.py
index 5453f0be3b9..f042adb7aa2 100755
--- a/test/functional/feature_proxy.py
+++ b/test/functional/feature_proxy.py
@@ -41,7 +41,6 @@ from test_framework.netutil import test_ipv6_local
 
 RANGE_BEGIN = PORT_MIN + 2 * PORT_RANGE  # Start after p2p and rpc ports
 
-
 class ProxyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     def set_test_params(self):
         self.num_nodes = 4
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet_txn_doublespend.py b/test/functional/wallet_txn_doublespend.py
index f114d5ab688..9050e212474 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet_txn_doublespend.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet_txn_doublespend.py
@@ -34,6 +34,14 @@ class TxnMallTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     def run_test(self):
         # All nodes should start with 1,250 BTC:
         starting_balance = 1250
+
+        # All nodes should be out of IBD.
+        # If the nodes are not all out of IBD, that can interfere with
+        # blockchain sync later in the test when nodes are connected, due to
+        # timing issues.
+        for n in self.nodes:
+            assert n.getblockchaininfo()["initialblockdownload"] == False
+
         for i in range(4):
             assert_equal(self.nodes[i].getbalance(), starting_balance)
             self.nodes[i].getnewaddress("")  # bug workaround, coins generated assigned to first getnewaddress!