The completion date is the day you get your keys and can move in. It’s agreed between you and the seller (via us and the seller’s solicitor) once contracts are ready to exchange. This date is then fixed when we exchange contracts, and everyone works towards that date.

We’d usually suggest holding off on booking removals until contracts have been exchanged and your completion date is fixed. This helps avoid any risk of cancellation fees if things change.

That said, we know time can sometimes be tight between exchange and completion. If you do need to book earlier, that’s completely your choice — just bear in mind the date isn’t guaranteed until exchange, so there is a small risk it may need to be moved.

If you’re unsure or need help deciding, feel free to speak with your case handler — we’re here to support you.

Completion typically happens between 11am and 2pm, depending on how quickly mortgage funds are received and how many parties are involved in the chain. If you’re at the bottom of a long chain, it may take a little longer.

If you are also selling a property, there can sometimes be a short wait between your sale completing and your purchase completing, as funds need to transfer through the chain. Rest assured, we work hard to ensure this process is as smooth and quick as possible.

Once the seller’s solicitor confirms they’ve received the full purchase money from us, the estate agent or seller will release the keys to you. This typically happens around 3pm, but we can’t guarantee a specific time—it depends on how quickly the funds transfer and how many people are in the chain.

Keys are typically held by the estate agent, who will release them once we confirm completion. If you are buying directly from the seller (e.g. a private sale or new build), we’ll let you know where and how to collect the keys.

The seller is usually expected to vacate the property and leave it empty, with all agreed items removed. However, there is no legal requirement for them to clean the property. If this is important to you, we recommend arranging for a cleaner in advance.

The seller should have moved out before completion. If they haven’t, we will contact their solicitor immediately. In serious cases, this may delay your access or entitle you to compensation. Thankfully, this is rare, and if this happens, we are here to guide you.

Your first mortgage payment date will be confirmed directly by your lender shortly after completion. This is usually within 1 month and often slightly higher than normal as it covers interest from the date of completion to your first regular payment date.

Completion must take place on a working weekday, as banks and solicitors need to transfer funds and confirm completion. You’re welcome to move in over the weekend, but the legal handover of keys must happen during business hours, Monday to Friday.

You will need to inform the utility companies (gas, electric, water, broadband etc.) and provide them with meter readings from the day you move in. Some sellers kindly leave these readings, but it’s a good idea to take your own just in case.