What Happens on Completion Day? A First-Time Buyer’s Guide

By Ben D

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s also completely normal to feel a little nervous as completion day approaches. By this stage you’ve probably spent weeks (or even months) viewing properties, arranging your mortgage, completing paperwork and waiting for searches and enquiries to be finalised.

So, what actually happens on completion day?

The good news is that, although it’s one of the biggest days in the home-buying process, much of the legal work has already been done. Completion day is simply when ownership of the property officially transfers from the seller to you.

What is completion day?

Completion day is the day you legally become the owner of your new home.

On this day, your solicitor sends the purchase money to the seller’s solicitor. Once the funds have been received, the seller authorises the estate agent to release the keys, and you can officially move in.

It’s the final step in the conveyancing process and the moment all your hard work finally pays off.

What happens first thing in the morning?

While you may be eager to collect the keys, your solicitor will usually start the day by arranging for the purchase funds to be transferred electronically to the seller’s solicitor.

These funds may include:

Your mortgage money.
Your deposit (if not already paid).
Any remaining balance needed to complete the purchase.

Although bank transfers are generally quick, they can still take a little time, especially if several transactions are taking place as part of a property chain.

When can I collect my keys?

This is one of the questions first-time buyers ask most often.

You’ll only be able to collect the keys once:

The seller’s solicitor has confirmed they have received the purchase money.
The seller has authorised the release of the keys.
The estate agent has been notified.

This often happens around lunchtime but can sometimes be later in the afternoon, particularly if there are several linked property transactions.

Your solicitor will let you know as soon as everything has been completed.

Can I move in straight away?

Yes.

Once you’ve collected the keys, you’re free to move into your new home.

Many buyers arrange removals for completion day, but it’s sensible to remember that completion times can vary. If possible, choose a removal company that offers some flexibility, just in case there are delays.

What if there is a delay?

While most completions go smoothly, delays can occasionally happen.

Common reasons include:

Banking delays when transferring funds.
A property chain where another completion hasn’t yet taken place.
Last-minute issues with paperwork.
Unexpected technical problems.

Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout the day and work with everyone involved to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

Although delays can be frustrating, they’re usually temporary and don’t necessarily mean there’s a serious problem.

What happens after completion?

Even though you’ve collected the keys, your solicitor still has some important work to complete behind the scenes.

This includes:

Paying any Stamp Duty Land Tax (where applicable).
Registering your ownership with HM Land Registry.
Registering your mortgage lender’s legal charge against the property.

Once registration has been completed, you’ll receive confirmation that you are the registered legal owner of your new home.

Top tips for first-time buyers on completion day

A little preparation can make the day much less stressful.

We recommend:

Keeping your phone nearby so your solicitor can contact you.
Waiting until you’ve been told the keys are ready before heading to the property.
Packing an essentials box with tea, toiletries, chargers and important documents.
Taking meter readings as soon as you arrive.
Photographing the gas, electricity and water meters.
Checking that utilities are working properly.
Updating your address with banks, your employer and other organisations if you haven’t already.