This is the day when you collect the keys from the estate agent/seller and move in!
You need to transfer your completion monies the day before - this also gives you the best chance of completing earlier on the actual day.
Once your solicitor receives your mortgage funds (if applicable – and normally ordered to be received also the day before completion) and your completion monies, then they can send over the balance of the purchase price to the seller’s solicitors.
You normally collect the keys from the estate agent once they have been ‘verbally released’ by the seller’s solicitor (this happens after they receive the completion monies and the seller has confirmed vacant possession). Make sure you get every key the seller has including gates, backdoor, shed, gas meter box and windows.
You should go straight to the property and confirm it is vacant, you have access to all areas and that there is no property left in it (other than the pre-agreed items in the seller’s Fittings & Contents form.
You should also check meter readings for gas and electricity and inform the suppliers of the change of ownership straight away (details of who these suppliers are can be found in the seller's Property Information form).
TIME TO COMPLETE
Although the banking system is normally instantaneous and, in most cases, the sellers want to complete straight away, it states in the contract that the seller has until 1pm (sometimes 2pm) to complete and release the keys to you.
If everything is in order and you are a first time buyer, you'll most likely collect your keys anywhere from 9.30am to 11.30am as you are the first in the chain.
