Double perovskites containing Ir 6+ /Ir 5+ with formula Sr 2 MIrO 6 (M = Ni, Zn) have been synthesized under high oxygen pressure conditions. Their crystal structures have been studied by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction at room temperature (RT) and 2 K. At RT, these oxides crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2 1 /n with unit-cell parameters a ≈ √2a 0 , b ≈ √2a 0 , and c ≈ 2a 0 , and β ≈ 90°. The thermal evolution of the structure of the Ni-containing compound shows the presence of two phase transition in the 373−673 K interval following the sequence P2 1 /n → I4/ m → Fm3̅ m. These materials have also been characterized by magnetic measurements, suggesting the onset of antiferromagnetic interactions at T N = 58 and 46 K, for M = Ni, Zn, respectively. X-ray absorption spectroscopy sheds light on the oxidation states of M and Ir ions within these double perovskites.